Hancock Stadium overhaul receives approval
Illinois State University's board of trustees has given a nod to the $25 million facelift of the Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois, US.
The project will lead to removal of the existing bleachers and creation of a new east side to the stadium. The new space will have a seating capacity of about 7500 which will increase the capacity of the entire facility to a little less than 15,000. The new east side, encompassing two floors, will incorporate brick columns, glass walls, along with a media and event production facility.
The facility will now be equipped with 6700 bleacher-style seats. The seats will be wider compared to the west-side individual seating by Horton Field House. The revamped stadium will also house an indoor club area to serve community events, as well as seven suites possessing a capacity of almost 170. The indoor club will sport 500 chair-back seats. In addition, there will be creation of a walkway which will serve as a liaison between the east and west sides.
The project will be financed mainly through a reallocation of student fees while plans are on to raise $2.5 million in private donations. Work is scheduled to commence by early- or mid-2012 with completion expected by mid-2013.
