Iowa Assistant AD/Facilities Damian Simcox said he expects the $89.9M renovation of Kinnick Stadium's north end zone to "come down to the last week" before the football team's home opener on Aug. 31. Simcox said that "most of the remaining work is finishing touches." In Iowa, John Steppe noted the renovation includes a 200% "increase in women's restrooms" and a 80% "increase in men's restrooms." It also features "widened concourses and seats for easier movement and a more comfortable fan experience." Kinnick Stadium "lost about 1,500 seats in the renovation" (Cedar Rapids GAZETTE, 8/9).
TIME TO PARTY: Ole Miss is "testing party decks at the top of the student section in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium" for the upcoming football season as a way to "provide more in-game social opportunities for the student body." The eight temporary party decks -- four on each side of the videoboard -- will feature "awnings for shade, televisions, charging stations, fans and pub tables along with plenty of space for students to socialize and watch the game." Each platform has a "capacity of 100 students." Only those with an Ole Miss student ticket are "eligible for the party deck credentials" (WLBT.com, 8/9).
ONE LAST RIDE: This year marks the 49th and final season at Sam Boyd Stadium for UNLV football ahead of their move to the new Allegiant Stadium. UNLV's athletic department will "celebrate each decade at the stadium in the first five home games." The school will "honor its entire past in the final regular-season game in the stadium," set for Nov. 23 against San Jose State (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/11).
