Aug. 16, 2010

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FORT WORTH, Texas - TCU has announced a $105 million renovation of the west side and north end zone of Amon G. Carter Stadium to better enhance the football fan experience, upgrade amenities and transform the historic Fort Worth icon into the "Camden Yards" of collegiate football stadiums.

Work on the renovation, which is funded by donor support, will begin immediately following this year's football season and be fully completed in 2012.

"We must continually provide students the best possible university experience," TCU chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. said. "This includes building facilities to support a vibrant living experience and an outstanding learning environment. I am pleased that over the past five years we have successfully raised funds to improve academics, athletics and student living.

"This stadium renovation, which would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors for which we are very grateful, will propel us to yet another level of excellence that will positively impact our university as well as the city of Fort Worth. We also are extremely grateful to the Amon G. Carter Foundation for their initial gift of $15 million that made this entire project possible, one that will result in a significantly improved game day experience for all fans."

Construction will begin immediately following TCU's final home game (Nov. 13 versus San Diego State) in the 2010 season. After construction, Amon G. Carter Stadium will have a seating capacity of 40,000 that can be expanded to more than 50,000 seats.

"We are very grateful to our donors for making this possible," TCU director of intercollegiate athletics Chris Del Conte said. "Having a first-class stadium with all the modern amenities is key in enhancing the student-athlete experience and providing our community with a fabulous venue to enjoy football games.

"I also would like to thank Chancellor Boschini and our Board of Trustees who are truly the wind beneath our wings on this project. They were behind us every step of the way. Special thanks also go to associate athletics director Davis Babb and head football coach Gary Patterson for their unbelievable fundraising efforts. They are true leaders and team players. We are incredibly appreciative of the tremendous support we received on this historic project from TCU and Fort Worth."

TCU began examining the possibility of renovating its stadium in 2006 when Luther King, chairman of TCU's Board of Trustees (BOT), appointed Clarence Scharbauer, vice chair of the BOT, to lead a stadium renovation committee. The committee's invaluable work, along with that of TCU administrators, led to a stadium renovation that will lift the historical icon to a level of national visibility on par with the University's championship-winning football team.

"Having a new stadium will have a great impact on our recruiting efforts," Patterson said. "It helps us take the next step in what we're trying to accomplish as a program, and that's winning a national championship. We want to thank all of our friends for making this stadium possible."

This is the first major renovation to Amon G. Carter Stadium, built in 1930, since the upper deck was added in 1956.

Designed by HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, who most recently completed work on the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, the renovation greatly enhances the fan experience by improving stadium accessibility, seating and views of the playing field.

The renovation consists of:
• - Significantly upgraded and new concession stands for better access and reduced wait times

• - Elevators and escalators to better facilitate stadium accessibility and crowd flow

• - A new, raised seating bowl on the west and north end for enhanced field views

• - Upgraded and additional men's and women's restrooms

•- Suites, club seating and lounges on the west side of the stadium

• - A new press box

Dan Phillips, AIA, senior designer with HKS, said the design references the 1930s style of Southwestern art deco prevalent throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding region.

"Through research, we discovered that Amon G. Carter Stadium's original design intent incorporated this architectural style," Phillips added. "However, it was not fully realized. The new design blends seamlessly with the Meyer-Martin Athletic Complex, the TCU campus and the city of Fort Worth."

Suites and lounges also will reflect the Southwestern art deco as well as the graphics and way-finding signage throughout the stadium. By integrating the University colors, HKS has created a unique look and feel for the renovated Amon G. Carter Stadium. In addition, the north concourse will mirror the south concourse and fans will be able to see the field while walking through either concourse.

"Unlike the majority of major college football facilities in the country, which tuck fan amenities under the seating bowl, the new Amon G. Carter Stadium brings the action on the field into the main concourse - allowing fans to always be connected to the game," Phillips said.

TCU Athletics Media Relations