First Phase of Rice Stadium Modernization Underway
3/31/2022 9:56:00 AM | Football
Fan-facing improvements in time for 2022 season opener
The Rice Board of Trustees approved the project plan in early March and work began immediately with the goal of completion prior to Rice Football's home opener vs. McNeese State on September 10.
"Rice Stadium is an iconic structure in Houston, but it's also one that needs modernization to best serve our fans," Rice Director of Athletics, Recreation and Lifetime Fitness Joe Karlgaard said. "Work on the stadium between now and the beginning of the season will enhance the experience at Rice football games and other events, and we will continue to renovate and refresh the stadium in subsequent phases over the next 3-5 years."
On the west side of the stadium, the dated chairbacks will be removed and replaced by two new upgraded seating options. Sections 103-105 will feature the top stadium seating available on the market today in the breathable mesh premium chairbacks from 4Topps. Sections 101, 102, 106, and 107 will now offer upgraded fusion polymer slat back seating, similar to those found in Reckling Park.
On the east side, the current chairback sections will be replaced by eight Flight Deck loge boxes similar to the first one installed in at the top of section 115. The Flight Decks, outfitted to fit 8 – 12 fans comfortably, feature two premium 4Topps patented units, each consisting of four 360° swivel mesh seats and a semi-circle table. The swivel chairs allow fans to enjoy viewing the game as well as interact with the other members of their group and also to enter and exit their seats without disrupting others while the mesh material is cooler than other types of seats and dries quickly in the event of rain.
Fans interested in purchasing a Flight Deck for the 2022 season should complete this form.
Energy-efficient LED lighting will brighten Rice Stadium's concourses, while the floors of the concourse will now feature a flake-based system to provide a smooth, uniform, and aesthetically pleasing surface. The restrooms on the east side will be fully renovated while those on the west side will be enhanced.
Once in their seats, fans will immediately notice the walls surrounding the playing field have been resurfaced with brick, adding Rice's signature campus aesthetic to the football home of the Owls. Fans will also be greeted with a new Daktronics scoreboard in the south end zone.
Current Rice season ticket members can enjoy all these new experiences by renewing their seats at 2021 rates. Those interested in new season tickets can lock in the 2021 prices by filling out the season ticket request form and purchasing new season tickets by April 18.
The first phase of stadium renovations is a key component of this season's "For The Owls" campaign to salute the Owls' loyal fan base as Rice approaches full membership in the American Athletic Conference.
Fans continue to see investments in the overall fan experience, including upgrades to the game-day atmosphere and stadium enhancements outlined above. Predesign of the second phase of modernization has been approved and work will commence this spring to present the final concepts for board approval in the fall.
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