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Oregon State seeks proposals to complete Reser Stadium revamp

Oregon State University (OSU) has issued a request for design and construction proposals as it seeks to complete the redevelopment of Reser Stadium.

Reser Stadium, which first opened in 1953 and has a current capacity of over 43,000, serves as home to the University’s American football team, the Beavers. The westside part of the stadium was constructed in 1967 and was later redeveloped in 1991. Modernising the westside of the stadium would complement significant additions to the north and eastside features of the stadium completed over the past 15 years.

OSU Athletics officials estimate completing the stadium will cost between $145m (£111.4m/€131.8m) and $175m. If constructed, the project would not be supported by student tuition, state appropriations or state-paid bonds, with the University instead targeting donor gifts, revenue from premium seating, sponsorships and other stadium services, and a possible public-private partnership.

If awarded, the initial work associated with design-build services will be for design and pre-construction services only, said Scott Barnes, OSU athletic director and vice-president of intercollegiate athletics.

“We are excited about this next step in evaluating the feasibility of completing Reser Stadium,” Barnes said. “We are seeking proposals from the nation’s best firms as it regards design, constructability reviews, concepts for value engineering, estimating, phasing the project’s completion and pricing.

“OSU officials are engaged actively in a comprehensive feasibility analysis to complete Reser Stadium into a best-in-class, year-round university facility. Our goal is to increase fan engagement, support all OSU athletics programs, and advance student success, faculty excellence, research and experiential learning opportunities at Oregon State University. We imagine that this project would ‘right-size’ seating within Reser Stadium.”

Barnes said other goals of the project include modernising the westside of the stadium, including seismic upgrades; improving and adding concession and restroom facilities; constructing new premium seating spaces; replacing and modernising media facilities; constructing a visitor’s locker room; and constructing space for a potential year-round public-private partnership.

The deadline for proposals to be received by the University is February 20.

Image: Oregon State University