Tarleton State University in Stephenville is sending out its $24 million renovation project for a second round of bids after initial submissions were higher than expected.
“It’s a very active construction market right now and this is a complex project,” said Dr. Tye Minckler, Tarleton vice president for finance and administration. “We see some clear areas for cost savings and are confident that the changes will enable us to get competitive bids within the budget.”
The university is working with The Texas A&M University System facilities office, the architect design team and the construction manager to revise the project. The intent is to receive new bids in early August, in time for approval at the system Board of Regents meetings in late August.
Huckabee and Heery Sports are the architectural and engineering firms for the renovation and expansion, which will increase stadium seating from 7,400 to more than 9,000 while converting west-side stands to seat home fans.
Renovations now are expected to begin this September and be completed before the 2018 football season for the Tarleton Texans and Stephenville High School Yellow Jackets. Construction would not affect the 2017 football season.
Renovations will include an expanded press box and suites, additional premium seating with chair backs, expanded entrances and ticket booths, and improved concession facilities.
Developed in the 1940s as a tribute to the 179 Tarleton faculty and students who died in World War II, the original Memorial Stadium opened in 1951. A major reconstruction was completed in 1977, when today’s features were created. In 1988-89, seating was expanded, the concession stand was remodeled, the current field house was built and track-and-field facilities were renovated.
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