Renderings for Phase 1 of Ross-Ade Stadium renovation expected in August
WEST LAFAYETTE – Three main elements comprise Phase 1 of the Ross-Ade Stadium renovation project:
► Adding a new team entrance by constructing a tunnel from the Kozuch Football Performance Complex to Rohrman Field.
► The transformation of the south end zone area, including a concourse connector to the east and west sides of the stadium.
► Converting the existing team store into a nutrition/dining facility for more than 450 of Purdue's athletes.
The work on Phase 1 will start after the final home of the 2022 season against Northwestern on Nov. 19. The $45.4 million project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023 season, which begins Sept. 2 against Fresno State.
Renderings for the final plans are expected to arrive at Purdue during the first week of August.
“A lot of work going on with our team and Populous and Hunt (Construction) and everybody that is going to be part of it and make sure we can mobilize here at the end of the season,” Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski said. “We believe in early August, here is what the first phase will look like.”
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The focus is on those three elements in the short term since there’s a quick turnaround time for the project to be completed before the next season.
The goal of Phase 2 is to bring fans closer to the field by constructing a mezzanine deck above the entry/exit areas and opening up the concourse. The plan would also include moving the north end zone seats closer to the field.
The idea of moving all or part of the student section near the south end zone remains under consideration.
“There’s no hard decision on that,” Bobinski said.
Bobinski said in April that he wanted to create a “fairly raucous environment down there. We want to create a little bit of life in that south end zone. We think that type of seating plan will encourage people to participate in the game and not just watch it.”
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue, Ross-Ade Stadium Project: Renderings of renovation plans expected in August
