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Evolution of Camp Randall Stadium set to take another step

November 7, 2000

Rendering of completed renovation

Rendering of prposed renovation plan

1. 2,500 obstructed view seats eliminated in lowest rows improve circulation and fan safety.

2. 5,500 more seats added by closing in the southeast corner with new seating, adding 4,000 seats to the north end and rebuilding south end zone seats. New capacity: 82,500.

3. Three expanded concourses on the east side include new restrooms and concessions areas.

4. Three levels of 32 suites each and 900 club seats provide new money to help pay for the project.

5. Four-story office building houses staff and coaching offices displaced with the expansion of east side concourses.

6. New video replay screen, scoreboard, sound system and lights for night games.

Renovation timeline, rationale
If approved, the Camp Randall renovation could be phased in over three years beginning after the football season in 2001 and completed before the 2004 season.

The plan requires approval from the regents, the state Building Commission, which is chaired by the governor, and the Legislature.

Studies indicate the stadium needs $14.3 million to repair and maintain infrastructure such as storm and sanitary sewers, electrical capacity and utility services whether the building plan is initiated or not.

Seven other Big Ten schools (Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, Purdue, Penn State, Northwestern and Illinois) have completed or are planning substantial renovations and expansions to their football stadiums ranging from $32 million at Northwestern to $187 million at Ohio State.

Additional improvements

  • Increases women’s restrooms fixtures from 212 to 496 and men’s fixtures from 445 to 694.
  • Eliminates the field level track while providing access points from behind the seating bowl so only team personnel are allowed on the playing surface.
  • Triples disabled seating capacity from 100 to 300 and adds five elevators to improve restroom and concession access.
  • Expand west side concourses, adding restrooms and concession areas.

Photos of Camp Randall through the years

Photo of Camp Randall site in 1909

1909 (Courtesy UW–Madison Archives.)

Photo of Camp Randall in 1947

1947 (Courtesy UW–Madison Archives.)

Photo of Camp Randall site in 1967

1967 (Courtesy UW–Madison Archives.)

Photo of Camp Randall site today

1996 (Photo by Jeff Miller.)