“Once again, these prove to be exciting times in the evolution of WKU athletics,” said WKU Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig. “The Smith Stadium renovation project is full speed ahead and we eagerly await the dramatic transformation of the facility into one of the country's finest on-campus athletic venues capable of serving students, faculty, alumni and friends in first-class style and comfort. It will be an exciting renovation and building project to watch unfold over the next two years as we look forward to its completion for the 2008 football season.”
The phase of the $37.5 million renovation to the Hilltoppers’ football stadium currently underway involves improving the existing structure. In addition to power washing the entire stadium, construction workers are tearing up concrete on the concourse level in order to waterproof the deck. After the cleaning is finished, workers will repaint the underside of the upper deck.
Other improvements planned for the existing structure also include better locker rooms for men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s track, and renovating the current weight room as well as office space and classrooms for the physical education department.
“The renovation of Smith Stadium could not come at a more opportune time for physical education majors at WKU,” Thad Crews, the head of the school’s physical education and recreation department, said. “Our program has almost tripled in the number of PE majors since the fall of 1997. The new classrooms, laboratories, and offices should meet the needs of our students and faculty for the next 30 years.”
Other phases of the renovation of L.T. Smith Stadium include: moving the Charles M. Ruter track across the street to the old football practice field, the construction of the West grandstand, which will include approximately 5,000 seats along with concessions and restrooms — the building will also house football offices and locker rooms, a weight room and a training room — and the development of the South end zone.
“Words cannot describe how excited we are to see the progress that is already being made on this project,” WKU head coach David Elson said. “This facility will give our players and fans a first-class college football experience. It also shows high school student-athletes around the country that WKU football is for real and along with our storied past, we have an awesome future to look forward to.”
