EWU approves strategy to renovate football stadium through private donations

Eastern Washington University has approved a strategy to raise money for renovations of its football stadium.

The infamous red turf has been at EWU for nearly 10 years. But that means it's due to be replaced. And not just that: EWU wants to renovate Roos Field with new seats and better seating options, and take away the track that separates fans from the action.

The EWU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $25 million private fundraising strategy for the renovations.

"Eagle Nation deserves a space that matches the strength, passion and hard work of a program and is a point of pride throughout the region and beyond," says director of athletics Lynn Hickey in a statement. "This is a reasonable plan that will give us that space."

Again, the project will be funded through private donations, not through state or any other public funds. Nor will EWU ask students to pay an extra fee.

The stadium capacity will stay the same, at 8,612. But the seats themselves will be nicer, and fans will be able to see the games easier. There will also be added club level and private seating. Additionally, there will be more concessions and new bathrooms located on both sides of the stadium.

The first order of business, of course, will be replacing the red turf following the end of this season. But the timeline for the renovations remains unclear as it depends on when the money can be raised.

More information can be found here.

"The stadium renovation plan will elevate the whole campus year-round," says EWU President Mary Cullinan in a statement. "It will help Eastern recruit high-caliber student-athletes and make that game day experience even more memorable."