Football Stadium Expansion Moves Forward
January 30, 2007 | Football
Jan. 30, 2007
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The scheduled expansion of the University of Louisville's Papa John's Cardinal, which is slated to be completed in time for the 2009 season, is moving forward as the architects for the project have been hired.
Louisville-based Luckett & Farley will team with Rosser International, based in Atlanta, Ga., one of the nation's leading stadium design firms in the country. They were both involved in the original design of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
In increasing the seating capacity to 63,600, the $65 million project will include 45 new luxury suites, a new south terrace and a unique loge section and additional reserved seating.
"This expansion is going to be first-class and going to give our fans one of the best stadiums in the entire country," said Vice President for Athletics Tom Jurich. "This is the next logical step as we continue to build this football program."
For the past two seasons, the University of Louisville has sold out its allotment of football season tickets, but the expansion will provide fans another option to attend Cardinal football games. Plans are to add 16,100 upper level chair back seats on the East side of the stadium and an additional 2,400 chair back seats on the lower level of both the East and West sides. The athletic department is currently taking names for a waiting list for these seats, as well as current available season tickets that may become available. Although prices haven't been set, a plan is being finalized to offer discounted seats in the new upper deck. A form to sign up for the waiting list is available on-line under the 'Tickets' link at www.UofLsports.com.
A priority date of March 31, 2007, has been set for fans to reserve either loge seats or suites. However, additional orders will be taken following the priority date.
The new East side loge section will provide 2,000 seats with both outside seating and inside amenities. The six-row section stretching from end zone to end zone backs up to a glass-enclosed lounge area with private entrance, concessions, and restrooms under an overhang with fans and heaters to provide climate control. There will also be access to a 5,000-square foot lounge.
The loge will extend the entire length of the stadium's east side and will be divided into three sections for pricing purposes.
There will also be 45 new luxury suites, which includes 18 outside seats plus accommodations for 8-12 persons inside. U of L will accept up to four individual names on each suite to satisfy groups of companies or individuals who want to share their resources. Priority will be given to those who also lease luxury suites in the new downtown basketball arena.
Reservation forms are available through the Cardinal Athletic Fund at 502-852-5735, by checking www.UofLsports.com or by logging on to www.PapaJohnsCardinalStadiumExpansion.com.
