WestZone project update
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It seems like a decade or so has passed since Clemson University announced plans to create a spectacular new entrance to Memorial Stadium. The WestZone, as it has come to be known, eventually will be home to all football operations as well as display the Tigers’ gloried past in a modern, revenue producing venue. Since there continues to be confusion and speculation as to actually “when” completion will occur, and “what” fans should expect to see, hopefully this short piece may clear up some of the unknowns.
This afternoon Clemson officials will open sealed bids from general contractors hoping to participate in Phase 1 of the WestZone initiative. There are likely only three general contractors involved. Clemson fans, and the Administration alike, are praying that a bid of around $28 million or less is received. However, should the low bid exceed this amount by five percent or so, several less comprehensive alternatives could be chosen to offset the increase. A larger difference of 10 percent or more would send planners back to the drawing board unless an unforeseen donation occurred.
Earlier in the fall, a site package was chosen to begin demolition of several areas of the west end zone. Within the next few days, the existing scoreboard and matrix will be permanently removed. The current “Pawvision” matrix will be installed in Doug Kingsmore Stadium in left field atop a new baseball scoreboard.
While not currently funded, there is talk of a larger, state-of-the-art scoreboard and matrix to be installed above the Hill (east end zone) possibly by next August. New trenching and tie-ins to the piping below the playing surface, reaching out to the 10-yard line, is underway. Additional underground utility work in the parking lot behind the stands should be finished well before the opener next fall.
After the scoreboard removal, the west end zone stands will lose the top 12 rows to accommodate construction of the new connecting facility. The aisles in the lower deck will also be widened causing the loss of four seats in each row. Look for IPTAY leadership to contact ticketholders in this area shortly to discuss new seating options. There will also be a hole cut directly above the goal posts covering roughly six rows (100 feet across). This opening will provide “viewing” for prospective recruits in the future from a second level recruiting room.
The new deck in Phase I will contain just over 1000 seats. The metal roof installed above it will be decorated with flags representing each ACC member (school). The roof will be relocated higher once the second phase begins and the top seating deck is constructed. In Phase I, there will be new seats added in the corners to fill in above the team portals.
New home and visitors dressing rooms will be part of this phase, along with the recruiting area mentioned above. Designers have spared no expense in creating an impressive lockerroom experience for the Tigers.
Food serving areas, private lockers and additional fan amenities will be part of the enclosed area attached to the new seating deck.
Assuming that the bid opening and subsequent contract award goes smoothly, fans can expect to enjoy Phase I of the WestZone beginning in September 2006.
Why can’t Clemson complete this phase prior to next August? Simply put, the slow procurement process as well as current available funding would not support a quicker completion.
Hopefully, increased interest in commitments for the additional 1000 seats in the second deck will spur immediate start-up for construction of the Heritage Center. With a minimum cost of $30 million, Phase II would add additional meeting areas and weight rooms for players. Coaches’ offices and a comprehensive museum displaying the history of Clemson’s total sports program will complete the facility.
A large etching of a Tiger Paw shining brightly against the atrium glass will be seen from Perimeter Road once the final phase is history.
Tigerillustrated.com will have more on the WestZone, as information becomes available.
