UA Board Votes to Continue Plans for $160M Razorback Stadium Expansion

A rendering of the planned expansion and north end zone redesign at Razorback Stadium.

The University of Arkansas board of trustees on Wednesday voted to move forward with the estimated $160 million expansion and renovation of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The planned changes will redesign the north end zone and add 3,000 seats, bringing total stadium capacity to 75,000. 

Trustee David Pryor abstained from voting, telling the board that he needed more information about the plans to make an educated decision. Specifically, he requested insight on the costs and benefits of the expansion, but said, “I want to be supportive if I can.”

The board’s approval allows the project to begin a full design and cost estimate for the stadium project and to begin accepting commitments for donations and private gifts. 

During the meeting, held at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Athletic Director Jeff Long said fans have shown interest in more premium seating options. Although the project will affect ticket prices, Long said that Razorback tickets are the least expensive in the Southeastern Conference and most prices have not changed since 2001.

“Overall, there is a strong indication that fans are interested in and support this,” Long said. “I think this expansion is good for not just the university but for the state of Arkansas.”

While the Razorbacks have struggled to fill the stadium in recent years outside of marquee SEC games (a national trend), the UA has built a waiting list of fans wanting more club and box seating in the stadium.

The expansion would also address safety concerns regarding entering and exiting the stadium in a timely manner. Long said that the flow of fans in and out of the facility needs to be improved “in case of a catastrophic event.”

According to the UA, the scope of the proposed project will include: 

• North end zone addition, which will include new suites, loge boxes, club seats and club areas. The east and west concourses will connect to allow flow of patrons around the stadium, as well as provide new concessions and restrooms. Additional and expanded entrances will improve patron flow. A new gameday locker room, training room, and pre/post game support rooms will be added for the football team.
• Stadium updates. New elevators will be installed at the northeast and northwest corners to service the existing east and west suites, club areas and upper level seating. Existing suites and club areas will be renovated and updated. A new video board will be added at the south end of the stadium. Security and safety systems will be enhanced.
• Frank Broyles Athletic Center. The Broyles Center will be affected by the larger north end zone project, and will be rebuilt in the new north end. The Broyles Center will still house the administrative offices, along with space that can be used for ticketing, merchandise and Razorback history and traditions.

Estimates say the project could be completed in time for the 2018 football season.