Face Lift: State Legislature Approves $72M UL Stadium Expansion
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Kentucky Legislature Approves Expansion Of
Univ. Of Louisville's Football Stadium |
The Univ. of Louisville (UL) can begin its expansion of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium after the Kentucky Legislature last week "gave its official approval of the project ... putting the 21,000-seat redevelopment on track for the opening of the 2010 season," according to Brian Bennett of the Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL. UL Senior Associate AD Kevin Miller said that the school "plans to request the final bids for construction and materials by mid-May and could break ground this summer if all goes smoothly." The estimated cost of the project is $72M, but that "could rise based on the price of steel and other things." UL officials said that they have raised "more than three-quarters of the $35[M] in private donations they are seeking for the expansion" and will issue bonds to pay for another $35M of the total cost. Two large private donations have "helped spur the project." Papa John's Int'l and Founder John Schnatter have given the athletic department $10M, and Sun Tan City have donated $3M. The stadium area formerly known as the "'red lot' will now be called the 'bronze lot' in recognition of Sun Tan City's donation." The expansion will bring the stadium's seating capacity to more than 60,000-plus and includes 45 new luxury suites, 2,000 premium loge seats and a new terrace in the south end zone. UL officials said that they have sold "nearly half the loge seats and have commitments for nearly two-thirds" of the luxury suites (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 4/25).
CSU: Colorado State Univ. (CSU) AD Paul Kowalczyk Wednesday "unveiled plans for a $13[M] indoor practice facility for all sports and a $7[M] academic and training center." Groundbreaking for the new facilities is expected to take place in late July with construction to be completed by fall '09 (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 4/24).
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