ODU announces $65 million project to expand S.B. Ballard Stadium

Old Dominion University on Friday announced plans to rebuild and expand the 81-year-old S.B. Ballard Stadium.

Construction on phase one of the $65 million project will begin this summer and end before the home opener of the 2019 football season.

ODU’s Department of Design and Construction is working with Intercollegiate Athletics and a design and construction management team that includes Moseley Architects, Populous and S.B. Ballard Construction.

The project is being funded with athletic revenue, private funding and bond proceeds and will not require state funding or an increase in student fees.

The stadium design implements many of the recommendations from a 2016 survey of fans.

The east and west stands will be demolished and replaced. New mid-field, fixed-back seating will include bleacher seating with backs. Leg room will increase by at least 9 inches for every seat in the bowl.

Renovations also will include new entrances, including a designated entrance for students and new concessions, providing more than 45 food and merchandise vendors.

It also will feature a new press box and stadium sound system.

The university plans to memorialize the history of Foreman Field by referencing the iconic arches of the original stadiums and incorporating its brick patter into the new design.

The entire stadium will be configured to allow the building to expand in the future.

Construction is not expected to affect the upcoming 2018 football season, and the Monarchs will not have to play a home game outside of the stadium.