The West Virginia University Coliseum was closed early Friday afternoon as workers there discovered possible asbestos, WVU Director of Environmental Health & Safety John Principe said.

“We found some material that is suspect asbestos containing, therefore we are going to close down the building effective immediately so that we can assess the situation properly,” he said. The material is being sent to a lab for analysis.

The 46-year-old building is currently undergoing a $15 million renovation to improve the fan experience. Contractors as well as staff of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics were in the building at the time of the closure, however Principe did not have an estimate of the number.

Principe said he hoped to have results by the end of the day Saturday.

The suspect asbestos containing material discovered Friday was encapsulated in an inaccessible area above ceilings in entrances to the restrooms ringing the concourse, and did not pose a health hazard to any individuals within the building, Principe said, adding that it was only exposed by the renovation work.

Exposed areas of the Coliseum, including the main arena, underwent major asbestos abatement from 1999-2000, closing the facility for about year.

WVU officials will closely monitor the situation and, as more information becomes available, determine if any adjustments will be required for planned Commencement activities at the Coliseum on May 13-15.

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of WVU Sports Communications.