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Stadium expansion begins
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The $36 million project was a success before the construction began. Loge Boxes – sold out, Suites – sold out. With only approximately 200 club seats available, the stadium expansion project has already been beneficial.
University officials and major contributors of the Bronco Stadium expansion project met last Wednesday to shovel dirt to celebrate groundbreaking of the new press box/sky suite.
Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier considers the project a tremendous milestone for Boise State University. It is xpected to be complete in Fall 2008, “This project will forever change the face of Bronco Stadium as we know it and will usher in a new era in Boise State Athletics,” Bleymaier said.
Former Bronco football coach Lyle Smith attended the groundbreaking event and was recognized both for his attendance and his contributions to the program.
Bleymaier addressed guest attendees and media with thanks to the support of major financial contributors and the support of the community.
“We’re nothing without the support of the community. This has been a cooperative venture. This university, this athletic program with the community here in Boise,” Bleymaier said.
The vision for the project goes beyond football alone.
According to Bleymaier, the new facility will have multiple purposes. It will be used 200-250 days a year, if not more.
“This facility will contain three large meeting room areas. They will be leased out throughout the year,” Bleymaier said.
The Bronco Club Room will serve as a faculty club for the university Monday-Fridays. The Agribeef Stadium Club Room, the Bronco Club and Press Club Room will be used for meetings, weddings, receptions and banquets year-round.
Bleymaier considers the university blessed “to have a president who has a vision and a drive to make this university the best university in the country. With his leadership and support we are here today.”
BSU President Dr. Bob Kustra explained that the project goes beyond the Athletic Department.
“This is a project that is using the debt capacity of the entire university. So when I stand before you today I speak for our faculty, our staff and our students all of whom support this project and all of whom know this is an important priority for the university,” Kustra said.
Funding for the project comes from many financial donors as well as bonds that plan to be paid back through revenues from the project.
Layton Construction out of Salt Lake City, will work on the project. Layton Construction President Dave Layton described Boise as a major football town.
“Big time programs have big time facilities. And what we begin here today with this groundbreaking is to put in place another big time piece of this big time program,” Layton said.
Layton Construction was part of the Boise community before the stadium expansion. Layton Construction has built the Boise Airport, RC Willey Furniture Store and Cabelas.
“This project represents a significant emotional and financial commit of university and community to perpetuate this major college football program legacy,” Layton said.
Layton described the construction as painful and intrusive, but encouraged all to be patient.
During the construction, many parking spots won’t be available to students.
To alleviate the parking concerns, students are encouraged to park at the east stadium parking lot. According to Bleymaier, many parking spots remain available each day.
Jessica Christensen
