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| Clearing debris on west side |
The day they received their invitation to the Rose Bowl, TCU imploded the north and west sides of Amon G. Carter stadium. That was December 5th and just a little more than a month later, structural elements of the new additions are already in place. (here's a link to the plans)
The entire project is expected to be complete and ready for the 2012 season. This means that construction will continue during the 2011 season. Can you imagine the challenge this could present? Construction will stop for the six gamedays next season and then resume as soon as possible once a game is complete.
What's the biggest concern with this entire $125 million renovation? "The weather," according to TCU athletic director Chris del Conte. Understandably. Lengthy weather delays could be a nightmare.
During 2011, seating capacity for games will be limited to low to mid-30,000 range. Once the renovation is complete, the school anticipates capacity to be a little more than 40,000. The new stadium will also feature 25 luxury suites.
The pièce de résistance for anyone who has ever covered a TCU game is the proposed new press box. The old one featured an old, creaky elevator that you literally had to pray to whatever God you worship on the ride up because you didn't know if you were going to make it. The accordion-style gate and oh-so-popular handle that got passengers to the top will be on display in the new stadium. Sweet, sweet memories.
Enough babble.
Here's a look at the progress, as off January 11, 2011:
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| Debris on the west side of stadium next to lower level which will remain for 2011 season |
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| View to the north of Amon G. Carter stadium |
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| Beams in place on the north side of the stadium for structural support for a future second level. |
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| Everything still coming up roses on-campus |
