Texas Tech University Athletics
Jones SBC Stadium Progress Announced
November 07, 2001 | Football
Nov. 7, 2001
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers announced today (Nov. 7) that a portion of Phase II construction of Jones SBC Stadium would be complete by the beginning of the 2002 football season, with the remainder to be done in spring 2003.
Due to be completed is most of the new stadium fa?ade. The portion to be completed in the spring includes private suites and club seating.
"Because of the enthusiasm generated by this year's football season, many of our fans had asked if suites and clubs seats would be available for the 2002 season. We wanted to let them know as early as possible that those seats probably will not be available next season,'' Myers said. "All of us are excited about our football program and the stadium renovation project. The full impact of the renovation, including suites and club seats, will not be realized until the 2003 season.''
Texas Tech has sold 781 of 1,112 club seats an more than 40 of 47 luxury suites in the new West Stadium Building. Inclement weather cost the project 60 days. Also scheduling issues related to the September 11 attacks and related security issues since that time have slowed construction at least another 60 days.
"Our first concern at Jones SBC Stadium is the safety of our fans. We were not willing to rush construction and sacrifice that safety. We never before experienced ongoing construction during the time our team was playing in a facility," Myers said. "Regardless of the construction next season, we will reward our fans with an outstanding football team on the field."
The $90 million renovation and expansion of the stadium began in 2000 and signaled the largest expansion of the 54-year old facility since it was enlarged from 27,000 seats to 41,500 seats in 1959. Phase I of construction was complete in time for the 2001 football season and included new and enlarged restrooms, a new mezzanine and new concession areas. Phase II construction, the lengthiest part of the project, began at the close of the 2000 football season.
Future plans include construction of a football training facility and further improvements to the stadium bowl.
