2008 "Illinois Renaissance" Renovation
A massive renovation project was unveiled for Memorial Stadium in the fall of 2005. The “Illinois Renaissance” project began after the completion of the 2006 football season, and was completed just days before the 2008 season began. The concourse areas on all four sides of the stadium were improved with better concession and restroom facilities. Additionally, the concourse areas were connected all the way around the stadium for easier passage between the east and west stands. A permanent, 5,000-seat structure has been built on the north end of the stadium, and the existing scoreboard and video replay screen was moved to the south endzone. The south horseshoe is planned to be filled in down to field level, and will completely connect the east and west stands. The horseshoe improvements increased seating to 14,000 seats behind the south end zone. The capacity of the west stands will be significantly reduced in order to build a large press box and luxury suite area at the top of the balcony. The new boxes will be three levels tall and will extend the entire length of the field. The new capacity of the stadium after the renovation will be 62,143. This $100 million project will be largely paid for by sales of the stadium’s new suites and luxury seating in the west stands.
Controversy has arisen over the decision to move the bulk of the student section to the north side of the stadium. Some student overflow seating is set aside on the north end of the east stands. The location may hamper the view of the student section when the ball is at the south end of the field. Critics of the plan suggest this is a move to sell the seats currently occupied by the student section at a higher price to the general public. The planners assert that they are trying to make the field noise louder and cater to the student's needs by giving them separate concessions and amenities.
The renovated stadium was rededicated at the 2008 season home opener against Eastern Illinois University on September 6, 2008.
Read more about this topic: Memorial Stadium (Champaign)
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