Old Dominion board approves plans to rebuild football stadium
Old Dominion is a step closer to having a new football stadium.
The school's Board of Visitors approved plans to rebuild Foreman Field, the team's current stadium. The current iteration of Foreman Field seats 20,118 fans and the new edition would increase capacity to 22,130.
"Our first priority with the renovation of our current stadium was to enhance and solidify our fan experience in the short term, while preparing for future stadium expansion and market demand in the long term," ODU athletic director Wood Selig said in a statement. "The fact that every single one of our sideline seats will be chair-back with ample leg room, with enhanced site lines and elevation, will considerably improve our fans' in-stadium experience. We will be the only Conference-USA stadium and among only a few college football stadiums to have all chair-back seating."
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The stadium could be enlarged to seat 30,000 people if there's enough demand for tickets. Foreman Field's current capacity puts it 12th of the 14 stadiums used by Conference-USA teams. with the 2,000-seat increase, ODU would jump over Western Kentucky in the capacity rankings.
The first phase of the project, estimated to cost $55 million, will include new seats on the east and west sides of the stadium as well as new concessions, restrooms and a press box.
The project is being done without an increase to student athletic fees; a previous proposal would have increased student fees by $154 annually.
According ot the Virginian-Pilot, the renovation will be financed with fundraising, revenue from the new stadium and a repurposing of current student fees.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
