Auburn is in the "early stages of seeking feedback for a major renovation to the North end zone of Jordan-Hare Stadium," but the project's cost "could be higher than initially devised," according to Brandon Marcello of the BIRMINGHAM NEWS. Initial plans in '15 "called for the potential renovation to total" $145M, but those costs "could increase substantially if newly-devised plans for stadium construction move forward" in '16. Auburn AD Jay Jacobs said, "It could definitely be higher. ... We're working on that right now, to get a solid number." Marcello noted a new cost estimate for the potential renovation "is expected to be announced by the end of March." Auburn's BOT "would have to approve the project before the athletics department moves forward with construction." The school "started seeking feedback in December from fans for its rebooted plans, which would include an expanded concourse and walkways, club seating, additional concessions, new locker rooms, a new video board, a recruiting lounge and other amenities." Auburn also "released images of the proposed project, which would include a brick facade, on its website in mid-December." Jacobs said that feedback "has mostly been positive, 'but it's too early to tell.'" A source said that if the renovation plans are approved, construction "could start" after the '16 season and be completed "before the start" of '18 (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 1/20).
