Last year, West Virginia University football fans on the east side of Milan Puskar Stadium got to experience the benefits of the $45-million concourse renovation project that began in 2014.

 

This year, fans on the west side of the stadium will get to enjoy the same experience.

 

West-side stadium work is progressing smoothly on what will be one of the most extensive facelifts to Milan Puskar Stadium since it first opened in 1980.

 

The stadium concourse renovation project is part of a multi-year, $100-million-plus, department-wide facility improvement initiative first announced in 2014. Funding for these projects have come from three primary sources: bonding, private fundraising and monies from West Virginia University’s multimedia rights contract with IMG.

 

This round of improvements taking place on the west side will mirror the east side refurbishments completed last summer in time for the 2016 season.

 

Among the upgrades include significantly improved box seating areas with heaters, TVs, speakers and attractive graphics, charging stations for mobile devices, an expanded first aid area, improved concourse lighting, additional points of entry into the stadium, another permanent team store, and, most importantly, significantly upgraded restroom and concession facilities.

 

The stadium project is part of a comprehensive athletic department facility improvement initiative spearheaded by WVU Director of Athletics Shane Lyons.

 

West side construction is expected to be completed before West Virginia’s home opener against East Carolina on Saturday, September 9.