TENNESSEE BEGINS PHASE I OF NEYLAND STADIUM RENOVATIONS
Phase I will also include the addition of the East Club, which is a primary funding source for the renovations.
Feb. 1, 2006
Mike Hamilton talks about the Neyland Stadium Renovations
The University of Tennessee Athletic Department has begun Phase I of the renovations on Neyland Stadium. This is the first major addition to occur at Neyland Stadium since the addition of the east skyboxes for the 1999 season.
Although many of the first phase improvements will not be visible to fans - such as much needed improvements to basic infrastructure amenities such as water, electric and sewer throughout the stadium - fans will begin to see examples of what the full project will do for the stadium in the concourse areas near gate 21, which will feature wider concourses, new and renovated restrooms as well as new concession stands for the 2006 season.
Phase I will also include the addition of the East Club, which is a primary funding source for the renovations. The East Club will feature 414 outdoor theater-style seats under cover, a large adjoining indoor hospitality club room with private restrooms, pre-game and half-time buffets, tables and couches for relaxing and several flat screen televisions to catch up on other games from across the SEC and nation. Club seats will be available for donors who take a leadership role in the Neyland Stadium renovations.
Tennessee has already secured revenue to cover $26 million of the Neyland Stadium project. This includes $16.5 million in outright contributions ($7.5 million of which is from donations for the 300 club seats sold) and debt service capital of $9 million, which is covered by annual donations for those club seats.
"Neyland Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Tennessee fans everywhere. Over the past 80 years, it has grown to become one of America's greatest football stadiums," said Mike Hamilton, men's athletics director. "I believe these renovations will enhance the fan experience for years to come."
In November 2004, UTAD unveiled its master plan for Neyland Stadium, which will serve as a long-term solution to issues currently facing Neyland Stadium and prepare the stadium for the next 75 years.
"When beginning the research and design for Neyland Stadium, we took into account the heritage of Tennessee football to distinguish our top priorities," said Hamilton. "We wanted to maintain the collegiate integrity of the stadium, take a fiscally responsible approach to renovations, improve and modernize concourses, bathrooms and concession areas for all UT fans, provide infrastructure for basic amenities, and enhance safety while addressing the ADA compliance issues currently facing the stadium."
Renovations will be completed in five phases beginning after the 2005 football schedule during the off-seasons to reduce inconveniences on fans. The renovations should take approximately eight to 12 years to complete, provided funding is available.
Before beginning the master plan, UTAD visited six stadiums across the country that is similar in age to Neyland. The department also received feedback from more than 3,000 fans through an online survey.
The long-term master plan will improve the Neyland Stadium experience for all fans while enhancing safety and security. The improvements include:
Renovation and widening of concourse areas to assist in traffic flow and make fans' experience more enjoyable;
Addition of family restrooms;
Increase in the current number of women's restroom facilities by almost 300 percent;
Addition of concession stands;
Creation of entry plazas;
Addition of club seats; and
Update of the infrastructure for water, electric and sewer systems.
Numerous ADA issues also have been addressed to improve access for all fans, including the addition of nine elevators.
The master plan was created in a phased approach. Each phase is independent to ensure that funding is available for each phase before it begins.
Several specific revenue streams were designated to fund the future of Neyland Stadium and the continuance of Tennessee's prominence on the national stage. Funding sources for the estimated $107 million project include philanthropic gifts and bonds to be serviced by a combination of annual athletics department revenues. The addition of club seating will be a major funding source for the renovations, providing more that $34 million in private gifts and over $3 million in annual revenue toward improvements. Funds generated from the 2004 sideline seating policy change also will be used for the renovations.
The University of Tennessee athletics department is one of less than 10 departments in the country that receives no funds from state subsidies or taxes.
