Finneran Pavilion
Philadelphia, PA
Villanova University, one of the most storied programs in NCAA basketball, recognized the need to upgrade its beloved Pavilion to reflect the prestige of its Men’s and Women’s teams. Originally opened in 1986, the Pavilion had aged into a multipurpose field house that lacked the fan experience, player amenities, and operational efficiency expected of a premier Division I facility. In response, the university commissioned a complete transformation—focused on creating a basketball-centric arena that honors its rich history while looking boldly toward the future.
Designing a Division I Experience
The university’s vision was clear: celebrate the uniqueness of the Pavilion while delivering an elite game-day experience. The design team worked closely with Villanova leadership, coaches, and alumni to preserve the Pavilion’s iconic hyperbolic roof while reimagining every aspect beneath it, ultimately creating a fan-forward, high-tech arena built to rival the best in collegiate sports.
Key Design Elements
- Relocated main entrance to improve arrival experience and circulation
- New entry lobby and Hall of Fame featuring branded graphics and memorabilia
- 360-degree concourse with concessions, merchandise, and elevated fan views
- Upgraded seating throughout, with improved comfort and sightlines
- Three levels of premium club spaces informed by market research
- Enhanced restroom and concession capacity for better operational flow
- State-of-the-art AV system including center-hung LED, ribbon boards, and surround sound, and over 400 linear LED fixtures integrated into the hyperbolic roof
- Refined material palette blending existing architecture with contemporary finishes
Reimagining Arrival and Circulation
A significant intervention involved relocating the main entrance to the building’s southwest corner. This strategic move enhances access for the majority of fans arriving from the southern end of campus, creating a more intuitive and welcoming arrival experience. Adjacent to the new entry point, a landscaped plaza provides space for pre- and post-game gatherings, featuring improved site lighting, seating, and pedestrian flow.
Once inside, fans encounter a brand-new entry lobby and a Hall of Fame that showcases Villanova’s championship culture through interactive graphics, memorabilia, and storytelling elements. From there, a new balcony “ring” overlooks the open court, and a fully enclosed 360-degree concourse above offers uninterrupted views, concessions, and retail—all designed to keep fans close to the action.
Immersive Game Day Enhancements
Every aspect of the arena was optimized for the fan. Upgraded seating spans the entire venue, while restrooms were nearly doubled and points of sale increased severalfold to reduce wait times. Although the seating capacity remains at 6,500, every seat offers improved sightlines and comfort. The concourse is now a destination, activated with food, merchandise, and branded moments that immerse fans in the Villanova experience.
“EwingCole was successfully able to bring our vision to life for the entire Villanova community – students, staff, alumni, parents, and fans. The design of the Finneran Pavilion more than meets our objectives, and I could not be happier with the results of the renovation and EwingCole.”
Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President – Villanova University
A new AV system further elevates the environment. Four corner video boards, a center-hung LED display, fascia ribbon boards, and a state-of-the-art sound system create a fully immersive in-game atmosphere. More than 400 linear LED light fixtures integrated into the exposed hyperbolic roof draw attention to the Pavilion’s unique structure and reinforce the building’s visual identity.
Premium Hospitality and Club Experiences
The renovation introduced three tiers of premium club spaces, each designed to provide exclusive views and hospitality options that blend seamlessly with the arena’s architectural rhythm. These club environments were informed by market research and designed to offer differentiated experiences while enhancing revenue-generating opportunities. New materials and finishes bridge the existing building and new construction, establishing a consistent, high-end atmosphere throughout.
Performance Meets Purpose
Transforming the Pavilion from a multipurpose field house into a basketball-first arena required rethinking the spatial logic and user experience at every level. The design team utilized previously underused areas within the structure to support new amenities, operational upgrades, and modern technologies—all without expanding the building’s footprint.
The final result is a next-generation college arena that supports Villanova’s competitive edge, reinforces its athletic brand, and reconnects the program with students, alumni, and fans more engagingly and efficiently.
Meet the Design Team
