Phase Three Of Stadium Renovation Project Ready To Begin
12/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 21, 2006
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Phase Three of the Groves Stadium renovation project, which will include the construction of Deacon Tower and improvements to other parts of the facility, will officially begin in January.
Deacon Tower, which will be nearly 123,000 square feet and will stand seven stories and 125 feet, will include premium seating, a new President's box and upgraded press accommodations. Phase Three also includes ground level concessions and a signature entry point for the stadium.
"This project is critical to the future of our football program," Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman said. "Jim Grobe and his staff have done an excellent job of building our program with the current stadium that was built in 1968. The renovated stadium will give us tremendous opportunities in the future. It will not only be one of the most attractive stadiums anywhere, but also give our fans the amenities that they want and deserve."
Ground-breaking is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 24. The renovations are expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2008 football season.
The realization of Phase Three adds to what has already been the most successful, record-setting season in Wake Forest football history. The Demon Deacons won their first ACC championship since 1970, established a school record for wins (11-2 record) and will play in the Jan. 2 FedEx Orange Bowl against Louisville. In addition, Wake Forest was recognized as having the highest academic progress rate of any BCS school.
Phase Three was predicated on commitments for premium seating combined with successful fund-raising efforts and sponsorship support. Wake Forest set a goal of obtaining commitments for 75 percent of the premium seats and that goal was exceeded. In addition, approximately $6 million in outright gift support has been received over the last six months with pledges ranging from three to five years. The fund-raising process will continue over the next five to seven years.
Phases One and Two, which included cosmetic and structural improvements to the stadium and installation of FieldTurf, were completed prior to the start of the 2006 season.
Additional phases, which will include more amenities for fans, are in the plans pending successful fund-raising and marketing of corporate sponsorships.
Wake Forest kicked off the premium seat sales process Aug. 2 with an internal goal of having commitments for 75 percent of the seats. By Oct. 2, those goals had been exceeded. Commitments received by Oct 2:
-- 602 Club Seats (722 commitments)
-- 12 Premium Club Tables (30 commitments)
-- 27 Box Suites (27 commitments)
Due to strong demand for Club Seats and Premium Club Tables, the blueprints were altered to accommodate more patron needs. Twelve outdoor club tables were added for a total of 24. Club Seats were increased by 58 for a total of 660. A waiting list of approximately 100 Club Seats remains active.
The selection process for the various seats will be determined by rank within Deacon Club giving levels.
Through a partnership with ISP Sports, Wake Forest will work jointly to combine media rights, signage and branding opportunities with philanthropic gift support and premium seat opportunities. The initial response of the local business community, according to Associate Athletic Director for Development Barry Faircloth, has been positive.
The success of the Deacon football team has put interest in the program at an all-time high. Wake Forest officials recently announced that the school had sold its allotment of 17,500 tickets for the Jan. 2 FedEx Orange Bowl.
"The response of our fans for the Orange Bowl is unprecedented and is undoubtedly the largest collection of Wake Forest alums in the history of the University," Faircloth said.