On Friday, Feb. 1, the Washington State University Board of Regents met in Vancouver, Wash., and, as part of the meeting's agenda, the regents were asked to approve beginning the process of selecting a design-build team (constructors and architects) for Phase III of the Martin Stadium renovation.
The Regents gave their authorization allowing us to begin this important aspect of the renovation; however, I want to emphasize that while the Regents' actions served as a significant step in the process, the work to make Phase III a reality is far from completed.
For several years, we have conducted the "silent phase" of our fundraising efforts and have received the support of many generous and dedicated Cougars. Our thanks to all of those who have helped get this project off the ground.
While we are off to a great start, more support is needed. Before any of the Phase III construction begins, we must reach a threshold of funding to initiate construction.
Phase III of the project is budgeted at a maximum of $42 million and will be funded through revenue bonds and donations with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2009. It will add upper level premium seating to the north side of the stadium, which will include luxury suites, loge boxes, and club seats.
Completion of Phase III design will also allow us to move forward with the sale of premium seating and prepare for the public phase of fundraising. We will need help from you and every Cougar to generate the funding for Phase III as well as Phase IV.
I want to stress that Phase III does not mark the beginning of the renovation but rather the continuation of it.
Even while we are hard at work to make Phase III a reality, the work at the south and the east sides of the stadium, or Phase I, continues.
Phase I includes the development of restrooms and concessions at the east end of the stadium and new restroom facilities on the southwest concourse. In addition, a plaza area is being created as part of the east entrance, and a new ticket office is being constructed in the east end as well.
Phase I work has followed the Phase II portion of the renovation, which began in December 2006. Phase II encompassed the widening of the north concourse, in conjunction with the development of new restroom and concession facilities on the north and south ends of the stadium. Many Washington State alumni, fans, and supporters were able to experience and enjoy the benefits that the initial renovations offered during the 2007 season.
For information on the renovation, including weekly photo galleries and artist renderings of Phases I and II, please go to martinstadium.org.
If you would like more specific information on how to support the stadium renovation effort, please call the WSU Athletics Foundation office at 1-877-IMA-COUG, 509-335-0220, or via e-mail at athleticinfo@wsu.edu.
Go Cougs!
Jim Sterk
