Saluki Athletics has begun Phase One of Saluki Way -- the construction of a new football stadium, renovations to SIU Arena and the tennis courts, plus a new 56,000-square foot team facility for football and basketball. The first phase of the $83 million project, which began in early September, includes construction of two new tennis courts plus the relocation of intramural rugby and softball fields. Actual ground-breaking on the new stadium is expected in the spring of 2009.
In late October, 5,000 cubic yards of soil were moved to what will become the north endzone of the new stadium when it is completed in 2010. The fill dirt will be used to create a 28-foot high berm that will allow for overflow seating on the grass and provide a visual enclosure to the horseshoe-shaped stadium.
Oct. 31, 2008 -- Soil for berm transported to site of new football stadium
May 12, 2008 -- Southern Illinois Orthopedic Center pledges $500,000
Jan. 24, 2008 -- Greg and Nancy Cook announce $1 million gift
Nov. 8, 2007 -- Watch Video Animation
Aug. 22, 2007 -- Carbondale City Council approves funding for Saluki Way
Saluki Way is being funded by student athletics fees, funds from the City of Carbondale, revenues generated by the athletics department and private donations.
The design work is completed, and bids for the project are due by Nov. 11.
The projects are part of a grander University plan to create a new campus core that would stretch from the flagpole near Altgeld Hall south to the new football stadium and refurbished SIU Arena. The plan also calls for a new student services building, a new academic building and modern parking garages.
Director of Athletics Mario Moccia said he expects the improvements to have a lasting impact.
"New facilities help us not only keep up with what our competition is doing but allow us to recruit top-notch student athletes," Moccia said.
The football stadium, with a capacity of 15,000, will replace McAndrew Stadium, originally constructed in 1939. The new facility will be located south of McAndrew and northeast of the Arena. The "U"-shaped facility will feature tiered seating on the east, west and south sides, with a corresponding lower concourse level. The main entry will be at the southwest corner, with the scoreboard on the north end. The concourse will house concessions, restrooms and storage areas. A media area, coaches' suites, a club area and viewing suites will be on the west side, above the seating areas.
Construction of the new stadium will require relocating the University tennis courts and the recreational sports fields.
Renovations to the Arena, which opened in 1964, will include new seating throughout the lower and upper areas, improved accessibility and entrances to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, middle handrails at all aisles, improved concessions, additional restrooms and fan amenities on the upper level, a new scoreboard and other aesthetic and functional improvements.
A two-level addition will be built on the northeast side of the Arena and will house a main entrance, expanded team facilities, an auditorium, mechanical areas and office space.
The renovations will take place in two phases, as the Salukis will continue to play basketball in the Arena while the project is under way.
