Capital Planning and Development

Capital Projects

Project FAQ's

About the "Cougar Football Project":

Funding/Financing Questions:

Construction Impact:

Project Schedule:
Q: I hear there is a proposal to renovate Martin Stadium. What does the proposal entail?
A: The proposed renovation of Martin Stadium consists of two separate projects. The first project, called the Southside Project, would replace the old press box on the south stands with a new structure that includes a new press box, club seats, loge boxes, luxury suites and a club room. The second project called the West End-Zone Project, would construct a Football Operations building. This building would provide a home for the Cougar football program, including new weight, locker, equipment and training rooms for players, in addition to meeting rooms and coaches’ offices. It will also feature a WSU Football heritage area and a game-day home for Gray W former letter winners.  Back To Top
Q: I thought the stadium expansion was on the Northside of Martin Stadium?
A: The relocation of the premium seating to the south side of Martin Stadium provided an opportunity for several upgrades to the stadium and therefore an improved experience for those who purchase a premium seating opportunity. The relocation also provided the opportunity to include the renovation and construction of a new press box within the project. The current press box does not have the amenities necessary for “first class” game productions with respect to national television and radio broadcasts as provided for in the new PAC-12 television and media contract. In addition, the “move” provided the opportunity to take advantage of covered parking for premium seat holders within the Fine Arts and CUE parking structures which are located near the proposed VIP Entrance of the new facility.  Back To Top
Q: Which of the two projects would be constructed first and why?
A: The Southside project would be completed first because a new press box is desperately needed, as well as the need to provide suites that were part of the original Northside project. While the West End-Zone (Football Operations building) project is also a major priority, the Southside Project was deemed the higher of the two priorities.  Back To Top
Q: What is the status of the architectural design for the Southside project?
A: Design is complete.  Back To Top
Q: Why couldn’t the design work be completed sooner?
A: Design work for a project of this magnitude typically takes about 12 months. The design firm, ALSC Architects, and WSU’s Facilities Services worked very hard to finish the work early, but not at the expense of jeopardizing the quality and accuracy of the product. The design work was completed in 6 months, well ahead of the typical timeline, but could not have been completed any sooner.  Back To Top
Q: Is approval being requested to move forward with the West End-Zone at this time?
A: Not at this time. At its January 28, 2011meeting, the Board of Regents approved moving forward with the design costs for both projects. The design costs for Southside Project are complete which provides the cost estimate to establish the budget and consider issuing debt. The design work and cost estimating for the West End-Zone Project will continue as construction progresses with the Southside Project.  Back To Top
Q: What is the budget for the Southside project?
A: The budget is $80 million. Back To Top
Q: How does the Athletic Department plan to pay for it?
A: The Athletic Department would use revenues from the Athletic System, including the increase in the PAC-12 TV contract revenues to make the debt service payments. No state appropriated funds will be used to fund this project.   Back To Top
Q: Is the increase in the PAC-12 TV contract revenues sufficient to cover the annual debt service amount?
A: Yes. Back To Top
Q: Will I be able to park in the East CUB lot after construction?
A: The project will permanently displace 8 disability parking spaces in the CUB East parking lot. Alternative disability parking can be found in the Green 1 lot south of the Fine Arts building. Elevator access to the Terrell Mall can be found from the Smith Center or Fine Arts parking garages. WSU Parking and Transportation Services can be contacted by email at parking@wsu.edu for more information.   Back To Top
Q: Will the East entrance to the CUB be closed?
A: The East entrance to the CUB will remain open during construction.  Click here for a map showing pedestrian access around the contruction site.  Back To Top
Q: Will the north-south pathway from Wilson Road to the field house be closed?
A: The north-south pathway will remain open during the construction. There may be short periods when construction activities will temporarily interrupt traffic.   Click here for a map showing pedestrian access around the contruction site.  Back To Top
Q: How will I cross Wilson Road to enter the IT Building?
A: The existing crossing areas, where there are handicapped curb cuts will remain the crossing areas. The construction fence will be open at those crosswalks.   Click here for a map showing pedestrian access around the contruction site.  Back To Top
Q: When would construction on the Southside project begin and end?
A: The most pressing issue of the Southside project is to make sure the new press box is ready for the first home game of the 2012 season. Due to the tight construction timeline, work would need to begin on Monday November 21, right after the last home game. If the Regents approve the project at the November 18, 2011 meeting, the contractor would begin construction work on Monday November 21, 2011. The initial work would include site mobilization for the contractor, site fencing and other preparatory work. Athletics would also be removing camera and other equipment from the existing press box for reuse. The remainder of the Southside Project (premium seats and club room) would be completed in time for Apple Cup 2012.  Back To Top
Q: When will you request the Regents approve the West End-Zone?
A: Once the design work and cost estimate for the West End-Zone project are complete in the Spring of 2012, savings from the Southside project are known, suite sales from the Southside project are confirmed and donations for the West End-Zone project have been analyzed, the administration will assess the financial feasibility of moving forward with the West End-Zone project. The administration will review updated proformas that include the revenue streams cited above as well as the PAC-12 media revenues and any expected PAC-12 network revenues. The updated proformas will also include any revisions to operating and debt service expenses. If after reviewing these data, the administration determines sufficient fund sources are available to cover the estimated costs of the West End-Zone project, a financial plan for the West End-Zone will be presented to the Regents for approval, along with the final schematics, the project budget and a request to proceed to construction.  Back To Top
Q: If the West End-Zone project is approved to move forward, when would construction start and end?
A: If the Regents approve the West End-Zone project, construction would begin at the end of the 2012 football season and is anticipated to take approximately 15 months.  Back To Top
Capital Planning and Development, 225 SE Idaho Street, Pullman WA 99164-3611, 509-335-5571, cpd@wsu.edu