NCAA Testing Ford Field, Reliant Stadium For Final Four

NCAA To Test Venue Seating Redesign At Regional Games At Reliant Stadium

Ford Field and Reliant Stadium this month will host NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament regional games and the "plan is to test for Final Fours at both sites," according to Brian Katkin of USA TODAY. The venues each could hold approximately 70,000 fans, though fewer will actually attend the regionals, "particularly in Houston." HKS Sports & Entertainment Group architect Mark Williams: “It’s not feasible for the regional games to expect 70,000 fans, but for the Final Four, tickets are usually sold out.” HKS is “primarily responsible for the reconfiguration of stadiums that normally seat 40,000 and 55,000 for Final Four games.” Williams noted that some football stadiums that were used for basketball games “were using about 60% of their potential.” HKS’ design puts the basketball court in the middle of the football field, and temporary seating is extended from the court in all four directions, “overlapping and tying into the existing seating bowl.” This season will act as a “trial to fix problems before next season, when Ford Field hosts the Final Four.” The new stadium courts will be raised 27 inches and there will be a “bigger run-off for players leaving and entering the locker room and more room on the ends and sides of the floor.” Katkin notes students “could be the biggest benefactors” of the new system, as the venues will have “redesigned student sections behind the baskets” and “pricey game tickets could drop as low as $20 for access to the Final Four” (USA TODAY, 3/19).