Another milestone for Kentucky football will occur soon as CommonwealthStadium will be expanded to a capacity of approximately 68,000 followingthe 1998 season.

Plans for an expansion have been researched in recent years, and theexcitement and record crowds generated in Hal Mumme’s first season pushedthe project to the front burner.

The plan calls for both ends of Commonwealth Stadium to beenclosed, alongwith the construction of 40 luxury boxes, 10 in each corner of the stadium.

A total of $24 million has been allocated for the expansion. PhaseI ofthe project was completed during the summer of 1997. Several of therestroom areas were renovated and the water service for the entire stadiumwas expanded in anticipation of the upcoming construction. Phase I wascompleted at a cost of $2.7 million.

Bids for the construction will be finalized in July of 1998. The workwill begin during the 1998 season with the dismantling of the south endzone bleachers, but the addition of extra bleachers in the north end zonewill help compensate for the loss. The entire project is set to becompleted in time for the 1999 campaign.

The phenomenal response to last season’s exciting Wildcats teamhelped UKset a single-season record average attendance of 59,110.

The accompanying drawings show an aerial view of the new stadium, anexterior view from the north parking lot, and field views toward both thenorth and south ends.