Following its 50th season, Allen Fieldhouse received quite a birthday present — a makeover.

Interior renovations made this summer include improved lighting and sound systems, refurbished chair-back seats, fresh paint for the bleachers, renovated bathrooms and new championship banners. A new video board was installed this month as well.

A new court will also be installed in the next month, Jim Marchiony, associate athletics director, said.

Renovations to the aging fieldhouse were an effort to revive, but not change, the feel of the building, Marchiony said.

Construction workers pin plywood for the sub floor surface of the James Naismith Court inside Allen Fieldhouse on Friday. Workers also have installed a new scoreboard and are in the process of repainting the benches.

“The overriding premise was that we knew that the fieldhouse needed a facelift,” Marchiony said. “We didn’t want to change the interior or exterior. All of it was meant to enhance and preserve.”

The renovation inside coincides with the previously completed cleaning of the

limestone exterior and construction of the new Booth Family Hall of Athletics.

“It’s going fine and it’s on schedule,” Marchiony said. “We think it’s going to be exciting.”

The Booth Family Hall of Athletics will include features and interactive exhibits highlighting the University’s athletic achievements. It will also house the ticket office, merchandise store, a lounge for donors and a room for players and recruits. Marchiony said he thought the new hall would blend with the character of the building.

“We were looking for a design that fit right in with the fieldhouse itself,” Marchiony said.

Respect of the tradition in the fieldhouse was an important factor in the construction and renovation, Bonnie Henrickson, women’s head basketball coach, said.

Ryan Farnsworth nails down a section of plywood sub surface for the James Naismith Court inside Allen Fieldhouse on Friday. Workers expect to finish the interior renovations by Late Night in the Phog.

“We also want to make sure as we bring fans and recruits in there that not only is it a special place to play in because of the aesthetics, but because of the history as well,” Henrickson said.

New advertisements above the second level exits were also included. The new rotating advertisements will be coordinated with the advertisements on press row. Previously, there were permanent advertisements placed above the second level exits. Marchiony said he thought that the improved second level advertising would give the advertisers more for their money.

The Ward family of Kansas City, Mo. and the Russell Stover Foundation funded the renovation.