University of Arkansas - Razorback Football Stadium Expansion and Renovation

University of Arkansas - Razorback Football Stadium Expansion and Renovation
The University of Arkansas wanted to equal or exceed Southeastern Conference and other Division 1A top 10 collegiate stadium facilities by adding amenity-intensive elements, including extensive development of plazas, entrance areas and accessibility ramps for the disabled and innovative program areas to support recruiting efforts. Heery’s context-sensitive planning complements the campus architectural guidelines, giving the massive structure more building-like characteristics, while adding the features that the University of Arkansas needs to compete.

The $76 million stadium expansion increased capacity at the 46,000-seat stadium to more than 70,000 seats by expanding and renovating the east grandstand, enclosing the south end zone and renovating the west grandstand. One of the most distinctive parts of the project is a three-level east grandstand addition, which converted existing upper bleachers to club seating, interior lounge areas and skybox suites. A new academic center takes advantage of the club lounge as a casual study area on non-game days—a recruiting plus. A large club lounge and seating area and private suites increase the amenities and revenue-producing opportunities at the stadium. Plus, Heery’s design renovated the press box and all concourse concessions, adding a new façade to improve and update the overall image of the stadium.

Preserving revenue during the renovation was crucial. This complex, phased improvement program was undertaken between three football seasons from the summer 1999 when sitework began until August 2001. For each intervening football season, the stadium remained fully functional—and revenue producing.