Stadium Committee Approves Expansion Plans
November 05, 2007 | Football
Nov. 5, 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville's Papa John's Cardinal Stadium expansion committee has unanimously approved the designs for the stadium expansion, which is scheduled to be completed for the 2010 football season.
The design will include the following elements:
- Seating capacity will increase to over 60,000. All additional seats will be chairback seats.
- Second deck on the east side will have 16,000 chairback seats.
- 45 new luxury suites will be added to the east side.
- 2,000 new premium loge seats will be added to the east side.
- A new 60-feet wide terrace will be added at the top of the south endzone, connecting the east and west sides of the stadium. The area will include concessions, tables, and restrooms.
- Additional restroom facilities will be added in the expansion.
"We're very appreciative to all of the committee members for their input and involvement in the overall design and planning of the stadium expansion," said U of L Vice President and Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. "This expansion is a key component in the development of our football program. I know our fans will enjoy the additional seating and entertainment opportunities in which they can now participate."
The $69 million expansion is being designed by Luckett and Farley/Rosser International with the assistance of PC Sports. The construction management for the project will be selected in November. With appropriate state approval, construction on the project is scheduled begin in May of 2008.
The stadium expansion committee includes several knowledgeable business people who have tremendous experience in building facilities. The committee includes:
- Larry Benz - local businessman and CEO of several companies
- Jonathan Blue - CEO, Blue Equity, which is involved in several sports entities throughout the world
- Mike Brown - Director of Business Development for Barrister Commercial Group, the former manager of Louisville area Pepsi-Cola and a partial owner of the Louisville Bats
- Kevin Cogan -- CEO/Owner, Jefferson Development, a local real estate developer
- Mike Curtin - Vice President / Finance, University of Louisville
- Larry Hayes - Deputy Mayor, Metro Louisville
- Bob Koetter, Jr. - President, Koetter Construction and a local real estate developer
- Chris Sternberg - Senior Vice President, Papa John's International
- Jim Patterson II - Pattco Inc., involved in a multitude of real estate transactions and developments
- Bruce Perkins - Senior Vice President, Humana Inc
- Steve Poe - Poe Companies, involved in 21C Hotel, Museum Plaza and several other real estate developments
- Sam Rechter - Rogers Group Investments, involved in several real estate projects and businesses around the country
- Dan Ulmer - Chairman of the Board, Louisville Bats and Co-Chairman of Arena Authority for Louisville's downtown arena
- Will Wolford - Co-Owner, Louisville Fire and former NFL lineman
"This is an exciting and much needed expansion of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium," said Ulmer. "The design includes many fan friendly elements that will enhance an already wonderful facility. I know all UofL fans will look forward to the project being completed and supporting the Cardinals."
Fundraising for the stadium expansion was kicked off with John and Annette Schnatter and Papa John's lead gift of $10 million. Sales of football suites and premium loge seats are currently underway and selling well. Suites and loge seats are still available and more information can be obtained by contacting the Cardinal Athletic Fund at 502-852-5735. A limited number of special joint packages which include seating options for both the stadium expansion and the new downtown arena are also available.
