The project will involve removal of the south end zone stands at the stadium after an engineering study found that they could be unsafe. Temporary bleachers already owned by the university will be placed in the south end zone area for the school’s marching band. The Redbird student section will be moved to the south end of the east seating area. The temporary bleachers will be smaller than the current stands, but seating will be allowed on the berm on both sides of the bleachers.
The seating capacity of the 12,000-seat stadium will be reduced below 10,000 to approximately 9,500 because of removal of the south end zone stands before the coming football season. The renovation will also involve landscape enhancements to allow for lawn seating and standing room space surrounding the temporary bleachers.
Illinois State University has been considering extensive renovations to Hancock Stadium for several years. The $350,000 project will be funded from the $1.5 million approved by the board of trustees in February 2008 for planning and design of the Hancock stadium renovation.
The renovation is expected to be finished before the 2011 football season begins.
