Miami University approves student-focused digs

Article posted by Coliseum, March 16^th, 2026

Image: Miami University

The Miami University’s Board of Trustees (US) has approved a resolution to build a new multipurpose arena.

‘cleveland.com’ stated that the new arena is to replace the Millett Hall which opened in 1968 and serves as the University’s primary athletic arena.

The Miami University is a public research university in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the second-oldest university in Ohio and the 10^th-oldest public university in the United States.

The 9,200-capacity Millett Hall is a basketball arena in Oxford, Ohio (US). It is home to the Miami University Men’s and Women’s basketball and Women’s volleyball teams.

‘cleveland.com’ further stated that the Millett Hall is home to Men’s basketball – the RedHawks team currently is 29-0 and ranked as one of United States top 20 teams. Volleyball and Women’s basketball were added in 1974.

The University officials said at least $175 million would be required to renovate and add onto the Millett Hall.

The Trustees approved the resolution for the new arena recently. It will be built on Cook Field, a lighted grass field used primarily for intramural sports (recreational sports organized within a particular institution).

According to a statement from Miami, located 35 miles North of Cincinnati, the new arena is expected to cost about $242 million with the Board authorizing up to $281 million to cover the construction and the related costs. The new facility is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the athletic season in Fall 2028.

The donations and the University bonds will pay for the arena, according to an area information page.

The Miami University Athletic Director David Sayler told the Trustees that the project is critical to the University’s long-term future, according to the statement.

Stated Sayler, “We are in a unique and dynamic time for the Miami University Athletics. It is time to innovate, invest and inspire. A new arena benefits all of Miami and will serve as a gateway and beacon for the University.”

The new multipurpose arena is expected to address the space limitations and the ongoing systems, the operations and maintenance (O&M) issues at the Millett Hall. It will also allow the University to host multiple events at the same time including the commencements, the concerts, the creative arts performances, and the career fairs.

The Cook Field was recommended last year by a committee of faculty, staff and alumni that reviewed the potential sites. The University officials said the location offers space for future expansion including possible connections to a hotel or restaurants.

The site sits at the intersection of State Route 73 and U.S. 27. The new arena would allow for improved traffic flow and on campus, according to the statement.

The Miami University President Gregory Crawford said the project is intended to be student-focused and serve as a catalyst for broader campus and community benefits.

Commented Crawford, “This is a student-centered project that will create a vibrant new space intended to bring the people together and support and engage our students. A new arena will provide the foundation for an events district in the heart of the campus to benefit the students, reinvigorate the community and strengthen our local economy.”

The arena would include facilities not currently available at the Millett Hall such as two basketball practice courts and a dedicated volleyball arena.

The students spoke in favor of the project during the Board meeting including junior Raegan Lantz, a member of the volleyball team.

Averred Lantz, “Building this new arena would powerfully continue Athletics’ commitment to graduating champions. While I have a deep love for the Millett Hall the real challenges make it less than ideal. Securing consistent practice times is a constant struggle. Our whole team cannot fit in our training room.”

Sources stated that there’s opposition to the project on campus. A student-led survey found most students don’t want a new arena. About 3,600 students have signed a petition in opposition to the arena saying the school’s financial priorities should remain on academics.

The University officials said the new arena would create additional revenue-generating opportunities that are not possible in the current facility.

Added Adam Beissel, an Associate Professor of Sport Leadership and Management, “A new, multipurpose arena will provide Miami with the type of state-of-the-art facility in line with the large State-funded, research-focused institutions of higher education.”

The Miami statement notes that the project comes amid a period of athletic success for Miami. The Men’s basketball team is 28-0 and ranked No. 21 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. The Men’s and the Women’s basketball teams have combined for a school-record 51 wins this season.

The project also includes expanded intramural and recreation facilities. The intramural soccer and flag football fields, along with a walking path and exercise stations, are planned for the Millett Hall site. The additional multipurpose fields are planned at Chestnut Fields.

The construction of new recreation facilities at the Millett Hall and Chestnut Fields is expected to begin in May and be completed by September 2026 thus allowing the Cook Field to go offline that month for arena construction.

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