ISU trustees OK $25M renovation of stadium

NORMAL (MCT) — Illinois State University's Board of Trustees gave the official approval Friday to a $25 million renovation project for Hancock Stadium.

The long-discussed upgrade of the university's football home will begin in the late spring or early summer. Construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2013 football season.

"This is a huge step forward for the university," ISU president Al Bowman said. "It not only allows us to improve an aging facility, it also enhances the doorway to the university. The current facility really doesn't reflect the quality of the institution."

The renovation will feature an entirely new east side to Hancock Stadium that will seat approximately 7,500 and bring the entire stadium's capacity to slightly under 15,000.

A walkway will connect the east and west sides for the first time.