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Cougar Alumni, Students, and
Fans:
Welcome to the
Martin Stadium renovation website. On December 4, 2006,
the long awaited renovation of the stadium began. I
cannot begin to express how critical this project is to
the future of Washington State University and WSU
Athletics. The renovation will add to the
vitality of not only the WSU football program and Cougar
Athletics in general but the entire
University.
This is
the first renovation of the stadium in 27 years, and it
would not be possible without the support of WSU
students, alumni, and Cougar fans. Your support is
sincerely appreciated. Thank you.
Although construction on the stadium started in
early December 2006, the work on this project started
well over three years ago. A team of experts --
from the fields of architecture, construction, finance,
banking, facilities management, marketing,
communications, and fundraising -- has crafted the
strategic plan which drives the entire project. Our
thanks to this dedicated group, too.
The benefits of the initial
renovation phases will be immediately apparent to
everyone. You will appreciate a more fan-friendly
game-day experience with easier access in and out of the
stadium, more concession areas, and improved and expanded
restroom facilities. Additional phases of the renovation
are planned. These future phases will expand the capacity
of the stadium and add premium seating areas while
retaining what makes watching home football games so
special for Cougar fans. All these improvements will make
the best game-day experience in the Pac-10 even better.
Revenues from ticket purchasers and students will allow
us to issue revenue bonds in the amount of approximately
$24 million. This will cover the expense of Phases I and
II of the stadium renovation.
Phases III and IV of the
renovation will further enhance the overall facility and
increase the number of seats including several types of
premium seating. These improvements will enable
more fans to enjoy Cougar football, assist in recruiting,
and provide opportunities to increase operating revenue
for WSU Athletics; all of which will enhance the
competitiveness of Cougar football, and benefit all WSU
student-athletes and sports programs. We have started the
"silent phase" of our fundraising efforts and have
received the support of many generous and dedicated
Cougars. More support will certainly be needed, but we
are off to a great start. Our thanks to all of those who
have helped get this project off the ground.
Designs for Phase III are
expected to be completed in 2008. Once we have
final designs, a construction timetable, and University
approval, we will post renderings of the stadium on this
website and in other communication vehicles.
Completion of Phase III design
will also allow us to move forward with the sale of
premium seating and prepare for the public phase of
fundraising. We will need help from you and every
Cougar to generate the funding for Phase III and Phase
IV.
Please take a moment to peruse
the website to learn more about the project. More
information on the improvements and how you can help will
be forthcoming as we roll out our
plan.
I would like
to take this opportunity to thank all of the ticket
holders, students, and donors for your tremendous
support. The renovation would not be possible without
you. Your generosity is truly making a difference
for WSU now and into the future.
If you would like more specific
information on how to support the stadium renovation
effort please call the WSU Athletics Foundation office at
1-877-IMA-COUG, 509-335-0220, or via e-mail at
athleticinfo@wsu.edu.
On
behalf of the Washington State Athletic Department, thank
you for visiting our site and your interest in the
renovation
project.
Go
Cougs!
Jim Sterk
Director of Athletics
Washington State University