Greenville Arena District selects Turner Construction to lead Bon Secours Wellness Arena project

The Greenville Arena District has selected Turner Construction as the construction manager for the Bon Secours Wellness Arena project to modernize the existing arena, add a new 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater, and expand the surrounding entertainment district in the heart of downtown Greenville.

As construction manager, Turner will be responsible for overseeing all phases of construction, with a priority to maximize the participation of local contractors, subcontractors, and workforce.

“This is exactly the kind of partner we were looking for,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “Turner understands that this project belongs to Greenville, and that means making sure the construction phase creates real opportunities for local people and businesses, not just a finished building.”

With as many as 42 construction packages up for bid and about 270 workers on-site daily, the economic impact of the project extends beyond the fence line. Every dollar spent on construction moves through the broader economy: to suppliers delivering steel, concrete, and fixtures; to specialty trades sourcing tools and equipment; and to food trucks, restaurants, and local businesses that serve a workforce arriving each morning.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress, and the beginning of a construction phase centered on local investment, workforce development, and community partnership.

Turner Construction brings extensive experience in large-scale sports and entertainment venues, including arena and stadium projects across the country. The firm’s local team has been active in several Upstate South Carolina projects, including the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University.

Turner’s community engagement strategy is a cornerstone of its approach to construction projects. Key initiatives include the Turner School of Construction Management; Turner’s oldest community outreach program launched in 1969. The free, multi-week program provides small and emerging businesses with the knowledge and connections to participate in large-scale construction projects.

“The Turner School of Construction Management has long been part of our commitment to building stronger communities and bringing it to Greenville is one of the most meaningful ways we can create lasting impact through this project,” said William Hussey, Project Executive at Turner. “Turner has committed to directing 20 percent of our subcontracted revenue to local and small businesses by 2028. Programs like this help local firms build relationships, strengthen their capabilities, and create pathways to compete for and succeed on projects like this one and beyond.”

George Germany, Community and Citizenship Manager at Turner Construction, has been meeting with local nonprofits, workforce development organizations, and small businesses throughout the Upstate.

“Each May, Turner employees across the country step off job sites and into their communities for Founders’ Month. This year, that meant working alongside Rebuild Upstate to help a Greenville family still recovering from Hurricane Helene,” Germany said.

“That day said everything about why I do this work,” he said. “Turner’s philosophy has always been that actively caring for the places where we build – the people, the culture, the businesses that make a community run – is just as much a part of the job as pouring concrete or erecting steel.”

Funded through arena revenues, hospitality tax, and accommodations tax, the master plan does not raise taxes on Greenville County residents. Bon Secours Wellness Arena will remain open and fully operational throughout the construction process, ensuring fans and guests can continue to enjoy world-class events without interruption.

Turner and the Greenville Arena District have committed to tracking local subcontracting participation and workforce data, ensuring transparency and accountability to the public investment the project represents.