Kohl Center Expansion

The University of Wisconsin–Madison recently completed a transformative $46 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 and hockey programs. This large-scale project redefines what it means to support student-athletes by creating a cohesive environment that enhances athletic performance, academic support, and overall well-being.

At the heart of the project is an approximately 55,000-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 with built-in horizontal and vertical restraints, forming a composite steel-and-concrete inertia base that absorbs dropped weights and prevents vibration and structure-borne noise from spreading throughout the building. This system ensures a safe, focused environment for athletes engaged in high-intensity training, such as weight drops and plyometric movements.

In addition to the new construction, over 40,000 square feet of existing space was renovated to enhance locker rooms, team dining and kitchen facilities, and media rooms. The result is a seamless, modernized environment that supports both UW–Madison’s athletic programs and student 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 and renovation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison sets a new benchmark for integrated engineering solutions in collegiate athletics. It demonstrates how structural and acoustic engineering can work together to solve complex problems, enhance performance, and support long-term institutional goals. With its innovative design, cost-effective solutions, and collaborative execution, the project stands as a model for future athletic facility developments nationwide.