[4] During construction, the Wildcats briefly considered playing some of its 1971–72 home schedule in the then-newly completed 8,000-seat arena at the Tucson Convention Center,[5] but eventually declined, remaining in Bear Down Gym until the new venue was ready.

The upper level has a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) museum-like display area, open to the public, showcasing the history of Arizona Wildcat athletics.

In December 2012, the university athletic department was given approval by the Arizona Board of Regents to select an architect to renovate the arena.

"The hope is to get it to be where it's one concourse enclosed that you can walk around and have the restrooms and concessions and everything tied to it," said athletic director Greg Byrne.

[15] The renovation would also include a club area, luxury seating, and more room for the athletics offices that occupy the McKale Center.

Other parts of the first phase also included new seating, a new floor, an improved locker room area and expanded restrooms and concessions.