College football’s largest pirate ship is about to get some new sails and a sturdier plank.
East Carolina announced Thursday it has partnered with Conventions, Sports & Leisure International to conduct a feasibility study into renovating 50,000-seat, 52-year-old Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
“Our fans have created one of the best game-day environments in college football,” East Carolina athletics director Jeff Compher said in a statement. “Not only have they earned a justified voice in this process, but I would like to think it’s also a wise business decision to ask customers about customer service.”
The school will look into adding premium seats (suites, loge boxes, club seats) in the south end zone, a hospitality tent or club on the west end of the stadium, tailgate and parking upgrades and improved technology in “premium areas.”
East Carolina said it plans to reach out to fans for feedback.
“To make responsible and sound decisions, it is critical we are fully aware of what and where the interest level is,” Compher said. “This survey will be an important element of that fact-gathering process and to determine what our potential resources are.”
In other words: get out your checkbooks, folks.
A timeline for cranes in the air has not been released, and the school is making no promises in terms of areas of focus. East Carolina most recently added a club level to Dowdy-Ficklen in 1999, but its south side has not been expanded since 1978.