With its old-fashioned infrastructure, Alex Box Stadium seats 7,760 and is the final stadium in the Southeastern Conference to not be renovated or replaced. But this could change in the next couple of years. The Tiger Athletic Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that supports the University and its athletic program, is reviewing potential plans to turn the stadium into a parking lot. Results of a study conducted by TAF are being evaluated to determine whether the site is feasible for motor home parking or automobile parking during game days. Another option is to allow for both types of parking. The plans are in the preliminary stages, and approval from the University system would be required before anything is finalized. Herb Vincent, senior associate athletic director, said if the area is used for motor home tailgaters during game days, it would serve student commuters the rest of the year. He said TAF is working in conjunction with the Athletic Department on the project. TAF would be tasked with all financing for the stadium’s demolition and lot pavement if the project follows through, although an estimated cost has not yet been determined. But Rick Perry, TAF executive director, said TAF and the Athletic Department are not in a situation to rush forward. “Nothing can be done until the new stadium is done,” he said. The new stadium will be built at the corner of Nicholson Drive and Gourrier Lane across from Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar and is expected to be completed for the 2009 baseball season. Perry said part of the study conducted included surveying public opinion to judge level of interest for the proposal. He said the feedback results are still under evaluation. Students have mixed reactions about the new stadium and preliminary work plans. Ricky Decastro, kinesiology senior, said this might be the change needed to rejuvenate the baseball team. “With the baseball team not looking so hot in the past few years, maybe this is something they need,” he said. “With a new stadium and new players, hopefully will come a new winning season. Since this is a walking campus now, I think it would be a good idea to have another parking lot.” But Decastro said he would be sad at the same time if Alex Box is demolished. “A lot of great LSU teams have played in Alex Box,” he said. “There have been numerous championships there.” Tyler Bonin, chemistry senior, said he does not think the new stadium is necessary. “I don’t see anything wrong with the one we have now,” he said. “If they do decide to build a lot for student parking in place of Alex Box, I don’t think it would help students because it would be too far.” Since 1984, Alex Box Stadium has attracted more than 3 million baseball fans, while its rich history as the home of the LSU Fighting Tigers dates back to 1938. Perry said there have been discussions for a memorial on the original site to remember the historical stadium. He also said more research still needs to be conducted. He said even if a parking lot is not put on the site, whatever the final decision is will serve student needs and other functional purposes.
—Contact Natalie Messina at [email protected]