Oct. 22, 2012

Photo Gallery

By Jason Krump

Washington State University student Madison Schwartz had seen the outside of the Martin Stadium's new premium seating building numerous times this season.

"When you look at it from the student side you get excited about Cougar football," says Schwartz, a senior majoring in accounting.

On a bye week for the Cougar football team, Schwartz took the opportunity to see it from the inside.

Her impression?

"It's really cool."

Sophomore student Chris Evans had similar sentiments when he saw the photo timeline that displays the history of Martin Stadium on the club level.

"I was expecting the story of Cougar history and got way more than I expected," said Ryan, who is majoring in chemical engineering. "The timeline is amazing. It's a summation of Cougar Pride."

Schwartz's and Evans' reactions were just a sampling of feelings shared by those who took the opportunity to tour the inside of the premium seating building during an open house, Friday, Oct. 19.

The premium seating building, named The Cougar Football Project, is an 88,000 square foot building on the south side of Martin Stadium.

Built in just a nine-month span from November 2011 to September 2012, the building features 1,183 outdoor club seats, 83 indoor club seats, 42 loges boxes and 21 suites, in addition to a press level that accommodates the needs required for the new Pac-12 Networks and national television.

Those taking the tour were able to see the views from the club, loge, and suite areas, try out the 3D TVs in the suites, and see the historical branding elements placed throughout the building, such as the Martin Stadium history timeline.

With no football games scheduled between the Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 home games, the time was right for the athletic department to give the public the opportunity to see the building firsthand.

"This is a project set in the heart of campus and we have received terrific interest from students, faculty, staff and the community," said Senior Associate Director of Athletics John Johnson. "The open houses give them an opportunity to view the project and enjoy what patrons experience on game day."

There are three more open houses scheduled: Oct. 23, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. All three will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those attending are asked to enter the premium seating building at the main entrance off Wilson Road, across from the Fine Arts Building. WSU Athletic Department staff will be stationed at each level of the building to provide information and answer questions.

For more information on The Cougar Football Project visit thecougarfootballproject.org.