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Brooks Stadium construction set to continue through 2019

Construction at Brooks Stadium is about halfway through the year-and-a-half long addition process. Phase II includes increasing the seating capacity to at least 20,000, adding luxury suites and an upper deck to the west side of the stadium, as well as other features such as new entrances.

The stadium expansion is in response to the Chanticleers joining the Sun Belt Conference and meeting NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision requirements.

The construction began Jan. 2, 2018, and is projected to be substantially finished on May 7, 2019. The estimated final completion date is June 6, 2019.

While Brooks Stadium is being renovated, Chanticleer football is still playing at home for the next two weekends (Nov. 10 and 17). The East Stands parking lot, including all gates (2, 3 and 4), will be open and available during game days in November. Northeast, the new plaza entrance, will continue to be open with limited access. Construction fencing will be along the existing sidewalk from the Springs Brooks Stadium to the Adkins Field House with gate access between new brick columns at the plaza entrance.

The West Stands will have construction fencing along the outer stadium column row. No access will be allowed beyond this point out toward S.C. 544. There is a single entrance access at Gate 6, located on the corner of University Boulevard and S.C. 544. Gate 7 is closed and inaccessible. The Emergency Access and Fire Lane Gate in the Northwest corner is open for emergency vehicles.

As of Oct. 16, the middle and south towers were topped off with masonry block. Once D&T Steel sets the metal frames in the openings on the S.C. 544 side of each tower, the masons plan to finish block work above the highest frame. Decking is finished on the second level, as well as installation of cantilever beams over the walkway.

As of Oct. 22, the concrete crew was working in the plaza deck, prepping for a concrete pour in the days following. Steel erection and decking continued in the northwest corner as decking is now placed on the third level. Steel framing in the openings is a work in progress. Masons began to lay block on the steel span over the opening of the middle tower. After this is completed, the lift will be removed and a portion will be relocated to the north tower.

As of Oct. 30, mason will continue to lay block within the middle and south towers. D&T Steel is continuing to place bolts and welding at proper connection locations. Decking crews are preparing the third level for a concrete pour in November, and steel will be prepped for painting. A shipment of steel for stair framing within the towers was scheduled to arrive on Oct. 31.

Mark Avant said the project has been pushed back about three to four months due to changes in scope, as well as the impact of Hurricane Florence.

"All strucutral work underground is now complete," Avant said. "You will continue to see structural framing for the bleachers on-going, brick work on the three stair towers, construction of restrooms and concession on both ground level and third level, new hospitality suite and completion of the NW plaza gate entrance to the stadim along with paving from here on out."

On Saturday, Nov. 3, former CCU football All-American Josh Norman made a major donation to his alma mater, the largest gift ever given to the University by a former Chanticleer student-athlete. A majority of his donation is designated for the stadium expansion project.  

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