SPRINGFIELD - Work to improve Missouri State University's athletic and recreation facilities will begin this month, after the executive committee of the university's Board of Governors approved a $21.8-million contract for the work.
The contract was awarded Wednesday to DeWitt and Associates of Springfield and demolition is expected to begin Dec. 16, the Springfield News-Leader reported. With fees and other contingencies, the total project cost will be $25.1 million.
Ken McClure, MSU's vice president for administrative and information services, said he expects demolition to start once students begin winter break Dec. 16.
The work will include demolishing dilapidated bleachers on the east side of the football stadium. They will be replaced with a concrete structure that will include restrooms, concession stands, ticket windows, a raised patio, a visitors' locker room and a game-day meeting room for the football team.
The track will be removed from the football stadium and a track and soccer field complex will be built. That project will include a 1,000-seat grandstand with restrooms, locker rooms and a press box.
The school also plans a field hockey and lacrosse field with a small grandstand, restrooms and press box, and two sand volleyball courts with a press box and informal seating.
The main revenue source will be a new $50 per semester student fee that is expected to generate $1.6 million a year. It was overwhelmingly approved by students in October. The university has said the fee will not be implemented if the work is not completed by the time classes begin in the fall of 2014.