The budget for an upcoming Bryant-Denny Stadium renovation project could increase by approximately $13.5 million, with University of Alabama System trustees to vote on the proposed revision Friday.
Alabama has been planning a renovation to Bryant-Denny Stadium that will address several areas of the facility. New videoboards are part of the project, along with premium seating options, a new student concourse, a relocated press box, upgraded football program facilities, and more. Plans were revised and the budget was increased from $75.5 million to $92.5 million following a June vote by the University of Alabama System board of trustees, and could increase by another $13.5 million under a proposal the board will consider Friday.
The budget increase would allow the project’s cost to be covered after bids for the main construction package came in higher than expected. Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne and vice president of financial affairs Matt Fajack pitched the revision to the board’s Physical Properties Committee Thursday, which granted preliminary approval. What has not changed is the anticipated timeline for the project, as renovations would begin after this season and conclude in time for the 2020 campaign. More from Tuscaloosa News:
“We realized this is an aggressive construction schedule we are going to be talking about. However, our contractors are confident. They have expressed they will deliver this on time,” Byrne said of the plans for the football stadium.
The project remains slated to begin construction after the 2019 season and be completed in time for the 2020 season, Fajack said.
The university accepted low bids from Premier Elevator Co. of Stock Bridge, Georgia, for the elevator package and from Daktronics of South Dakota for the scoreboard package. However, the lowest responsible bid for the main construction package from Caddell Construction Co. of Montgomery came in higher than expected.
The bids came in higher than expected because of the complexity of the project, the strict timeline for completion, and the current demand for construction services, Fajack said.
As part of the project, new videoboards would be placed in the corners of Bryant-Denny Stadium. For the football program, areas such as the locker rooms and recruiting lounge would receive upgrades.
Rendering courtesy University of Alabama.
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