Phase Two of Stadium Construction Under Way

North Side of Boone Pickens Stadium to be Complete by Sept. of 2006

Phase two of the major construction project will create a north stadium that virtually mirrors the state-of-the-art south stadium that opened last fall. The completed project will feature all new fan amenities including restrooms, concessions and ramp areas. The north side will also feature a club seating level and suite level.

Complete north stadium renovations are scheduled to be finished by September 1, 2006. During the construction of the project Hall of Fame Avenue between Knoblock and Hestor streets will be closed to give contractors a large enough laydown area for structural steel and other materials.

During the 2005 football season, the north stadium seating areas will be open but restroom and concession areas will be under construction. Temporary facilities, similar to what were used on the south side in 2003, will be in place to minimize the inconvenience.

While there are some minor changes within the construction timeline, the ultimate completion date for the entire second phase is still September of 2006.

“We're excited to begin construction on the north side of Boone Pickens Stadium,” said David Schmidly, OSU System CEO and President. “We are building a state-of-the-art facility that creates a football stadium second to none in the country and greatly improves the game-day experience for our fans.”

Oklahoma State Athletics Director Harry Birdwell said, “Phase II construction promises the same awe-inspiring facelift created on the south side of the stadium. And despite a bit of delay, we look forward to completing the entire north side for the start of the 2006 football season. We are working closely with the City of Stillwater to most effectively route traffic during the construction.

“Fans will face some of the same minor inconveniences our fans on the south side experienced during the 2003 season,” said Birdwell. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of the north side fans, and all our fans, as we complete this important project. It will be well worth it.”

Student Government Association President Joe St. John said, “OSU students are proud to call Boone Pickens Stadium home of our football team and we’re eager to see the project begin on the student side of the stadium. When we agreed last year to extend student fees to help fund the project we were expressing our strong support for this much-needed renovation.”

Mike Gundy, new OSU football coach, said, “We are working hard to build a championship team and with Boone Pickens Stadium we are building a championship facility every Cowboy player will love to call home.”

The overall cost of the total project has increased due to an increase in construction costs of between 20-25 percent over the past 12 months. As a result, the estimate for the cost of phase II is now $56 million. The estimated cost for the first two phases of the project is now $102 million.

Birdwell said, “While we are concerned with that increase, we are confident that through our ongoing fundraising efforts we will adequately fund the project and service our debt. Our alumni and supporters, beginning of course with Boone Pickens, have stepped forward in a huge way, pledging nearly $80 million to date.”

For more information, including artist renderings, go to the “Stadium Campaign” link at http://www.okstate.com