Construction on the 80-year-old stadium here is to begin in November, with completion expected in time for the 2005 football season. The university's athletics department will use revenues generated by the new facility to pay for itself through debt service, says Fred Poston, VP for finance and operations.

The plan will also add offices for the alumni association and its development office to the stadium. That work is to be done by January 2006.

The renovation will add nearly 3,000 seats to the stadium bringing capacity up to 75,000, new suites, club seats and a new press box. There also will be a 20,000-ft indoor area for club ticket holders featuring upholstered chairs and televisions. The project also will upgrade restrooms and concessions, expand the concourse and add a glass atrium featuring the original Sparty statue, which is to be replaced in front of the athletic complex by a new, bronze statue.