We’re seeing another shift in the plans for Neyland Stadium renovations that involve plenty of tech and tradition, as well as upscale fan comfort, raising the price tag of the project by $100 million.
The total cost of Phase I of the Neyland Stadium renovations is now estimated at $288 million, per an estimate this week presented to and approved by the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees by Athletic Director Danny White this week. The expectation is that new revenues from many of the improvements will cover the added expenditures.
Here is a list of the additions to the Phase I renovations:
- 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 windowsSouthwest and southeast entries – expand plaza entries and extend exterior concourse zones
- Brick cladding for vomitories and Gate 11 ramp – create cohesive architectural style
One of the new elements of the renovation planned already teased by White: the school is bringing back the traditional VOLS signage at the southwest and southeast sides of Neyland Stadium, alongside the scoreboard.
Otherwise, the school is anticipating covering the expanded budget with revenues from the new club and suites.
“I appreciate the Board of Trustees for understanding and supporting our revised plan and budget, which will ultimately allow for a significantly enhanced gameday experience for every fan throughout Neyland Stadium,” White said in a press release announcing the new plans. “We’ve done a great deal of listening and learning over the past 18 months, and our fans have been instrumental in helping to shape the vision for the future of one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world.
“Through our evaluation process, we also developed a new business philosophy prioritizing project elements that generate revenue. That will enable us to invest in key amenities that impact our entire fanbase, such as enhanced Wi-Fi, larger concourses, nicer restrooms and more.”
Some of the enhancements will be unveiled during the 2022 football season, with work continuing in offseason through fall 2026.
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