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Construction is under way on the first phase of several multi-million dollar upgrades to Vanderbilt Athletics facilities that promise to benefit both Commodore student-athletes and Vanderbilt supporters for years to come, Vice Chancellor of University Affairs and Student Athletics David Williams II announced at a news conference Tuesday.
Williams said the complete cost of proposed athletic facility improvements, including upgrades to Vanderbilt Stadium, Memorial Gymnasium, Hawkins Field and the McGugin Center, is expected to exceed $50 million.
The improvements will be completed in five phases, with work on the first phase currently under way. Williams said the full project, which includes construction of the recently announced Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, will be completed as funds are provided.
"This is a significant day for everyone associated with Vanderbilt Athletics," Williams said. "When these upgrades are completed, every Vanderbilt student-athlete will enjoy a direct benefit. As well, our reputation as a national competitor in all of our sports, including basketball, baseball and football, will also be strengthened.
"Our fans will also enjoy the benefits of these upgrades. The gameday experience on Saturdays in Vanderbilt Stadium will be enhanced in the fall and in the spring, more people will be able to enjoy Tim Corbin’s exciting baseball teams. And I also believe it will help our coaches attract the very best student-athlete to our campus – another benefit I’m sure our fans will surely enjoy," Williams added.
Phase I of the project began in April. It includes several improvements at Vanderbilt Stadium including concourse improvements, a new exterior facade that adjoins the baseball complex, and new paint. At Memorial Gym, the men’s and women’s basketball teams’ locker rooms are being expanded. And at Hawkins Field, permanent outfield seats will be added. An improved synthetic surface is being applied to athletic fields, including the football team’s primary practice site at John Rich Practice Facility.
Construction on Phase II is expected to start after the 2008 football season. This phase will include more renovation of the football stadium and a new construction project in McGugin Center that will house the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame near the corner of Jess Neely Drive and Natchez Trace.
Vanderbilt Football Head Coach Bobby Johnson said the upgrades in Vanderbilt Stadium, McGugin Center and on practice fields adjacent to the athletic headquarters should benefit his program, both in recruiting players and preparing for games. He noted that his enthusiasm about Vanderbilt’s commitment to facilities upgrades is shared with his fellow head coaches at the university, which competes in the premier Southeastern Conference.
"I’m extremely excited and supportive of these plans," Johnson said. "We’re competing in the best conference in America, and it’s no accident that our conference members also own the nation’s best athletic facilities.
"Vanderbilt is the most competitive university in the SEC and it’s located in the best city. With the upgrades planned, our facilities will compete with any in the conference. This is definitely a step in the right direction," Johnson added.
Both Vanderbilt basketball head coaches, Kevin Stallings and Melanie Balcomb, said the Memorial Gym improvements are sure to help their programs.
"Our players will be excited to move into the new locker rooms. It going to be a state-of-the-art addition," Stallings said. "This upgrade does two things that are critically important to our success. It helps us continue to compete in one of the nation’s top conferences and it enhances the overall experience of our student-athletes."
"The leadership at Vanderbilt continues to show a deep commitment to the student-athlete," Balcomb said. "Memorial Gym is traditionally one of the toughest places in the country to play and these top-notch renovations will keep Memorial a first-class facility."
A summary of all five phases of the facility upgrade project follows:
Phase I $11 million-$12 million (currently under way)
- Memorial Gym Basketball Locker Rooms
- Vanderbilt Stadium Facility Renovation:
Work will include a new exterior stadium facade between Gates 2 and 3; renovation of the eastside stadium concourse; and exterior/interior paint and interior signage to Stadium Press Box/Suite Tower.
- Hawkins Field Baseball Stadium Expansion: $3 million-$3.3 million
- Football Synthetic Surfaces at John Rich Practice Facility and Wedgewood Recreation Field: $2 million
Phase II $11 million-$12 million
- McGugin Center Renovation:
Work will include construction of the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, renovation of position and team meeting rooms for football, and renovation of the athletic training room.
- Vanderbilt Stadium Renovation:
Work will include rebuilding of Gates 2 and 3; exterior facade along Natchez Trace; and development of a plaza in front of Gate 2.
Phase III $7 million-$8 million
- Vanderbilt Stadium:
Plans call for the renovation of Gates 1 and 4 in north endzone of stadium along with construction of a plaza area.
- McGugin Center:
First phase of renovation to support staff of Stratton Foster Academic Center area, and renovation to football coaches’ offices, support staff offices and coaches’ locker rooms.
Phase IV $16 million-$18 million
- Vanderbilt Stadium:
Work will include construction of north endzone building and seating; addition of synthetic turf in stadium.
- McGugin Center:
Renovation of the football locker rooms, equipment rooms, and athletic training room; Olympic Sport locker rooms and meeting rooms will be constructed on second floor.
Phase V $1 million-$2 million
- McGugin Center:
Renovation and expansion of Hendrix Room dining facility; addition of offices and suites.
Media Contact: Larry Leathers, (615) 343-6437 or 322-4121
larry.leathers@vanderbilt.edu