Cincinnati's arena renovations move ahead despite snag

Despite shortfalls in fundraising, the University of Cincinnati says it is moving forward with plans to renovate its basketball arena, the Sporting News reported on Wednesday.

There has reportedly been $25 million raised to overhaul Fifth Third Arena, which is short of the $40 million goal that was set for mid-December. While renovations were projected to start in March 2016, the project reportedly won't break ground until sometime in 2017.

UC reportedly isn't let down by the setback, athletic director Mike Bohn told the Sporting News:

"The process of raising money is driven by donors' timelines," Bohn said after a meeting this week to update the project. "It's important to recognize the strategic importance of managing those relationship and those developments." 

The proposed improvements extend to a new scoreboard, ribbon boards, sound system, and an LED lighting system, new restrooms and concessions, a new upper-level concourse, and a new main entrance and plaza.

The University of Cincinnati campus is no stranger to big renovations. The 100-year-old Nippert Stadium, home of Bearcats' football, just got a $85 million face lift that was ready for the opening of football season.