BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Fans visiting Barclays Center will now have two new spaces to explore, as Shawmut Design and Construction has completed the Gallagher Terrace and Modelo Bridge, major additions to the Brooklyn arena’s growing lineup of luxury and social experiences.
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Both projects are part of the venue’s five-year, approximately $100 million revitalization plan, aimed at reimagining how guests experience one of the most iconic sports and entertainment arenas in the U.S. The initiative seeks to create more immersive, social, and premium environments throughout the facility — enhancing engagement whether fans are there for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, the WNBA’s New York Liberty, or live entertainment events.
The 5,300-square-foot Gallagher Terrace introduces a new standard for courtside luxury, replacing the former 40/40 Club and Loge Boxes. Inspired by Brooklyn’s Gilded Age, the Terrace is the arena’s only space offering in-seat dining with direct visibility to the court, complete with waiter service. The area blends historical design with a contemporary layout, giving guests a uniquely upscale experience that remains rooted in Brooklyn’s culture and style.
Complementing it is the Modelo Bridge, a two-level, 6,800-square-foot social hub that transforms how fans connect during events. Designed with a dramatic bridge structure linking two standing-room decks, it provides unobstructed views of both the action below and the skyline of downtown Brooklyn. The space features the arena’s largest bar — 67 feet in length — as well as food and merchandise kiosks and vibrant murals from local artists, tying the modern design back to the borough’s creative identity.
Shawmut partnered with Populous, the renowned global sports architecture firm, and Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, to bring the vision to life. The project was executed on a tight timeline — yet the outcome exceeded expectations.
The team delivered “a fast-track, high-impact renovation that seamlessly blends functionality with a design that pays tribute to the Brooklyn community,” said David Margolius, Executive Vice President of Shawmut’s New York Metro region.
This latest phase follows earlier work by Shawmut at Barclays Center, including The Toki Row and JetBlue at The Key, two open-concept premium clubs introduced in the first stage of the arena’s renovation plan in 2024. These additions built upon Shawmut’s previous contributions such as the Garden Bar, Crown Club, New York Liberty locker and weight rooms, and six backstage dressing rooms — all designed to elevate the venue’s hospitality and athlete experience.
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Barclays Center’s continued investment aligns with a growing trend across professional sports venues: reimagining arenas with layered, premium spaces that appeal to a range of fan demographics.
Other stadiums, like M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore and Rogers Centre in Toronto, have undergone similar renovations focusing on experience-driven and luxury hospitality areas rather than additional seating.
As Michael Hessert, senior principal with PBK Sports, explained in an interview with Construction Dive, “Whereas before you may have had four categories that were stacked vertically from lower cost to higher cost, the more layers that you can put in there now, the more you can drive the revenue dollar into a higher bracket and increase your revenue stream without adding more seats.”
For Barclays Center, the strategy isn’t just about exclusivity — it’s about offering diverse experiences for every visitor, from casual fans to high-end members. The arena’s five-year improvement plan signals a broader commitment to transforming event-day experiences while preserving its identity as a community landmark.
As the arena nears the halfway point of its $100 million improvement campaign, fans can expect further upgrades that emphasize connectivity, comfort, and inclusivity. Barclays Center officials confirmed that additional renovation projects will continue over the next several years, aiming to improve the experience for all guests — regardless of seat location.
For Shawmut, the successful completion of Gallagher Terrace and the Modelo Bridge reinforces its reputation as one of the leading firms in sports, entertainment, and hospitality construction — blending architectural vision with precise, high-speed execution.
Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.
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