Asbestos Found in West Virginia University Arena

A West Virginia University official says test results at the WVU Coliseum confirm the presence of asbestos in materials that were exposed during recent construction activities.

WVU Environmental Health and Safety John Principe says the material discovered Friday was in an area above ceilings in restroom entrances that surround the concourse. He says the asbestos did not pose a health hazard and was only exposed by renovation work. He says the Coliseum was closed immediately after the asbestos was found.

WVU says the building will remain closed Monday as the collection of air samples continues. WVU says in a news release that a third party testing firm found air samples taken from the seating area and event level met regulatory standards for occupancy.

The 46-year-old Coliseum is undergoing a $15 million renovation. The building was closed in 1999 to 2000 while asbestos abatement was performed in exposed areas, including the 14,000-seat arena.