Kohl Center Expansion

The University of Wisconsin–Madison recently completed a transformative $48 million expansion and renovation of the Kohl Center, the university’s iconic multi-purpose arena and home to the men’s and women’s basketball programs and hockey programs. This large-scale project redefines what it means to support student-athletes by creating a cohesive environment that advances performance, education, and physical well-being.

At the heart of the project is a 55,577-square-foot, three-story addition constructed directly above the existing southwest loading dock. This significant engineering achievement required precise design, innovative solutions, and extensive collaboration. raSmith’s structural engineers designed 120-foot-long plate girders, some up to nine feet deep, to span the dock without vertical supports. This solution preserved critical access for semi-trailers while enabling the construction of a vibration-isolated training facility—a first-of-its-kind achievement in a university setting.

To ensure athlete safety and performance, raSmith partnered with Kinetics Noise Control to develop a custom vibration isolation system using pre-loaded steel coil spring isolators. This system absorbs impact from dropped weights and prevents structure-borne noise and vibration, creating a focused and safe training environment.

In addition to the new construction, 40,938 square feet of existing space was renovated to enhance locker rooms, dining areas, media rooms, and team support spaces. The result is a cohesive, centralized hub for student-athlete development.

The project’s location adjacent to the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad required careful planning, regulatory coordination, and logistical precision. Oversized girders were delivered by rail, minimizing disruption and showcasing the team’s ingenuity.

The Kohl Center expansion sets a new benchmark for collaborative engineering and innovation in collegiate athletics. It demonstrates how thoughtful design and structural excellence can overcome complex challenges and deliver lasting value to athletes, institutions, and communities.