The University of Utah has approved a $39.1 million renovation of Rice-Eccles Stadium, setting up a project that will lean heavily into premium seating and hospitality upgrades.
The university’s board of trustees gave the green light Tuesday, clearing the way for Utah and Crimson Brand Partners, the school’s new for-profit company, to move ahead with the work. The renovation, first reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, is expected to focus largely on suites.
The price tag breaks down into $27.56 million in construction costs, according to a presentation made to trustees, plus another $12 million for soft costs such as design, legal and insurance expenses.
Utah and Crimson Brand Partners will cover the project using capital expenditure funds from a recently completed deal with New York-based private equity firm Otro Capital, according to a source. The source said the U. had already set aside money for certain capital improvements as part of that agreement, and those funds include the Rice-Eccles Stadium renovation.
The plan calls for a refresh of the existing suites on the stadium’s fourth and fifth levels, along with six new suites and a club on the sixth level. Utah also intends to build a new field-level club.
That sixth level is currently home to the school’s main game-day operations and media spaces, including the John Mooney Working Press Area, Varsity Room and Bill Marcroft Radio Booth. As part of the renovation, Utah will move the press box from the sixth-level west tower to a new location that has not yet been chosen.
The university has already started looking for architects and engineers to handle the project. The first phase is expected to be finished in August 2027.
“This would enhance VIP fan experience, improve food service, and increase revenue through Premium offerings at Rice-Eccles Stadium,” the project description said.
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