Univ. of Arizona AD Dave Heeke over the weekend "ambitiously talked about" tearing down and remaking the west side of Arizona Stadium, which would be the school’s "most compelling construction project since McKale Center was built" in '72, according to Greg Hansen of the ARIZONA DAILY STAR. The project would take UA "two years" to complete. Heeke said, "Our goal is probably to completely tear down the west side and build a whole new experience. More premium seats, huge upgrades underneath on the concourses." He added, "We need better amenities for fans so we can sell this place out. People want more than just a seat. They want to walk around. They want an 'experience.'" Hansen noted such a project begs the question of whether UA could "still play home games while construction is in progress," and if so, whether they "would be able to play two seasons with possibly as few as 35,000 available seats." UA in '12 "played a season during the building" of the $72M Lowell-Stevens Football Facility in the north end zone. The west-side project "would be bolder and far more costly," but UA "can’t afford to wait much longer." Heeke "hasn’t yet identified an architect, a title donor, established a payment plan or set start and finish dates" (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 4/16).
ADDING TO THE POT: The DESERET NEWS' Dirk Facer noted the Univ. of Utah on Saturday announced a $17.5M pledge from the Ken Garff family for the "expansion and renovation of Rice-Eccles Stadium," which is the "largest donation in the history of Utah athletics and the lead gift" in the $80M project. Donors have committed $33M of the $35M "sought in philanthropic gifts for the stadium renovation." Utah President Ruth Watkins said that the remaining $45M will be "raised through various revenue sources." The planned renovations include "connecting the concourses to create a stadium bowl." Capacity will "increase from 45,807 to 51,444 seats." Upgrades include the "addition of premium fan seating as well as new locker rooms and meeting space" plus a "kitchen, recruiting lounge and an outdoor patio." Construction is "scheduled to start following the final home game" in '20 and the project is "scheduled for completion prior" to the '21 season (DESERET NEWS, 4/14).
