Renovation Is Set for Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse

Butler University’s 61-year-old Hinkle Fieldhouse will undergo a $1.5 million renovation, Butler president Geoffrey Bannister announced.

The project will be the first phase in a total renovation of the facility named after long-time Butler coach and athletics administrator Paul D. (Tony) Hinkle.

The renovation is targeted for completion in time for the 1989-90 basketball season. Major interior and exterior changes are part of the plans, with construction to begin within the next week, Bannister said.

New offices, new locker rooms and a new training room will be included in the project. New lower-level chairback seating and a VIP clubroom highlight the planned interior renovation.

The improvements are expected to serve as a recruiting tool for Butler’s athletics program, especially for its renewed commitment to men’s basketball and new coach Barry Collier.

“We think this will be a tremendous boost to our program, particularly in the areas of image, fan support and recruiting. People will see a different place when they come here for games next year. This project will give the building a first-class finish that matches the man whose name it carries,” Collier said.

Hinkle Fieldhouse was built in 1928 and was the largest basketball arena in the United States for more than 20 years. The renovation project is being designed by James Architects & Engineers, Inc., of Indianapolis.