In K.C., Terez Paylor reported the first phase of the Univ. of Missouri’s announced master plan, totaling $72M, "is already well underway.” The “most visible changes" are happening at Memorial Stadium, where a $9.75M renovation to the west-side press box is "expected to be completed by September.” The renovation will include “more suites and a new press level.” Crews also have been “working on a project to widen the north end zone concourse -- which will give fans more room to move about during pregame and halftime -- by pushing the traditional ‘Rock M’ and grass closer to the field, a task that is also expected to be done in time for the season.” MU AD Mike Alden predicts the east-side renovation will “change the skyline of Columbia.” The renovation is a $45.6M project that will "add more than 4,500 upper-deck seats and 1,200 premium seats.” That phase is “now expected to be completed before the 2014 season” (K.C. STAR, 7/6).
NEW DIGS: In Salt Lake City, Lya Wodraska reports the Univ. of Utah football team has moved into the new $32M training facility that covers "more than 120,000 square feet.” The team will “enjoy a 6,500-square-foot locker room and a 3,600-square-foot players’ lounge that is equipped with flat-screen TVs, group study areas and game areas.” A two-level observation deck “overlooks the practice fields and the Salt Lake Valley.” Inside, coaches have “over 47,000 square feet of office and meeting space at their disposal” (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 7/9).
SPREAD THE WEALTH: Clemson AD Dan Radakovich believes that it is “no coincidence” the school’s football team’s “rise in going 21-6 the past two years came after several upgrades were completed” to existing facilities. The AP’s Pete Iacobelli noted Radakovich now “wants other teams like basketball and baseball to enjoy the same advantages that come from having top-level facilities.” Radakovich has worked since joining CU in December on deciding "whether it’s better to renovate" Littlejohn Coliseum or "construct a brand new facility.” He said, “We’re getting real close on a recommendation to the Board of Trustees about where we want to go” (AP, 7/5).
