Temple takes another step toward on-campus stadium
Temple has taken another step toward the construction of an on-campus football stadium.
The University announced Monday that it has hired architecture firm Moody Nolan to “lead the design” of the proposed stadium, which would be located on the school’s campus in the heart of North Philadelphia.
The school’s board of trustees voted unanimously last month to approve a $1 million design plan for the 35,000-seat stadium, which would cost approximately $126 million to build.
The plan has been met with resistance by local community members, who, along with some student groups, protested outside the trustees’ February meeting. In its release announcing the plans, Temple noted that Moody Nolan is “the largest African-American owned and managed architecture firm in the United States.” The release also stated that Moody Nolan has “already held meetings with nearby residents to start the engagement process with the community about initial steps related to design.”
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“Moody Nolan is regarded as a national leader in designing beautiful sports and recreation facilities that not only fit their purpose but also fit the communities in which they exist,” said Temple President Neil D. Theobald. “We are excited to partner with such an outstanding architectural firm.”
Moody Nolan has a plethora of experience working with collegiate athletics, and recently completed projects for Vanderbilt, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, DePaul and the University of Chicago.
“We look forward to working together with Temple University and the surrounding community," said Curtis J. Moody, the firm’s founder, president and CEO. "Creating a vibrant and cohesive streetscape experience that blends together the planned stadium, the significant retail components, the adjacent indoor recreation facility and various pedestrian plaza and green spaces will be a significant part of the evolution of the overall design strategy."
Moody Nolan will partner with AECOM, an engineering design firm, and Langan, a civil engineering and landscape design firm. AECOM designed the football stadium at Florida Atlantic, which opened in 2011. As noted by the Philadelphia Business Journal, Temple deputy athletic director Craig Angelos was the athletic director at FAU during the construction and opening of the $70 million, 30,000-seat stadium. Angelos served as AD for FAU from 2003 to 2012, when he was fired.
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Temple played at FAU Stadium in December when it lost to Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl.
A Temple spokesperson told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Moody Nolan will be paid from the budget allocated for the $1 million design plan, which also includes an environmental impact study.
The project is still in the fundraising process, according to the Inquirer. City Mayor Jim Kenney has publicly opposed construction of the stadium, saying he preferred the Owls to continue playing at Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, because of a new lease agreement, it would cost Temple $2 million in rent per year for the Owls to continue playing at Lincoln Financial Field, which is about 10 miles south of Temple’s campus in South Philadelphia.
For more Temple news, visit OwlScoop.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
