Fans will get first look at renovated UD Arena on Saturday

"It's no different than any other project," DeBolt said. "It always comes down to the 11th and 12th hour. Everything is working out as planned."

RELATED: Timeline of UD Arena work

Fans will see the changes for the first time Saturday in two exhibition games. The women's team plays Findlay at 2 p.m. The men's team plays Ohio Dominican at 7 p.m.

DeBolt expects fans to first notice the new center-hung video board and the improved sound system. Fans in the 100 and 200 levels will sit in new seats. DeBolt can't wait to see the reactions.

"I've seen the changes in it every day, day to day," he said, "so it's not as drastic to me as people who stop by and see it for the first time. It will be exciting to see peoples' mouths wide open."

Some work will continue after the season begins. The four corner terrace suites are not finished. They have temporary railings.

"We wanted to build those decks while we had the seats out," DeBolt said. "They'll get glass railings in the next couple of months. Then we'll start finishing the inside of those rooms."

RELATED: Arena project biggest in UD history

Outside the arena, there is fencing at three corners. Those corners will be expanded in the future phases of construction. Workers will start building the foundations of the expansions during the season. There will also be some behind-the-scenes work in interior areas.

Phase two will include, among other things, the installation of new concourse and 300/400 level seats, new south and west entrances and elevator and stairs to event level and ew renovated event level locker rooms and training room. Most of that work will start in the spring.

"We've got to get through the season, high school basketball, NCAA tournament, winter guard and graduation until we can do all the real heavy work," DeBolt said.