In Columbus, Tom Knox reported Wi-Fi at Ohio Stadium, which was "supposed to already be installed on its own but is hung up in federal court, will instead be part of a broad package across Ohio State." OSU Trustee Alex Fischer said that the university will "later bring forward a comprehensive Wi-Fi plan that covers the entire campus." The comments "put the kibosh on any hope of Wi-Fi soon being installed" inside the stadium (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/24).
EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER: In Norfolk, Harry Minium reported Old Dominion "plans to raise" $40M for its athletic program over the next four years, including $20M for the renovation of Foreman Field. An expanded Foreman Field is scheduled to open in '19. ODU has "pledged to pay" for the $55M refurbishment without raising student fees. The renovation includes "demolishing and replacing the east and west-side stands." Seating would "increase modestly from 20,118 to 22,100, but fan amenities, including about 16,000 chairback seats and new restrooms and concessions facilities, would be major upgrades." The other $20M would "go toward athletic scholarships" (Norfolk VIRGINIAN-PILOT, 8/24).
THAT'S POPPYCOCK: In Columbia, Avery Wilks notes a "massive Gamecock statue" South Carolina plans to erect outside Williams-Brice Stadium "won’t be installed in time for football season." The school said that the 15- to 18-foot-tall bird is "taking longer than expected to cast in bronze and assemble." The school had hoped to place the $995,000 statue "before the Sept. 16 home opener against Kentucky." The school now "expects to install it just after the season ends" (Columbia STATE, 8/25).
