Analysis to look at potential expansion

FAYETTEVILLE - Razorback Athletics is moving forward with plans for a market and cost analysis of a potential north end zone expansion of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The purpose of the market and cost analysis is to specifically examine the variables associated with an expansion such as seating capacity, design, construction, economic variables and the demand for additional seating, all of which should be studied when considering a stadium expansion.

The University is issuing Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for both the architect/engineer design team and for the construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) team to perform the analysis.  Once the RFQ selection process is complete, the university will seek approval from the Board of Trustees to move forward with the analysis. The intent of the analysis is to review the viability of the project.

If the study determines the expansion to be viable and a decision is made to proceed, the project will be brought back to the Board of Trustees for approval prior to beginning the project.  The funding of the market and cost analysis and any potential project will be from athletic revenues. No University funds would be required to complete the analysis or the project 

"As we begin to consider an expansion in the north end zone of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, it is important we have sound information from which to make a decision," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. "The analysis will help us have a clearer understanding of the many variables that must be thoroughly examined before making a decision to move forward. It is important that we continue to strive to accommodate the current and future seating demands of Razorback fans."

Unveiled in October 2011, the Razorback Athletic Facilities Master Plan provided a road map for $320 million of facility renovations and additions that will impact all 19 Razorback sports over the next 20-30 years. The first major project from the master plan, the football center, is currently being constructed with a targeted completion date in 2013.