University of Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman officially unveiled plans for a brand new structure and renovation at Memorial Stadium.
The project, which has been years in the making, will have a target start date of Spring 2018 and a completion date of Summer 2020.
This renovation project will focus on a complete rebuild of the South End Zone “horseshoe” and a renovation of the east grandstand.
Some quick facts about the renovation:
- New football facilities including locker rooms, training and medical facilities, meeting rooms, equipment facilities, and office and recruiting space.
- New fan amenities including new concession, concourse, restrooms, elevators, and seating areas.
- The existing horseshoe will be demolished in spring 2018. It is possible that seating in the south end zone would not be available for the 2018 season.
- DIA officials are hoping to keep total stadium capacity at or above 60,000 after the renovations are completed. No games are expected to be displaced.
- $130 Million cost. Funded completely privately using no state money.
The images that were released today are preliminary, but Whitman says that they are a close representation of what they would like to have. The DIA is currently searching for an architecture firm to carry out the renovation. A master plan for athletics facilities is expected in the coming months.
More info can be found at the official Illinois Renaissance website.
Listen to the entire press conference below:
