In September 2009, the Regents authorized the UA’s 2011-2013 Capital Improvement Plan, which included the stadium renovation. The regents’ capital committee approved the project in the beginning of January 2010.
If approved, the Wildcats would be able to formally raise money for the construction of a multistory building in the north end zone to house team offices and 5,000 seats. The project also would replace lighting and the scoreboard, moving a new screen to the south end. Jimenez Practice Facility would be expanded by July 2010.
In November 2009, the University of Arizona had received a $10 million gift from Jeff and Sharon Stevens, and the money has been earmarked for the stadium project.
John Perrin, senior associate athletic director, stated that the UA would raise at least half the $85.7 million in time for construction which begins in the 2011 spring. The estimated annual debt service would total about $6.3 million. Hiring an architect and approving the final design and cost estimates could take until December, he added.
The project may also include the removal of the scoreboard before the construction began. Perrin stated that the seats in the north end zone would likely be unavailable during the two to three years of construction.
The Arizona Stadium was built in the year 1928 and is the oldest athletic department facility still in use at the UA.
