Tennessee board approves revised Neyland Stadium renovation plans
By Keith Farner
Published:
The Tennessee Board of Trustees on Friday approved a request to adjust the scope and budget of the ongoing Neyland Stadium renovations project originally approved in 2017.
The revised project scope requires a total budget increase of $108 million, and that results in an overall Phase I budget of $288 million. The overall goals of the project are to modernize the fan and visitor experience through enhanced amenities and diversified seating options, improve fan safety and security and align stadium features and aesthetics with campus architectural standards.
Here’s a breakdown of the renovations:
The various project scope adjustments from the 2017 plan ($180 million) to the revised plan ($288 million) are as follows:
New/Updated Scope:
• Stadium Wi-Fi – build stadium-wide Wi-Fi network for improved fan wireless connectivity
• V-O-L-S letters – add two sets of letters to reintroduce a traditional stadium feature
• Founders Suites – add spacious and elegant private suites and lounge
• Restrooms under Gate 10 ramp – provide restrooms for highly trafficked entrance and hospitality area
• Upper north plaza area activation – add food and beverage services and new tiered seating
• Lower west premium club – add a 12,000 sq/ft indoor club space under the new chairback seating deck
• Skybox renovations – update skyboxes, including common spaces, and add operable windows
• Southwest and southeast entries – expand plaza entries and extend exterior concourse zones
• Brick cladding for vomitories and Gate 11 ramp – create cohesive architectural style
Retained Phase I Scope:
• South concourse 1 expansion (including new and additional bathrooms and concessions)
• Kitchen, commissary and loading dock
• South concourse 2 chairback seats
• LED ribbon board replacement
• New state-of-the-art sound system
• North videoboard and plaza area
• West lower bowl chairback seating
Removed/Held Phase I Scope for Future Evaluation/Phases:
• South concourse 3 expansion
• New vertical center ramp (remove ramps at Gates 10 and 11)
• Southwest and southeast prominent gate structures
• Outdoor patio and social gathering areas in southwest locations
• Checkerboard Lounge and media relocation
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
