Project Overview
The Portland Winterhawks launched a multi-phase improvement program at Veterans Memorial Coliseum to elevate both the fan and player experience. The project began with the renovation of the Glass Palace Club into a premium hospitality venue, creating new opportunities for fan engagement and revenue generation. Completed during an active hockey season, the work required careful coordination to maintain uninterrupted arena operations and was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget through proactive planning, transparent communication, and strategic procurement. The next phase of the project will include upgrades to the training facilities to better support athlete performance, recovery, and development.
Key Takeaways
- Renovated the Glass Palace Club into a premium hospitality venue
- Delivered construction during an active hockey season while maintaining uninterrupted arena operations
- Maximized project value through strategic procurement and budget management, resulting in delivery ahead of schedule and under budget
- Built trust with a first-time construction client through transparent communication, proactive planning, and collaborative decision-making
- Completion Date
December 2025
- Delivery Method
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Construction Manager/General Contractor
- Additional Project Facts
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Owner: Portland Winterhawks Sports Group
Facility: Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Facilities Partner: Rip City Management
Elevating the Fan Experience and Player Development at Veterans Memorial Coliseum
The Portland Winterhawks have launched a multi‑phase facility improvement program designed to elevate both the fan and player experience. Phase One transformed the guest‑facing Glass Palace Club. Phase Two, currently underway, will modernize the team’s training facilities, establishing high‑quality, holistic spaces that support athletes in training, recovery, and long‑term growth on and off the ice. Together, these investments reflect a strategic commitment to providing modern, elevated environments that create meaningful opportunities for fan engagement, advance player development, and attract top‑tier talent.
Phase I: Glass Palace Club Renovation in an Active Arena
The renovated Glass Palace Club energizes the atmosphere in the Coliseum, creating new revenue opportunities and strengthening the team’s connection with the community through a private space for fans to gather and dine before and during games. The club will also host post-game press conferences open to media, select sponsors, and fans. As a revenue‑generating hospitality venue, the remodeled space elevates the game‑day experience and allows the Winterhawks to host other events throughout the season while honoring the storied history of Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
This tenant improvement project was completed in an active, occupied arena during the hockey season, requiring careful coordination, precise planning, and agile scheduling. The team relied on experienced trade partners, transparent communication with a first‑time construction client, and early trust built on honesty and accessibility to keep work on track. Strategic buyout and proactive planning allowed the team to maximize the budget without compromising design intent, resulting in a project delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.
