Mississippi State Univ. yesterday announced plans for a $75M expansion and renovation of Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, increasing the venue's capacity to 61,337. The project, funded by $68M in bonds and $7M in private giving, is slated to begin immediately and will be completed for the '14 season. A north end zone addition will include a field-level premium area called The Gridiron. Harrell Contracting Group will handle construction of the designs from area architecture firm LPK and 360 Architecture (MSU). In Mississippi, Michael Wardlaw notes MSU AD Scott Stricklin announced the school's stadium renovation plans in front of "a crowd of State fans along the 50-yard line from the current club level on the east side of the stadium." MSU President Mark Keenum said, “This leads to an exciting gameday experience for so many of our alumni and fans. This expansion will allow us to be even more competitive in this very competitive league.” Wardlaw notes the design of the venue "ties the nation’s second oldest stadium into its campus surrounding with a classic design" (STARKVILLE DAILY NEWS, 8/16). Keenum said, "Our fans have responded by selling out the stadium on a regular basis and increasing demand for tickets and enhanced amenities. The designs are impressive and creative." Also in Mississippi, Brandon Marcello noted as part of the expansion, the "entire stadium will be re-seated -- based on Bulldog Club priority points -- prior to the 2014 season." MSU fans "have set numerous attendance records in recent years, having sold out 16-consecutive games." The school also has "sold out of football season tickets for three-straight years" (CLARIONLEDGER.com, 8/15).
HOUSTON, WE HAVE THE FUNDING: In Houston, Joseph Duarte notes plans for the Univ. of Houston's new on-campus football stadium "cleared another hurdle Wednesday when the school's board of regents approved an $85 million finance package to cover phase one of the project." The approval "will allow the school to proceed with plans to begin demolishing Robertson Stadium at the end of this season." Groundbreaking on the new stadium "is expected to begin in January" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/16).
