Trustees approve revised plan for Neyland Stadium

Jay FitzDowntown

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees on Friday approved Tennessee Athletics’ request to adjust the scope and budget of the ongoing Neyland Stadium renovations project originally approved in 2017. This information was posted on the UT athletics website on June 24 without a named writer.

The revised plan adds some features while removing others. The overall budget increase is $108 million. This will be fully funded outside of student tuition and/or state revenue, according to the post.

The estimated total project budget at the time of the 2017 approval was $340 million.

Athletics Director Danny White said improvements will modernize the fan and visitor experience through enhanced amenities and diversified seating options, including improved safety and security.

“We’ve done a great deal of listening and learning over the past 18 months, and our fans have been instrumental in helping to shape the vision for the future of one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world,” White said.

The project will continue ongoing renovations, which include new amenities delivered for the upcoming 2022 football season. The anticipated project completion date is fall 2026.

Here is a Phase 1 project summary:

  • New/Updated Scope:
  • • Stadium Wi-Fi – build stadium-wide Wi-Fi network for improved fan wireless connectivity
    • V-O-L-S letters – add two sets of letters to reintroduce a traditional stadium feature
    • Founders Suites – add spacious and elegant private suites and lounge
    • Restrooms under Gate 10 ramp – provide restrooms for highly trafficked entrance and hospitality area
    • Upper north plaza area activation – add food and beverage services and new tiered seating
    • Lower west premium club – add a 12,000 sq/ft indoor club space under the new chairback seating deck
    • Skybox renovations – update skyboxes, including common spaces, and add operable windows
    • Southwest and southeast entries – expand plaza entries and extend exterior concourse zones
    • Brick cladding for vomitories and Gate 11 ramp – create cohesive architectural style
  • Retained Phase I Scope:
    • South concourse 1 expansion (including new and additional bathrooms and concessions)
    • Kitchen, commissary and loading dock
    • South concourse 2 chairback seats
    • LED ribbon board replacement
    • New state-of-the-art sound system
    • North videoboard and plaza area
    • West lower bowl chairback seating
  • Removed/Held Phase I Scope for Future Evaluation/Phases:
    • South concourse 3 expansion
    • New vertical center ramp (remove ramps at Gates 10 and 11)
    • Southwest and southeast prominent gate structures
    • Outdoor patio and social gathering areas in southwest locations
    • Checkerboard Lounge and media relocation
 

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