KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After a comprehensive nine-month assessment, UT Athletics has completed a feasibility study for future renovations to historic Neyland Stadium. The study, led in collaboration with Populous, a global leader in sports architecture and design, provides a systematic road map for making improvements to the stadium.
“The groundwork has been laid for proceeding with a much anticipated investment in Neyland Stadium,” said Dave Hart, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics.
“The study encompasses all the essential elements to ensure that Neyland Stadium remains a preeminent college football destination and experience for current fans and future generations alike.”
Commenced in January 2016, the study process entailed a review of existing conditions, fan feedback, design concepts, cost estimations, and funding scenarios. The study’s plan expedites safety considerations and balances the broad renovation scope over a multi-phase approach. The resulting design preserves the heritage and identity of Neyland Stadium while modernizing and enhancing certain aspects of the iconic venue.
“When people think about Tennessee football, they think about Neyland Stadium. The tangible care and attention given towards this Knoxville landmark is critical in maintaining a special environment and the significant impact that Neyland Stadium has on our football program, University and entire Volunteer community,” Hart added.
The overall plan sequences the renovations in an intentional manner by beginning at field level progressing upward and around by concourse. At the outset, the plan improves functionality such as enlarging restrooms and concessions stands and better optimizing the use of spaces under and around the lower seating bowl. Upon completion of the renovations, Neyland Stadium will retain an official capacity in excess of 100,000.
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees recently approved an initial phase package in the amount of $106 million to be fully funded by donor gifts and athletics department operating revenues.
The initial phase has a targeted completion date of August 2019 and includes the following components: south concourse 1 expansion and renovation, south field wall movement, visiting team locker room relocation, kitchen and commissary addition, lower/lower west bowl infrastructure rebuild, hospitality area upgrades (e. g. field level club), upper bowl handrail augmentation, electrical transformer replacement, and storm sewer line repair.
“On behalf of UT Athletics, I express our appreciation of the board’s support for this important, and ultimately imperative, decision to redirect our financial resources back into Neyland Stadium,” said Hart. “The highly competitive nature of the SEC requires timely and dedicated action to achieve and sustain success. A major renovation to the stadium will enable us to reach these goals.”
Originally constructed in 1921 with a seating capacity of 3,200, Neyland Stadium has undergone 16 expansion projects, and at one point, reached a capacity of 104,079 before being slightly reduced by alterations in the following decade. Most recently, Neyland Stadium underwent a nearly $150 million, three phase renovation initiated after the 2005 football season and concluded prior to the start of the 2010 football season. Neyland Stadium is the fifth-largest football stadium in the United States with an official capacity of 102,455.
(Contact Larry Fleming at larryfleming44@gmail.com and on Twitter @larryfleming44)