KNOXVILLE -- The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announced Thursday that the $27.4 million Phase II renovations of the Neyland Stadium Master Plan have been completed two weeks before the opener against UAB. Phase III of the Neyland Stadium Master Plan begins at the conclusion of the 2008 football season.
The Phase II renovations 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 Field 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.''”
Phase III renovations will take place over the next two years and are projected to be completed for the 2010 season. This phase includes widening of the pedestrian areas in the top lower west and northeast concourses to improve traffic flow and make fans’ experiences more enjoyable. Outside 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 Gen. Robert Neyland on the west side of the stadium.
The addition of the West Club and Tennessee Terrace are 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 is being displaced out of Neyland Stadium or being required to increase annual donations 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
2010
• Creation of a Gate 21 Plaza
• Renovation of northeast 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 Gen. 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 issues currently facing the historic stadium. The projects goals are as follows:
• 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 figure of more than $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.
For more information visit UTsports.com.
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.
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)