Renovations of the upper west deck of Tiger Stadium will begin next week, causing mixed feelings among students.
According to a press release from LSU Athletics, the project, funded by the Tiger Athletic Foundation, will install 3,200 club seats and a new press box.
This expansion will eliminate 75 to 100 parking spots, said Gary Graham, director of parking, traffic and transportation.
According to a flier from the office of parking, traffic and transportation, all athletic administration parkers must park in the new gated lot located on the west side of the athletic building, between the athletic building and the restrooms.
There is additional parking for commuter students at Alex Box Stadium and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
LSU currently is developing a plan for student parking and Tiger Stadium entrance changes.
“It’s a hassle because everyone has to deal with it,” psychology sophomore Kelly Blackmon said. “The renovations will probably be good for the school. It’ll help more than hurt.”
Renovations will last 18 months, ending by the opening game of the 2005 football season.
According to the press release, the expansion began Jan. 9 with a construction fence around the west side of the stadium. This week, contractors are driving test pilings on the site.
The renovations will not affect the 2004 football season. The support structure will be built during the 2004 calendar year, and the demolition of the west side will take place upon the completion of the 2004 football season.
“Definitely go for it,” said Tony DeYoung, a biological sciences freshman. “To make the stadium better, losing parking spots isn’t much.”
Revenue earned by selling club tickets will be used for building a football operations building in May, renovating or replacing the baseball stadium, various renovations and replacements for the softball stadium and other athletic projects, said Herb Vincent, senior associate director of athletics.