Monthly updates on the development of sports venues and mixed-use districts from Brailsford & Dunlavey

Vol. 5, Issue 4

April 2025

Photo credit: iStockPhoto

Reno or demo? Deciding the future of sports venues

Teams and cities face tough choices as they weigh the costs and impact of renovating versus rebuilding aging stadiums

Renovate or rebuild? It’s a high-stakes question facing sports teams and municipalities across the country as they grapple with aging stadiums, shifting fan expectations, and the pressure to deliver year-round economic value. The choice isn’t just about cost—it’s about identity, opportunity, and long-term impact. In this article, B&D’s own Aidan Lebow breaks down the critical factors that drive this decision, from construction costs and public funding debates to mixed-use development and the evolving amenities arms race. With real-world case studies and sharp insights, the article offers a roadmap for teams and cities navigating this pivotal crossroads.

>> Click below for the full story.

B&D IN THE NEWS

B&D Co-CEO on public funding, aging arenas

Dunlavey shares perspective amid talks to renovate Xcel Energy Center

As St. Paul (Minn.) leaders seek nearly $400 million in state funding to renovate the Xcel Energy Center and its surrounding venues, the debate over public investment in aging sports infrastructure is heating up. In a recent interview with Minneapolis NBC affiliate KARE 11, B&D Co-CEO Chris Dunlavey weighed in on the national implications of the proposal, offering perspective on the aging wave of 1990s-era arenas and the complex balance between public benefit and private responsibility. Click below to watch the full interview and hear Dunlavey’s insights on what’s at stake for St. Paul—and cities across the country.

Click to watch

CENTERS UPDATE

Longwood's Joan Perry Brock Center emerges as regional entertainment anchor

Now in its second year, Longwood University's 3,000-seat Joan Perry Brock Center (JPB) is home to their Division I men’s and women’s basketball programs and is rapidly gaining recognition as a regional destination for premier entertainment and athletic events. The Farmville, Va-venue has hosted a sold-out Oliver Anthony concert, music and comedy festivals, the Harlem Globetrotters, and community-centered programming including Prince Edward County High School’s Homecoming Games and the VISAA Girls High School Basketball Tournament, which brought together 16 schools from across Virginia. Continuing its momentum, JPB will host a concert later this month featuring Creigh Riepe, season 26 contestant on The Voice.

>>Click below for the full story.

Established in 1998 by Brailsford & Dunlavey, CENTERS was the first company in the U.S. to provide campus center management services for campus life facilities including sports venues, recreation and wellness facilities, student centers, performing arts venues, conference facilities, and more. Visit or view for more info.

CONTACT B&D's VENUES PRACTICE GROUP

Go to venues.bdconnect.com to learn more about Brailsford & Dunlavey's Venues practice group. Interested in speaking to us about a sports venue or mixed-use project? Contact David Almany today.

© 2025 Brailsford & Dunlavey. All rights reserved. Venues News & Insights addresses the most pressing issues facing the development of sports venues and mixed-use athletic districts. It is published monthly by Brailsford & Dunlavey, one of the country's leading development advisory and program management firms in the sports venue sector. To learn more, go to venues.bdconnect.com. To view our job openings, go to bdconnect.com/careers. To unsubscribe, click on "UNSUBSCRIBE" below.