photo by: Eric Ayres

Crews tear out the surface of the southwest patio of WesBanco Arena, which has been closed for much of this year because of structural concerns.

Work is underway at WesBanco Arena to repair one of the outdoor patio areas that has been closed for a number of months this year because of structural issues.

Crews began tearing out the concrete surface of the patio on the southwest corner of the arena on Monday, and demolition work is expected to continue at the site this week.

Earlier this month, Wheeling City Council authorized the transfer of $165,000 from the Arena Restricted Capital Improvement Project fund to the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority for replacement of the concrete stairs and landing for the arena’s southwest patio.

Initially, it was believed that weather issues — such as freezing and thawing — over time had apparently contributed to a cracking of the southwest patio and stairs. The cracking of the concrete got so bad, a portion of the concrete surface was reportedly pulling away from the building, and the patio was closed.

Officials noted that this patio area on the opposite side of the building from the main arena entrance is primarily used by vendors and other workers.

As crews began tearing out the surface of the patio this week, they quickly discovered the source of the problem that was causing the landing to crack, according to Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority Executive Director Kelly Tucker.

“They’ve already gotten to the part where they can see that the drain is completely broken and busted, so that’s why the water has just been gathering underneath there for many, many years,” Tucker said.

The patio reconstruction is one of a number of projects taking place at WesBanco Arena during the summer months ahead of Wheeling Nailers hockey season that kicks off this fall.

Initial work is beginning on the installation of a new rigging system inside the arena, and installation of a new security camera system has also taken place this summer.