Kinnick Stadium renovation gets final approval

CEDAR FALLS, Ia. -- The Iowa Board of Regents unanimously gave final approval to the University of Iowa's plan for an $89.9 million renovation of the north end zone of Kinnick Stadium on Thursday.

The project will take three years and involves the demolition and reconstruction of the north end zone seating area, including a second deck, new restrooms, expanded concourses, improved concessions, an enclosed walkway from the west campus Transportation Center, outdoor club seating, box seats and a new scoreboard that will be larger than the current board in the south end zone.

When completed in 2019, the project will reduce capacity at Kinnick Stadium by about 1,500 seats, down to approximately 69,000.

The university said in a news release that the renovation will increase restroom facilities by 146 percent, including a 200 percent increase in women’s facilities; 90 percent increase in concession points of sale; 42 percent increase in concourse width in the north end zone; 25 percent increase in patron legroom; and wider aisles with handrails. The new concourses will increase from 24 to 34 feet in width, with a dedicated concourse for upper level seating.

Improvements also will include 18-inch-wide bench seating, compared to current width of less than 17 inches. Legroom will be increased from 24 inches to 30 inches; aisles will increase from 42 to 48 inches and will include handrails.

The project will be paid for by private donations, increased ticket revenue from the approximately 1,700 new club seats, and athletic department money.