The University of Rhode Island has selected Global Spectrum to manage its new $54 million convocation center and $12 million ice rink. The facility management firm's multiyear contract includes overseeing the entire operation of the URI Convocation Center and ice rink, including staff management, booking, and basketball ticket sales. Designed by HOK Sports of Kansas City, Mo., the 8,000-seat convocation center and 2,500-seat ice rink are slated to begin construction in late 2000 and will open in fall of 2002. As the largest building project ever on the University of Rhode Island's campus, the convocation center will serve as the new home of both the men's and women's basketball teams, as well as hosting other athletic and cultural events and commencement ceremonies. The ice rink will be used for recreational skating, community figure skating, and high school hockey.
