Illinois Athletics will announce a new renovation project at Memorial Stadium at a press conference at 12:30 this afternoon.

The project will address the south end zone and east side stands, as well as updating the football offices, training spaces, and locker rooms.

The project is expected to be completed by 2019.

Per the official release:

“Following Coach Smith’s arrival, this project is the necessary next step to building a sustainable, championship-caliber football program,” said Josh Whitman, Illinois Director of Athletics. “This is an investment in our student-athletes, both present and future, to ensure that they have the resources needed to compete at the highest level. Such a commitment is required if we are to win consistently in the Big Ten and on the national stage. This is the first in a series of facility projects that will ultimately position all Illinois student-athletes for enduring success.”

More on this later on after the press conference.