The Univ. of Louisville has "put into motion" plans to expedite renovations of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium and the Howard Schnellenberger Football Complex, which will see the stadium open in time for the '18 football season instead of '19, according to Marty Finley of LOUISVILLE BUSINESS FIRST. The $63M project includes an "expansion of the stadium to 65,000 seats -- a 10,000-seat upgrade -- and a revamp and expansion of the football complex." The Cardinal Athletic Fund, which is leading the fundraising for the expansion, "fast-tracked the project after receiving major gifts" from Pepsi, Sun Tan City co-Founder Rick Kueber and his family, and a $5M pledge from Louisville-based Norton Healthcare Inc. That "takes the total amount raised toward the project from fans and supporters" to about $47M. The Cardinal Athletic Fund also has "helped sell 1,000 club seats, 70 premium boxes and 12 exclusive field-level suites at the stadium." Finley noted work "started on the expansion in November" following the the '16 season. The first phase of the project includes "installing the seating structure for the interior bowl, which will be finished" in time for the '17 season. Then the 10,000 seats will be "added to the north end zone, with tickets for those seats going on sale early next year." As for the football complex, work will "start there by Jan. 1, 2018, and include 'dramatic changes' to the building's training areas" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 2/8).
