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OSU Covelli Center

OSU Covelli Center

front of OSU Covelli Center building

Powering the Game: Elite Systems for a Championship Facility

SME provided the full electrical scope for the OSU Covelli Center, a $6 million new construction project completed over 18 months for Ohio State University Athletics. The work included power, lighting, fire alarm, A/V, telecommunications, lightning protection, security, and site electrical. Unique challenges, such as a complex sports lighting package and extensive exposed conduit, required careful coordination and precision. Partnering with Dynamix and Gilbane, SME delivered a high-performance electrical system that meets the demands of a modern, NCAA-level athletic facility.

The OSU Covelli Center project was a ground-up, state-of-the-art athletic facility designed to support Ohio State University’s expanding athletics program.

Over the course of 18 months, SME was responsible for delivering a comprehensive electrical package valued at $6 million. The scope included power distribution, lighting, fire alarm systems, A/V, telecommunications, lightning protection, security systems, and site electrical.

One of the primary challenges on this project was the installation of a specialized sports lighting package, which required careful coordination to meet NCAA performance standards. In addition, a significant portion of the electrical systems—including conduit, panels, and terminations—was designed to remain exposed, demanding a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the installation process.

SME worked closely with engineering firm Dynamix and general contractor Gilbane to ensure every system was delivered to exacting specifications. The result is a fully integrated, high-performance facility that reflects the precision and energy of OSU Athletics.

$6 Million
18 Months
8 Systems Installed
100% Exposed Conduit Finish Areas

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