The University of Texas has selected architecture firm Populous to design the south end zone expansion and renovation of its Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
The new space is designed to improve football training and game-day offerings at the stadium, which has a capacity of just over 100,000, making it one of the largest in the US.
The design of the south end zone will ensure that, for the first time in its 95-year history, the stadium will be fully enclosed. The design will carry over the architecture of the north and east sides of the stadium, with new entry towers to be built. The corners of the stadium will also be filled in with concessions-equipped terraces.
Additionally, a Longhorn-shaped balcony will be incorporated into the end zone seating and will be visible from the air. The university said this will mark the first time a logo will be carved into a seating bowl.
Other features will include a student terrace with concessions, a student seating section with corner patios and a new stage for the Longhorn Network.
The expansion will break ground next summer, with work scheduled for completion by the start of the 2021 season.
University of Texas vice-president and athletics director Chris Del Conte said: “This is a project we’ve had many discussions and meetings about over the past several months and we are thrilled to be in the final planning stages.
“The new south end zone will provide our student-athletes, staff and fans with the finest facility in the country and one that we all can be extremely proud of. It will feature the best of the best when it comes to student-athlete amenities and training needs, first-rate coaching staff offices and meeting rooms along with state-of-the-art opportunities and experiences for our many fans and supporters.”
Sherri Privitera, Populous’ principal-in-charge for the $175m project, added: “The modern game day experience is about quality, not quantity. Fans want unique experiences in an authentic place. This is a game-changing project. From fully enclosing the stadium for a more intimate atmosphere to the impactful in-seat Longhorn logo, it is the ultimate celebration of The University of Texas.”
Image: University of Texas/Populous
