STORRS, Conn. (WFSB) - The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees approved $63 million in additional upgrades for Gampel Pavilion, bringing total improvements to nearly $100 million for the 36-year-old arena.

The new funding will pay for more comfortable seats, new box seats, roof repairs and HVAC system upgrades. The money adds to $36 million already approved by the board for improvements that include recently installed large screens and upgraded lower bowl seats.

The 171,000-square-foot arena opened nearly 36 years ago. Sophomore Sharika Lewis-Jones said the upgrades are overdue.

“It’s been some time. My sister went here 6 years ago, and I’ve been going to Gampel since then. It’s time for a renovation. I think everything has its time,” Lewis-Jones said.

The upgrades will be fund

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