North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The groundbreaking ceremony for the first expansion phase at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m., Director of Athletics Mike Hill announced.
The project is being managed by Barton Malow Builders, a construction firm that is coordinating the pre-qualification process for contractors and the design of the expansion is by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, which has been awarded the contract for the initial stadium expansion and renovation.
The project is expected to cost as much as $70 million, according to published reports.
“The response to our expansion plans has been tremendous, and on August 27, those plans will begin to take shape as we officially begin construction,” Hill said. “Over the next two seasons, with as little interruption to the game day experience as possible, our project team will be hard at work delivering a high-end, premium space and more seating capacity for Niner Nation.”
During construction, Richardson Stadium’s capacity is not expected to be impacted, but modifications to the game-day experience are expected. Gate 2, a primary entrance off the stadium’s south side, will not be operational for much of construction, and some tailgating spaces will be temporarily relocated.
The new tower will allow Charlotte Athletics to activate the stadium for additional community events and year-round usage by Charlotte student-athletes for dining purposes. It will feature premium seating inventory, including suites, loge boxes, ledge seating, an indoor club, and an east and west deck patio space.