Renovation of a stadium in Greenville, South Carolina. Design plans call for the renovation of a stadium.

The publicly owned Bon Secours Wellness Arena received initial approval from a Greenville County Council committee to issue $70 million in bonds to fuel a major renovation, which public leaders said is vital to retain major touring artists and events. The arena has embarked on a now $170-million major renovation to remain competitive in a hot Southeastern arena market.County Council’s finance committee voted 5-0 to give initial approval July 8 to the Greenville Arena District’s issuance of $70 million in general obligations bonds. Full council approval is required. The county's role is simply to authorize the bonds, which would be the sole obligation of the arena district. The ordinance authorizing the bonds will move to the full County Council for votes during three readings: July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 3. A public hearing will be held at the August meeting. The project would bring major upgrades to concession stands, the concourse, restrooms, safety, security, hospitality areas and ADA amenities. All of that is in what leaders designated as "front of house." Back-of-house renovations would include locker rooms, a warehouse, waste management, the loading dock, a freight elevator and dressing rooms. Changes in the Arena Bowl would include seating, acoustics, technology and the scoreboard. Other improvements could include multipurpose rooms, catering areas, food service areas and space for SEC administration staff, coaches and officials. The district has released a request for proposals for a master plan to guide the arena’s renovation. As of July 11, 2024, they have selected several architectural firms for the master planning. If final approval from County Council is given, the first phase of renovations, which are intended to focus on backstage improvements critical to the SEC Tournament and other events, are expected to begin between July and September 2025.