Davis Wade Stadium in Mississippi to get $75 million facelift
The state of Mississippi in US will begin a $75 million expansion and renovation of Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, designed by local architect LPK of Meridian, along with national sports consultants 360 Architecture of Kansas City.
The renovation will add more than 8,000 additional seats, increasing the stadium's capacity to 61,337, up from its current number of 55,082. The renovation project will add additional premium seating, elevators, restrooms and concessions, and a new west side concourse.
The north end zone area will be the main focus of renovation, which is largely open-air with the exception of bleacher seating and the school's water tower. Existing bleacher seats will be removed following the 2012 season and replaced with 8,815 new seats, with a net addition of 6,255. These 8,815 seats include 7,076 in the grandstand, 1,155 in the Scoreboard Club, 236 in the loge section, 288 in 22 suites and 60 at field-level. The north end zone will also include a premium field-level area known as the Gridiron, which will feature club-like amenities. It will also include a standing room facility and ADA-compliant seating.
The renovation also includes the relocation of the visiting locker room to the north end zone, which will also add a new high-definition video board. Currently, the visiting team facilities are adjacent to Mississippi State's in the south end zone.
The west side renovation includes a rebuilt concourse under the west stands, the addition of four high-capacity elevators, an increase in restroom and concession point of sale facilities, and a brick facade that matches the new construction on the north. The project also includes a new television compound away from the stadium.
Davis Wade Stadium expansion and renovation will be funded by the sale of $68 million in bonds, and $7 million in private giving. Construction will begin immediately and will be completed by 2014.
