The project commenced towards the end of 2005. The primary phases of the stadium renovation included gutting and upgrading suites, corridors, concession stands and bathrooms across the entire facility. The facility was fitted with new electrical, video and audio systems while all its seats were cleaned or replaced. Other features include construction of four large club lounges on the second floor featuring new windows which allow glimpses of the downtown.
The original dilapidated aluminum siding of the stadium has been substituted with a new one in champagne tone. The facility’s entire lower bowl seats will be rearranged in order to provide the spectators with a closer view of the field as compared to the earlier facility. The reconfiguration of seats will enhance the stadium’s seating capacity from 70,000 to about 73,000.
The project will further include construction of new lounges spanning 7,000 square feet. Ticket-holders in that part can enter the stadium through a specially-designed entrance. The entrance will feature a set of doors made of glass with wide strips of cherry wood panelling overhead. The panelling will feature along the ceiling contours and lead to a bar across the lounge. The polished granite lounge floors will be accentuated by carpets and white leather furniture.
The main concourse has undergone a complete reconstruction and is now almost thrice as wide as the former one. The improved concourse will be fitted with new tile flooring and brighter cove atop. Footbridges connecting the old concourse with the seats have been phased out. The refurbished facility also features larger concession stands in stainless steel with a capacity to handle up to 20% additional customers at one time.
The rest rooms of the stadium have undergone a facelift while their capacity has increased by almost two times. A total of 100 large flat screen TVs have been installed in the underside of the second deck to facilitate spectators sitting in the upper part of the lower bowl or walking along the concourse. In addition, the ramp to one of the main entrances has been enhanced in width.
