One of the most anticipated rites of fall — the college football season — has begun. Teams from schools across the country hit the field last weekend and some of them had more than the usual reasons to cheer as they welcomed more comfortable seats, upgraded concession stands and closer access to the action.
Several college football arenas have undergone major renovations since last season. Here is a roundup of some of them:
University of Southern California's United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The $315 million major overhaul of the Trojans' football stadium was funded entirely through private donations, including United Airlines’ naming gift.
The work encompasses structural and aesthetic improvements, such as a new press box and rooftop deck. The university added all new seats throughout the stadium, each with their own cupholder. Additional aisles and railings have been added for safety purposes, and spectators will have access to enhanced Wi-Fi and cellphone service, according to USC.
Fun fact: In 2028, the Coliseum will host events for the Summer Olympics.
Opening game: Aug. 31
Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium
ASU has been working on a $304 million Sun Devil Stadium renovation to modernize the venue while increasing its usability for non-football events since 2015. This year, the university finished the project with the stadium’s east side upgrade to include air conditioning in its beer garden, finished club areas, and new office space, according to AZ Central.
Connected to the stadium, the 365 ASU Community Union is envisioned as a dynamic cultural hub that will operate every day of the year and act as a model for venues around the world.
Fun fact: The stadium includes office space that will soon be the new home of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, Global Sports Institute and Public Service Academy.
Opening game: Aug. 29
University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium
At a cost of $88.9 million, the upgrades to the Hawkeyes' stadium were mostly focused on the north end, which now offers premium seating, a second deck, new concourses, a state-of-the-art video board, and enhanced concession and restroom space, according to Hawk Central.
Fun fact: The project includes a renovation and design upgrade for the "Swarm," the tunnel that players use to enter the field.
Opening game: Aug. 31
University of Missouri's Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
The home of the Mizzou will unveil its $100 million facelift this weekend when the team plays host to West Virginia University. Thanks to donors, the new south end zone structure is three stories tall, encompassing approximately 200,000 square feet. The university has also added high-tech training rooms, hydrotherapy rooms and cryogenic chambers.
Fun fact: The Bunker Club will offer ground-level sight lines to watch games and greet players as they enter the field.
Opening game: Sept. 7
Brigham Young University LaVell Edwards Stadium
The latest improvements at Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium added structural sections at all four corners of the stadium to connect four formerly independent stands at the mezzanine level. The improvements allow guests to walk between stands without having to return to ground level, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
The number of restrooms, especially for families and women, has also been increased.
Fun fact: The university stored its large collection of Jurassic-period fossils underneath the east bleachers of the stadium until 2005 when it moved them to a museum on campus.
Opening game: Aug. 29
University of Delaware's Delaware Stadium
Delaware Stadium recently completed a facelift that includes new west-side stands with chair backs and cup holders in select sections. The new seating will also allow for more leg and elbow room for Fightin' Blue Hens fans.
Fun fact: The "Cockpit" is the nickname of the student section at home football games located behind the south end zone.
Opening game: Aug. 29
Old Dominion’s S.B. Ballard Stadium
Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium boasts a range of new amenities this season, thanks to a $67.5 million renovation that includes modern concessions and restrooms, a huge video board and more comfortable seats with better sight lines, according to Southside Daily.
Renovations also included new entries, a new press box on the west side of the stadium, 21 new restrooms, a state of the art sound system and new lighting that will provide better quality game lighting for high-definition cameras and broadcasts.
Fun fact: The renovation includes more than 1,000 sideline seats for students with wider seats and more leg room and back support.
Opening game: Aug. 31
