UNT unveils proposed stadium rendering

by Mary Pharris of North Texas Daily

UNT's proposed stadium just got a little closer to being a reality.

The university released the artist rendering of the multi-million dollar stadium before the spring football game Saturday.

The stadium, designed by Dallas-based HKS, Inc., includes state-of-the-art seating, luxury suites, a North Texas spirit store, two locker rooms, a bigger scoreboard in the north end zone and a promenade for special events and gatherings in the south end zone, said Rick Villarreal, director of athletics.

The stadium will also be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certified, said Eric Capper of the athletics department. The university will be using some recycled products such as recycled carpet, nontoxic paint, and other renewable products for the stadium, Villarreal said. The university is also looking into using green energy such as wind power, he said.

"I know that is definitely going to be one of the hot topics and priorities as we move down the road of development," Capper said of the certification.

While the rendering of the stadium has been released, it is still subject to change, Capper said. Several meetings will take place to fine-tune the stadium plans, but no significant alterations will occur, he said.

While UNT athletic director Rick Villarreal didn't commit to an actual cost of the stadium, he said the university does have a price range and is going to be fiscally responsible with costs. The estimated cost of the stadium is $78 million, according to a Feb. 25 Daily article. Because construction and material prices fluctuate, the actual cost of the stadium fluctuates, he said.

"We're not trying to break the bank," he said.

The university is also continuing with its fundraising efforts for the stadium including a few six-figure donations made Saturday, Villarreal said. The actual dollar amount of funds raised is "a constantly changing number," and NT receives donations every day, he said.

UNT has also identified several corporations for naming rights of the stadium and will continue to be proactive in reaching out to sponsors, Villarreal said. In addition to naming rights of the stadium, corporate and private donors have more opportunities with the naming of the field, entrance gates, press level and club level, he said.

"We'd love to see our alum or our fans' names on facilities," Villarreal said.

The current schedule slates construction for early 2010 with the facility completed in spring 2011- in time for fall's football season, Villarreal said.

The university envisions the stadium becoming an entertainment complex used on a regular basis for hosting high school events and concerts, Villarreal said.

The stadium will also give visitors closer access to the field and offer more grassy areas, he said.

"We think it's a great landmark for the university to make a statement," Villarreal said.

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