Memorial Stadium could look a little different in 2017.
Friday morning, IU's Board of Trustees will vote on whether or not to go forward with a proposed $53 million renovation, which would enclose the stadium's south end zone.
The enclosure would not add additional seating to Memorial Stadium, but rather increase the amount of student athlete facilities available and provide a consolidated rehabilitation and treatment center.
The addition will be called the Memorial Stadium Excellence Academy, and will include three levels. The lowest level will consist of the rehabilitation resources, while the concourse level will include a renovated Hoosier Room, a dining area for student athletes and event staff. The concourse level will also include a multipurpose event suite with a glass wall looking out onto the football field.
The roof of the enclosure will include Knothole Park, a mini football field for children to play on during football games that currently takes up the area behind the south end zone. Also on the roof of the enclosure will be a 40 x 70 foot video scoreboard. The north end zone will also now include a 20 x 60 foot video scoreboard.
Since the Hoosier Room is now moving to the new south end zone enclosure, the space it currently occupies in the north end zone can be reconfigured to include a sports medicine facility and a player's lounge.
In addition to the south end zone, the proposal also includes a vision for a renovated locker room.
The entirety of the $53 million of renovations will be funded through Gifts through the IU Foundation and with Athletic Department funds.
Michael Hughes
