Missouri AD Mike Alden on Tuesday said that the "capacity of Memorial Stadium will grow from around 67,000 this season to between 72,000 and 74,000 in 2014." Alden said that the "cranes being used to build the new east-side structure will remain up throughout the course of the season." Alden: “That’s great advertising. When people see cranes, they see growth.” Alden said that the "planned south-side structure, which is likely years away from being built, will push the stadium’s capacity to more than 83,000" (KANSASCITY.com, 8/27).
LAKEFRONT PROPERTY: In Seattle, Larry Stone writes Washington, with its Husky Stadium upgrades, "wisely backed off from the inclination to try to out-Phil Knight Phil Knight -- a decision that may have been borne of financial reality as much as philosophy." Stone: "I came away more impressed with the small touches and nuances than the grand flourishes." The stadium visuals "remain stunning, maybe the best in the land when it comes to a stadium backdrop." UW "got plenty of bang" for the $280M price tag. Stone: "I wish they hadn’t had to move the student section to the end zone, but Woodward said it was a financial necessity to offer those front-and-center seats to boosters capable of paying premium prices." Meanwhile, Woodward "wouldn’t be drawn into any comparison with the latest ornament from Oregon -- their $68-million football operations complex." Woodward: “I love ours. I love the sensibility of ours. I love the efficiency of ours ... I love how it works and how it flows. I love my baby. I love this one" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/29).
CONN MEN: In Hartford, Paul Doyle noted Rentschler Field operator Global Spectrum has "already started to put a shine on the building with new scoreboards and planned updates at the concession stand." The state is providing a new $1.7M scoreboard and "wraparound ribbon board that will circle the stadium between the upper deck and lower bowl." The main scoreboard, the "most visible and significant for fans, will be unveiled at the UConn opener" tonight against Towson while the ribbon board "will be installed before the second home game" Sept. 14 against Maryland (HARTFORD COURANT, 8/27).
INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER: In Colorado Springs, Brent Briggeman notes Air Force has "soared past its program record for football season ticket sales." Opponents "played a big role in this," but coach Troy Calhoun "thinks it's time the academy makes strides to ensure that it isn't reliant upon a big-name opponent to help fill a stadium." The plan "centers on upgrading" Falcon Stadium, with proposed changes including "upgrades to the parking lots, more suites, easier access to concessions and restrooms and fewer seats." Fundraising efforts "are under way." Public money "was not used to build the stadium and the plan is for none to be used to renovate it" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 8/29).
EARNING THEIR STRIPES: In Cincinnati, Bill Koch notes a "very old" Nippert Stadium will receive an $86M "makeover as soon as the season ends." UC's renovation will "add premium seating ... and increase capacity from its current 35,000 to 40,000." UC is "betting that filling a 40,000-seat stadium and selling all those premium seats won’t be a problem" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 8/29).
