Q & A
Q: Why Renovate?
A: While the Cougars have been a premier Pacific-10 Conference football program over the past decade (four 10-win seasons; four bowl appearances, including two Rose Bowls) the stadium that they compete in is not a premier facility in the conference. Martin Stadium's facilities are well below the standards that Cougar fans should expect of a Pac-10 institution, putting both the outstanding game-day experience and long-term success for Cougar football in jeopardy.
Q: Is Martin Stadium holding WSU down as opposed to other Pac-10 Stadiums?
A: Yes. WSU has the smallest capacity of any stadium in the Pac-10 (35,117). For many, the quality of the stadium is a reflection on the quality of the University and it impacts the recruitment of student-athletes and other students to the University overall. Down the road, Martin Stadium, in its current state, may place WSU in a weakened position in comparison to the other Pac-10 schools. Martin Stadium holds such a prominent position in the middle of the WSU campus, it is important to make its appearance first-class. Our goal is to make Martin Stadium a highlight of the campus.
Q: How will the renovation benefit the fans?
A: Washington State University has always strived to provide the best fan experience at any Pacific-10 Conference University. The renovation is directed to give WSU students, fans, and alumni a more fan-friendly game-day experience with easier access in and out of the stadium, high-quality concession areas, and additional and improved restroom facilities.
Q: How will the WSU Athletic Department benefit?
A: A renovation will help WSU maintain a more competitive financial position in the Pac-10 Conference and nationally since premium seating and related concession sales will provide additional operating revenue for WSU's Athletic Department. Additional operating revenue benefits all sports at WSU, not just football, which strengthens our ability to win across the entire spectrum of athletic competition.
Q: How will Washington State University and the Pullman community benefit from the stadium renovation?
A: A renovated stadium provides a spotlight not only on the Athletic Department, but also on the University. The renovated Martin Stadium will serve as a multi-use, world-class facility that will benefit all aspects of the University, from its ability to help attract spectators from throughout the region and nation to assisting in the recruitment of the best students, faculty, and staff to the University as an embodiment of WSU's commitment to world class facilities. Potentially, space or open space in the newly renovated stadium may be used as meeting space for non-athletic functions. WSU Athletics wants the entire WSU student-body to utilize the stadium as much as possible. Cougar Athletics is one of the largest economic drivers of the Pullman region. A visit to the renovated Martin Stadium provides a positive experience on game day, which leads to repeat visits outside of Athletics, promoting tourism, industry, and related direct and indirect economic benefits to local and surrounding regional businesses and community organizations.
Q: How many phases are there to the renovation?
A: There are four phases planned for the renovation. Phase I of construction includes the development of restrooms and concessions at the east end of the stadium and new restroom facilities on the south concourse. In addition, a plaza will be developed as part of the northeast entrance and a new ticket office will be constructed in the east end as well. Phase II includes a widening of the north concourse, in conjunction with the development of new restroom and concession facilities. Phase III will include constructing luxury suites, loge boxes and club seats atop the north stands. Phase IV will include the construction of additional seating atop the east stands.
Q: How will the phases be funded?
A: Funding for Phases I and II of the renovation is provided primarily through a facility fee placed on football tickets and a student fee, which was approved with overwhelming support by WSU students in March 2006. Funding for Phases III and IV will be provided through donations and revenue garnered from the lease of suites, loge boxes and suites in the premium seating areas.
Q: What is the timeline for the renovation?
A: Construction on Phases I and II began in December 2006 and is scheduled to be complete by the start of the 2008 football season. Phase III work is tentatively set to begin in early 2009. No timeline has been set for Phase IV.
Q: Will the amount of student seating remain the same?
A: Washington State Athletics has always taken pride in its commitment to not only the student-athletes at WSU, but to the student body as a whole. The allotment of seats provided to WSU students will remain the same with the newly renovated stadium.
Q: After all the phases are completed, will seating capacity to Martin Stadium increase?
A: Phase III and IV construction will leave Martin Stadium with an approximate seating capacity of 43,000, an increase from its current capacity of 35,117.
Q: Have you received positive response from alumni?
A: Yes. WSU Athletics has conducted a market survey, which demonstrates strong support for the project, and in particular, the purchase of premium seats.
Q: What role does recruiting play into the renovation?
A: Recruiting does play a role, directly with football but also indirectly with all the sports at WSU. The renovation will positively impact all of WSU Athletics with recruiting.
Q: Will the renovations address ADA accessibility?
A: ADA seating and accessibility will be addressed in all phases of the renovation. We intend to add ADA seating in the east and south sides. The renovations will be ADA compliant.
Q: Will there be any changes to the scoreboard?
Yes. A new scoreboard with state-of-the-art video and audio technology will be installed behind the west end zone. The scoreboard is tentatively planned for installation in the summer of 2008.
Q: How can I contribute and be a part of the renovation effort? Will there be some type of donor recognition area in the stadium?
If you would like more specific information on how to support the stadium renovation effort, please call the WSU Athletic Foundation office at 1-877-IMA-COUG/509-335-0220. A donor recognition area that will list all contributors to the renovation project is in the planning stages. Information on this area will be released once the details are finalized.
