Stadium sports new look
It’s been two years in the making, and with the ribbon cutting at the south end of Romney Stadium Monday, the first phase of the renovation will be completed.
“Romney Stadium was constructed in 1968,” said Ken Beazer, director of athletic development at Utah State. “Very little has been done since then.”
Athletic director Randy Spetman said Utah State has been talking about a renovation on the Spectrum for nearly 12 years.
When Spetman came to Utah State and looked at the plan for the renovation, he said he knew USU would need a lot more money. By dividing the renovation into four stages, Spetman said it let people see the progress being made on the stadium.
Spetman said there was a reason they decided to do the south entrance first.
“They’re the ones that have majorly contributed,” he said. “I wanted to make sure we took care of the students – where the students sit – first.
“When you have a major donor, you take care of your major donor. As far as I’m concerned, our students have been our major donors,” he said.
Beazer said the first phase of the project was designed to help with the congestion on the students’ side of the stadium.
Some of the additions include more windows at the ticket office on the south side, and opening up a new student entrance on the east side of the stadium. Beazer said it will hopefully reduce the lines to get in the stadium.
A full grill has been added in the concession area, along with several more windows. Next to the new concession area, a plaza has been built where Beazer said students can meet and mingle.
“It will definitely enhance their experience at the games,” Beazer said. “You can now go and get a snack and not miss half the game. You can talk with your friends at the game and not be clogging the main entrance to the stands.”
The overall cost of phase one of the project has been $1.96 million. Beazer said originally it was not going to cost that much, “but we looked at it and said if we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right.”
Future plans for renovation to the stadium include renovating the locker rooms in the north endzone. Beazer said that building has been there since the stadium was first constructed.
A press box renovation and a booster club hall of fame are also planned as the final two phases of construction.
He added that the athletic department is just grateful to the students for all they have done to help with the renovations.
Beazer added that he is excited for the students to come see the facility and hopes they will enjoy it.
“We’ve enhanced your ability to enjoy the game,” he said. “Now, hopefully, our football team will provide a better product out on the football field.”
-aedmunds@cc.usu.edu