On the day the University of Washington Huskies faced the Ducks, Autzen Stadium held 46,153 fans — 4,455 fans over capacity.
This boost in attendance in the past few years is one of the main reasons for the push to complete the Autzen expansion project that began during the summer of 2000.
The estimated $81 million project, which began to take shape in 1999, will expand seating capacity, improve circulation, accessibility, restrooms, concessions and press facilities, as well as add an additional 12,000 seats.
“To me it is a number-one priority,” Athletic Director Bill Moos said. “Without it, we can’t increase revenue streams.”
Although the first phase of the expansion was launched on schedule, the addition of seating will be delayed by a year, and, according to Moos, was at a point where it was in jeopardy of losing another year. Because of this possibility, the University will continue moving forward with expansion plans immediately after this season.
“Because of the loss of a major piece of funding, it had to be put on hold,” Moos said.
Nike CEO Phil Knight pulled an expected $30 million to $50 million dollar donation for the expansion when the University joined the Worker Rights Consortium last April, leaving the Athletic Department with a big hole to fill.
“We are hoping we can attract major donations to help fill the void of Mr. Knight,” Moos said.
Funding could also come from bonds.
“Financing does not involve any taxpayer or student funds,” Dave Williford, assistant director of Athletic Media Services, said.
The year-long setback of adding seats has also caused a change in the setup of construction. Originally, the project was slated to take place in three phases. The first phase began last summer, and includes work on the north berm of the stadium, removal of raspberry bushes, and complex electrical work that put the stadium on its own power source.
“The project has now been expanded from a three-phase project to a four-phase project,” Williford said. “We have divided the original phase one into two phases.”
The second phase will begin after this football season.
“It will include work on the north side of the stadium, a new ticket building, fences and underground utility during next spring and summer,” said Steve McBride, assistant athletic director of internal operations.
Phase 3 of the project, which should be completed by the 2002 season, will be the most noticeable of the four-phase expansion, adding 12,000 new seats, at least 3,000 of which will be located in a new covered club section.
There will also be 32 new skyboxes, a three-story luxury suite and improved concession stands. The total stadium capacity will increase from 41,700 to 53,800 seats.
“Phase four will finish up the rest of the work in the nine months between November and August 2002, including completion of suites and renovation work,” McBride said.The entire project should be completed and ready to accommodate fans by the 2003 season.