The steel framing is underway for the Watson Arena on the campus of Bowdoin. The 68,200 s/f ice arena is adjacent to the Farley Field House and will have a seating capacity for 1,900. Bear Mountain Design AC, LTD of VT. is the project architect and Pro Con Inc. of N.H. is the construction manager for the $20 million project.
Plans call for the new facility to feature a 90' x 200' ice surface and locker rooms, equipment storage and athletic training facilities. The main concourse area and seating in the interior will provide views of the action on the ice. The arena has exposed steel trusses, masonry columns and wood accents through the facility. The arena will have a 360-space parking lot.
The Watson Arena has been designed to have the best and most energy efficient refrigeration system and best de-humidification system, seating design and home team accommodations of any Division III collegiate arena. The arena will replace the college's existing Dayton Arena, which was built in 1956. Once the Watson Arena is completed, Bowdoin plans to dismantle the Dayton Arena.
Pro Con began site work for the project in September and has scheduled a winter 2008 completion date.