University of Tennessee Athletics
Neyland Stadium Phase II Renovations Complete
August 28, 2008 | Football
Aug. 28, 2008
Neyland Stadium Phase II Renovations Complete Phase III to begin in December
The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announced today that the $27.4 million Phase II renovations of the Neyland Stadium Master Plan have been completed two weeks before the opener against the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Phase III of the Neyland Stadium Master Plan will begin at the conclusion of the 2008 football season.
The Phase II renovations will benefit fans through the renovation of the west lower concourse, the oldest part of the stadium that was constructed in 1921. The improvements increase the number of restrooms and concessions stands in this area while enhancing and making the fan experience safer through wider pedestrian areas, improved lighting and new way finding signage. Other elements of Phase II include renovations to the locker room, the addition of a field level Lettermen's Room and new media center as well as brick work around Shields-Watkins level.
"Over the past century Neyland Stadium has been continuously recognized as one of the best places in the nation to watch college football," said Mike Hamilton, men's athletics director. "Neyland Stadium, coupled with the tradition of our football program here at Tennessee, continues to draw people from all over the country on Saturdays in the fall. We believe the Master Plan renovations will ensure it remains a thriving viable structure for generations to come."
The Phase III renovations will take place over the next two years and are projected to be completed for the 2010 season. This phase includes the widening of the pedestrian areas in the upper lower west and north east concourses to improve traffic flow and make fans' experience more enjoyable. Outside of the stadium there will be a new Gate 21 entry plaza, brick and wrought iron façade work along the north and west sides of the stadium and a statue of General Robert Neyland on the west side of the stadium.
The addition of the West Club and Tennessee Terrace are the primary funding sources for the estimated $72 million Phase III renovations. All season ticket holders impacted by these areas will be contacted about joining the Tennessee Terrace or moving to another area of the stadium based on their preference and availability. No one will be displaced out of Neyland Stadium or be required to increase their annual donation to maintain their current number of season tickets.
The outlined Phase III renovations are as follows:
2009
- Renovation of the west sideline top lower level concourse
- Removal of the scissor ramps leading to west upper deck
- Addition of elevators and stairwells on the west side to increase fan accessibility and improve the traffic flow infrastructure of the stadium
- Improvements to the west tower including sky box and press center updates
- Construction of the West Club
- Creation of a Gate 21 Plaza
- Renovation of north east lower concourse (completion of work started in Phase I)
- A brick and wrought iron façade along the north and west outside of Neyland Stadium
- Statue of General Neyland added to west side entrance
"In November 2004 we unveiled the master plan for Neyland Stadium, to serve as a long-term solution to issues currently facing our stadium," Hamilton continued. "These renovations will help prepare Neyland Stadium for the next 75 years of service to the Volunteer nation."
Upon the completion of Phase III renovations in 2010, 60 percent of the Neyland Stadium renovations will have been finished. The timing of Phases IV and V is contingent upon available funding and the university's master plan facility schedule.
The Neyland Stadium Master Plan Background
The Neyland Stadium Master Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees in November 2004 and serves as the long-term solution to the issues currently facing our historic stadium. The projects goals are
- Maintaining the collegiate integrity of the stadium and recognizing the heritage of Tennessee football.
- Taking a fiscally responsible approach to the renovations
- Improving and modernizing concourse, bathroom and concession areas for all UT fans
- Providing improved infrastructure for basic amenities - water, electric and sewer
- Enhancing safety for fans while addressing ADA compliance issues.
The Master Plan was created in a phased approach, and each phase must be entirely funded by private leadership donations and annual revenue generated by VASF priority seats as well as East and West Club and Tennessee Terrace seat contributions. No university funds or taxpayer subsidies are planned to be used in financing the projected over $200 million in total renovations.
Phase I was completed for the 2006 football season and included extensive infrastructure work, renovations in the north lower concourse and construction of the East Club.
 |
| Rendering of the planned renovations to the Neyland Stadium facade. |
Phase III Q & A
Overview of the West Club
- 422 seats
- $70,000 to $100,000 capital gift to the Campaign for Neyland Stadium per pair depending on location of seats; can be paid over a 5 year period
- $5,000 a year per seat, includes a $4,300 donation and $700 ticket and licensing fee
- Approximately 1,800 seats
- $1,000 initial donation with signed Letter of Intent, additional $1,000 over four years
- If donor signs by 12/1/08, the additional $1,000 is voided
- $3,000 a year, per seat - includes $2,500 VASF donation, $500 ticket
What happens to donors with season tickets in the west upper deck that don't participate in the West Club or Tennessee Terrace?
Season ticket holders in the west upper deck who elect not to participate in the West Club or Tennessee Terrace programs will be contacted by the Volunteer Athletics & Scholarship Fund and moved to a new seat location based on their preference and available seating in the stadium. No one will be displaced out of Neyland Stadium or be required to increase their annual donation to maintain their current number of season tickets.
How is the Tennessee Terrace different from the West Club?
Tennessee Terrace is the first time fans will be able to purchase sideline seatback season tickets other than in a skybox or in the East or West Clubs. The Terrace includes an adjoining climate controlled indoor concourse with private restrooms and dedicated concession stands.
How will the Phase III renovations benefit all fans attending games at Neyland Stadium?
Phase III includes the widening of the pedestrian areas in the upper lower west and north east concourses to improve traffic flow and make fans' experience more enjoyable. Additional concourse improvements include new or renovated men's, women's and family restrooms and additional concession stands. Outside of the stadium there will be a new Gate 21 entry plaza, brick and wrought iron façade work along the north and west sides of the stadium and a statue of General Robert Neyland on the west side of the stadium.
How much is the total renovation to Neyland Stadium costing?
When we sat down to determine the next 75 years of Neyland Stadium, one of our top priorities was to take a fiscally responsible approach to the renovations. The first three phases of the Master Plan will cost approximately $128 million; Phases IV and V will take place over the next four to seven years with an estimated cost of $75-$100 million and include the renovation of the south and east sides of the stadium. The Master Plan was created in a phased approach, and each phase must be funded entirely by leadership donation and new annual revenue generated by the VASF.
Where is the funding coming from?
Several specific revenue streams were designated to fund the future of Neyland Stadium and the continuance of Tennessee's prominence on the national stage. The addition of club and terrace seating will be a major funding source for the renovations, providing more than $29 million in private gifts and annual revenue that will service improvement bonds over of $60 million. Funds generated from leadership gifts and the 2004 sideline seating policy change will also be used to fund the renovations. No university fund or taxpayer subsidies are planned to be used in the financing the Master Plan renovations.
What happens next?
Upon the completion of Phase III for the 2010 season, 60 percent of the Master Plan renovations to Neyland Stadium will be finished. The timing of Phases IV and V is contingent upon available funding and the university's master plan facility schedule. It is currently projected that the entire Master Plan renovations will be completed for the 2016-17 season.
What will Neyland Stadium's capacity be when Phase III is finished?
A key goal of the Master Plan is to maintain the collegiate identity and tradition of Neyland Stadium. We are committed to continuing to maintain our status as one of the few college football stadiums in the nation with capacity crowds in excess of 100,000.
THURSDAY'S PRACTICE WORK MOSTLY MENTAL AS UCLA GAME NEARS
With a long week to prepare for the season opener at UCLA, the Tennessee football team was able to take a practice to work on some of the finer details of the game. Substitutions, replacing injured players and transitions from one personnel group to another were the exercises at Haslam Field on Thursday, taking the place of the regular blocking, tackling and play-calling.
"We had a day like this last year where we just took game situations and did our substitutions on and off the field," head coach Phillip Fulmer said. "It also gives the guys a day to get their legs back. It was a productive day, long meetings and a short little workout.
"We'll pick back up tomorrow with our two Thursday practices that we had already planned for Friday and Saturday."
Tennessee has just two more practices before departing for Pasadena on Saturday. The Vols will walk through at the Rose Bowl on Sunday and kick off the 2008 season Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time (5 p.m. Pacific) on ESPN.
