Design plans have been refined for the estimated $282 million transformation of Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Extensive renovations and expansions are planned for the 15,500-seat arena and its surrounding 12-acre campus at 650 N. Academy St. The Greenville Arena District, the arena’s owner and operator, unveiled a master plan detailing the proposed project in April 2025.
The project must now go through the city of Greenville’s design review process before it can move forward with construction.
New renderings for the Bon Secours Wellness Arena renovation were presented during the city’s project preview meeting on April 28. The project is expected to be reviewed by the city’s Design Review Board over the summer.
LS3P, Gensler and Caldwell Constructors worked with the Greenville Arena District to fine-tune the project’s design plans over the past several months. Beth Paul, the arena’s general manager, said it’s exciting for them to now formally engage with the community to get their feedback on the project.
“I think the design team has done a tremendous job and we’ve kind of taken everybody on the journey with us, from master plan level all the way down to where we are now,” Paul said. “It’s been really exciting to see the evolvement of the project and the design.”
Major enhancements are proposed for the 28-year-old Bon Secours Wellness Arena, including:
- Adding a new main entrance with a two-level lobby on the west side of the arena facing Church Street
- Expanding the arena’s concourse level for better guest circulation, enhanced food and beverage services, additional restrooms and improved ADA accessibility
- Expanding the facility’s event level to strengthen back-of-house operations with a larger loading dock, marshaling area, freight elevator, storage space and client locker room
A new, 7,000-seat, outdoor amphitheater with full artist amenities and back-of-house facilities is also planned for the campus along Church Street. In addition, the design team has proposed expanding the city-owned parking garage on Church Street to add 315 new spaces. Paul said they will work with the city on the timing and funding of the parking garage expansion.
While refining design plans, the Greenville Arena District has also focused on confirming funding sources for arena renovation. In February, Greenville County Council authorized the special-purpose district to issue up to $40 million in general obligation bonds to help underwrite the project costs. Greenville County also plans to issue $100 million in hospitality tax revenue bonds for the arena’s capital improvements.
The renovation and expansion of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is expected to be completed over several phases. Paul said it is still too early to say when construction will begin.
