University of Virginia Library

Stadium To Accommodate
40,000 Fans In New Plan

By LIBBY WITHERS

Renovation Plans For Scott Stadium Do Not Yet Include Increased Parking Facilities Or Improved Roadway Access.

Plans are now underway for
renovation of Scott Stadium to
a 40,000-seat capacity in its
present location, Athletic
Director Eugene F. Corrigan
confirmed yesterday.

"We are in the interim stage
right now of talking with
architectural and engineering
firms about schematic plans
and cost estimates," he said,
"and I hope to announce the
choice within the next 30
days."

Upper Deck Additions

"If expansion follows the
present stage, it will not be for
end zone seats." The expansion
will be "similar to the
University of North Carolina,"
where upper decks have been
added above the bleachers, he
said.

The press box, restrooms,
and deteriorating concrete
around the stadium's lower
wall need renovation, Mr.
Corrigan said. "There are many
more schemes that we haven't
even begun to discuss," he
added.

Private Funding Necessary

"Our main concern is that if
the University is going to
expand and we're going to take
care of students, alumni, and
visitors, we are going to need
more seats," Mr. Corrigan said.
He cited this fall's V.P.I.
football game when tickets
were sold out before the game
began.

The Athletic Department is
aware that all funding for this
proposal will have to be raised
privately. "We aren't going to
get state or University funds,"
Mr. Corrigan said. He expects
support from organizations
such as the Alumni
Association.

A University Planning
Department report last month
designated three sites for a new
stadium location. Athletic
officials abandoned these
possibilities since engineering
studies have indicated no
difficulties in enlarging the
present facility.

Studies indicate that Scott
Stadium will be structurally
sound for another 40 years,
Mr. Corrigan said.

Scott Stadium, built in
1931, seats 23,848 persons,
with the smallest capacity in
the Atlantic Coast Conference,
according to the Public Affairs
Office. At a 40,000 seat
capacity, it would fall short
only of the stadiums at Wake
Forest University and the
University of Maryland.

Same Location

Student Council President
Jim Rinaca favors renovating
the stadium in its present
location. "A new location,
besides the tremendous
expense, would be a move
away from the academic center
of the University and away
from the students."

Plans for additional parking
spaces or access roads to major
highways have not been
discussed.

Athletic Advisory
Committee Chairman Ralph W.
Cherry emphasized that no
firm proposals for renovation
have yet been made. "Our
committee simply gives advice
on the many possibilities for
enlargement and renovation,"
he said.