News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Tennessee Tech has announced plans for a two-phased project investing some $45 million into its football facilities.
The first phase being a 40,000 square foot Football Operations Center. Athletic Director Mark Wilson said the project will be the most expansive advancement for Tucker Stadium in over 50 years.
“Tennessee Tech football and the vibrant football program is important to the economics of this community,” Wilson said. “It’s important to the economics of the university. Better football facilities make a better football team and that makes a better local business community.”
Wilson said the second phase calls for a complete face lift of the west side of the stadium. Wilson said new seating, suites, club levels and a media area will be included. Total capacity for the stadium will be 12,000.
“A great enhancement to the stadium to make new investments into Tennessee Tech football that will help Tennessee Tech football to have a championship level winning football program,” Wilson said.
The new sports center will be located next to the current Athletics Performance Center, across the street from the Hooper Eblen Center. It will feature a contemporary team locker room, a theater-style team meeting room as well as individual meeting rooms.
“An open air, lit practice field and also our training room that will train all 14 of our division 1 sports,” Wilson said. “So, it’s really a great enhancement for the experience of our student athletes.”
Wilson said the university is in the fundraising process for the new center. The $15 million price tag will be covered through donations. The stadium renovations still need approval from the Board of Trustees this December. The $30 million cost would be eligible for state funding.
“The time is now for Tennessee Tech as a whole university to separate itself from other universities in the education and experience that we provide to our students,” Wilson said.
