Stadium expansion will continue

By: Rachel Nelson
www.universitystar.com

The Jerry D. and Linda Gregg Fields Bobcat Stadium West Side Complex opened last month, but the over all expansion is far from finished.

"We built it with expansion in mind," said Derek Grice, assistant athletics director. "We have the ability to put another level on top so we can in the future bring the press box up to that level and put a couple additional suites on that level. Everything we've done has been done with the idea that we are going to continue to expand the stadium."

A master plan was laid out in 2008 to expand the stadium from 15,000 seats to around 35,000. Completing the West Side Complex was the first step of that project, Grice said. The second part of the project includes relocating the current track facility to make room for a north end zone expansion.

"Relocating the track facility allows us to enclose the north end zone -- adding about 8,500 seats -- which allows us to get the fans closer to the field, giving us a more intimate setting," Grice said.

A new track location has not yet been settled.

Grice said all future construction is to be determined, but tentatively includes the north side expansion, a south end zone expansion, additional luxury suites and club seats, a new press box and an upper deck on the east side.

Another step in the expansion process includes bridging Bobcat Stadium's east parking lot with the former location of the Hidden Village apartments.

Texas State real estate specialist David Bisett said Texas State purchased the property for the purpose of expanding the stadium. The apartment complex was demolished, which Bisett said could provide a new track location or additional parking spaces.

Bisett said the city recently granted an easement on a .07-acre piece of property that will allow for better connectivity.

"Now the city has better options on how to connect that Hidden Village site to Bobcat Stadium," Bisett said. "They're continuing to look at their options."

Funding for the projects is being derived from several sources, said athletics director Larry Teis.
"The funds to finish the stadium will come from ticket sales, private donations, other outside income such as corporate sponsorships, and student service fee money," Teis said.

Teis said he thinks expanding the stadium will have an over-all benefit on Texas State.
"It will help the department move the football program to division 1 status with the rest of our sports," Teis said. "This increased exposure, as a marketing tool, will benefit the entire university."

A time table has not been set for the remaining projects, but Grice said they are expected to be a work in progress for the next several years.

"We are looking at locations and what it's going to take to do this," Grice said. "We have started the feasibility process, so the wheels are in motion. So as we continue to look at these options, the more clear a definitive timeline is going to be."

Teis said several factors, including the current economic climate, have an impact on the date of completion for the stadium.