For those wondering why Ole Miss chose the south end zone to expand first, Ole Miss athletics director Ross Bjork has your answer.
“The south end zone was chosen for the expansion of premium seating because it allows for the consolidation of premium seating into one main area of the stadium,” Bjork said in an Ole Miss news release. “Existing infrastructure, such as a kitchen, elevators and access to parking are already in place to operate the new premium seating. There is a significant savings in construction cost by capitalizing on existing infrastructure.”
The renovation of the south end zone is expected to be completed in time for the 2015 season. It'll include 30 more suites (already sold out) and the premium seats close to the field. 130 of those new seats have sold since Wednesday's announcement.
In addition to premium seating, the first and second levels of the main concourse will be expanded by 2,500 square feet for more walking space, and there will be the addition of 75 new toilets and three concession stands as part of the first phase of expansion. The west side suites and press areas will also be renovated and completed for the 2015 season.
The long-overdue expansion of the north end zone is of more interest to me. Ole Miss says the north end zone, including the new "front door" to Vaught-Hemingway, will be enclosed and ready to go in time for the 2016 season.
As part of the second phase, the north end zone seating bowl will be enclosed and expanded to right below the existing scoreboard. This expansion will also create a full stadium concourse with added restrooms and concessions to the north end zone complex. Two new video boards will also be added in the south end zone.
Other parts of the second phase include a new front door to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on the north end with the extension of the Walk of Champions to the stadium, a brick and stone exterior, a new entrance plaza, more gates and a bell tower.
“A long-term approach guides our athletic complex master planning,” Bjork said. “We’re not limiting ourselves. We are leaving room for Vaught-Hemingway to expand for future growth. The current plans for the north end zone allow for expansion, and the west side press box could be demolished to accommodate a new structure and upper deck.”Sounds good to me.
The stadium walk from the Grove will be second to none once that front door is complete. It's a magical walk, that one. Filled with butterflies and goose bumps, magnificent smells and sounds and the thrill of even the possibility of Ole Miss victory. It'll be nice when the surroundings between the Grove and the gate to the stadium finally enhance the gameday experience.
I'm also particularly excited about getting rid of those north end zone bleachers. The SEC left bleachers behind long ago. It's high time Ole Miss did the same.
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