Features

New fan zone among Cardinal Stadium improvements

A new fan zone will be introduced at the University of Louisville’s Cardinal Stadium for the start of the 2020 American football season as part of a number of upgrades at the venue.

Better WiFi access, the recoating of nearly 38,000 seats and “significant parking improvements” will also be introduced at the 61,000-capacity venue in time for the start of the 2020 season.

However, it is the new Fan Zone that is likely to attract the most interest. Located in the Purple Lot on the south side of the Central Avenue tunnel, the fan zone will open this spring.

The area will offer a live music stage, beer garden and food truck, as well as a Family Fun Zone with a miniature turf field and additional reserved space for tents and tailgating opportunities.

The improvements – including the work on the 37,800 seats in the lower bowl, with an industrial UV protecting coating applied to restore their red colour – will be introduced ahead of a full switch to mobile ticketing for fans from 2021.

“This is another major step forward in our fan engagement strategy,” the university’s vice-president and director of athletics, Vince Tyra, said.

“The partnership established with Tailgate Guys last season was a great starting point, but this is an investment in every fan, not just those with premium seats, and this will help create more of a tradition around our football programme. We’re excited to create this family environment that is missing around our stadium today.”

Image: Perthsider