Tennessee announced a partnership with Populous, a design company with an office in Knoxville, to “conduct a comprehensive renovation plan and feasibility study for venerable Neyland Stadium.”
According to a release put out by UT on Thursday morning, “The multi-faceted project will include a facility and technology assessment, new conceptual designs, a market feasibility study, cost estimations, and a financial and funding analysis. The primary scope of the engagement will evaluate upgrades to the south and east sides of Neyland Stadium including such elements as widening concourses, expanding restrooms, and improving concessions areas. Additionally, the project will prioritize other stadium enhancements which contribute to the game day experience such as hospitality areas and in-venue technology offerings (additional video displays, state-of-the-art sound system, high density wi-fi delivery, etc.).”
“The time is right to turn our focus to the long-term investment in Neyland Stadium,” Dave Hart, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics said in the release “This process is a critical step in determining the appropriate vision and supporting business model for a significant renovation. The resulting outcomes will serve as a catalyst toward making this vision become a reality.”
“We truly value the tremendous support of our Volunteer fan base,” added Hart. “It is an exciting time to be a Tennessee Volunteer. The enthusiasm surely to surround this project further demonstrates the positive trajectory and momentum behind our program.”
Populous has worked on other stadium projects including Kyle Field for Texas A&M, McLane Stadium at Baylor, Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium and others. Neyland Stadium is currently the fifth largest collegiate football stadium in the nation with a capacity of 102,455. It’s unclear if any of the potential renovations would either increase or decrease that current capacity.
UT most recently spent approximately $140 million between 2005-2010 on a three-phase renovation to Neyland Stadium that included interior and exterior renovations.
