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U of U To Study Practicality Of Stadium Expansion

SALT LAKE CITY—The University of Utah announced Monday morning plans to formally study the possibility of expanding the south end zone area at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The south side is the only section of the stadium left unchanged since the stadium opened in 1998.

“Understanding the market, costs and feasibility will help us better prepare for the future of the stadium,” said U. President David W. Pershing in a statement. “There’s still much work to be done before taking steps toward renovation. We have to know if the market will support this kind of expansion.”

The stadium has a seating capacity of 45, 807, the third-smallest in the Pac-12 behind Oregon State’s Reser Stadium (45, 674) and Washington State’s Martin Stadium (32, 740). Of the previous 38 games at Rice-Eccles Stadiums—all sellouts—35 have overflowed into standing-only areas.

We want our football team to be successful and our fans to have the best experience possible,” said Athletics Director Chris Hill in a statement. “This feasibility study will help us better understand how we continue to do all of that in the future.”

The study will consider the addition of suites, loges, fan interaction and concession areas, including connecting the east and west concourses, changing the venue from a horseshoe shape to more of a bowl. The evaluation will analyze additional potential revenue sources, including further private donations and increased ticket sales.

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