Central State University’s stadium renovations are on standby due to chilly weather.
The renovations were initially scheduled to begin in July, but university administrators were concerned that they could not complete the project by football season or even by the onset of winter.
“The renovations are now set to proceed in March and end in July,” CSU Athletic Director Tara Owens said. “It will cost about two million dollars.”
Under the renvoation plan, the stadium will be outfitted with articial turf, a wider 8-lane track, and LED stadium lights.
Owens said that NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson provided funds for the project. Johnson owns SodexoMagic, a major food service company in the United States, which has the food service contract at Central State.
Owens hopes that the improvements will encourage students to particiapte in Central State’s athletic programs. She also hopes the renovations will encourage alumni to donate and support Central State in the future.
In addition, the renovated stadium may became a source of revenue for the university. Owens said that Central State will now be able to host soccer tournaments, track meets, and football games. “The revenue made could be spent on further upgrading the athletic department and on team expenses,” she said.
Once the LED floodlights are installed, the university will be able the scheudle football games at night. “I’ve always wanted to watch an evening game,” sophomore Joshua Williams said. “I can’t wait to see if this will actually happen.”
Central State’s season opener will be on Sept. 9, 2020.