Daily Skiff

Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy of TCU Athletics An artist's rendering shows Amon Carter Stadium from a fan's perspective after construction is complete in the summer of 2008 on new luxury suites in the south end zone.

Just like the rest of campus, Amon Carter Stadium is getting a makeover - a $13 million makeover.

The Walsh Complex in the south end zone area of the stadium is currently under construction to add more luxury suites and seating, said Austin Commercial project manager Brian Andrews. HKS, Inc., an architecture engineering interiors company, and Austin Commercial are working together on the project known as the Athletic Complex Renovation, Andrews said.

"So far we have renovated 10,000 square feet of the Walsh Complex," Andrews said. "But, with the addition of the new facilities outside of Walsh, there will be a total of 28,500 square feet added to the stadium."

Davis Babb, associate athletics director for development, said the reason for the new addition was made based on fan amenity.

"The idea to add the addition was made due to the interest of TCU and the donors," Babb said. "With the addition of the suites, we have the opportunity to have game day usage for the fans, as well as the educational resources for the school with the study rooms."

Jerry Fawcett, senior vice president for HKS, Inc., said the upper level of the addition will have six luxury suites and below will be a seating deck for 220 club seats. A private club will also be added.

"The private club will be a large room with food and beverage service," Fawcett said. "It will be available to patrons who have paid for access into Amon Carter or Daniel-Meyer Coliseum, as well as TCU football and basketball players before or after their games."

But the players don't have to worry about having to share space with TCU fans. Fawcett said the addition will also have a player's club where players can work on other activities besides football.

"The player's club will serve as a place where the football team can relax and hang out," Fawcett said. "It will consist of multiple television monitors, so the team can watch TV or play video games."

When the players hit the books, they will be able to make their way to the new academic space located in the facility. Fawcett said there will be seven tutor rooms with computers as well as office space.

The new addition will not just be available to the football and basketball teams. Fawcett said there will be a large meeting room that could be used for other athletic and campus organizations.

The Athletic Complex Renovation is scheduled to be completed by summer 2008, Andrews said.

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