BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Samford University has announced that work will soon begin on the second phase of planned improvements to Seibert Stadium to enhance the fan experience and recruiting efforts. The stadium renovation project was launched in 2017 as part of the Forever Samford Campaign, the largest capital campaign in the university's history.

The planned improvements continue to focus on enhancing all aspects of the game day experience for fans attending Samford University football games at Seibert Stadium.  Located in the center of Samford's campus, Seibert Stadium was constructed in 1958. 

"We are committed to recruiting outstanding student-athletes.  Those who excel in athletics and in academics. To do so requires a lot of resources one of which being top notch facilities," Samford director of athletics Martin Newton said. "In addition, we want to provide our students, alumni and friends with a great game day experience.  The time has come to invest in our facility."

Phase I of the improvements which included a state of the art Daktronics videoboard and audio system was completed prior to the 2019 season.  It is currently the second largest videoboard in the Southern Conference and has significantly enhanced the fan experience on game days.
 
"In 2021 audio and video have become critical to engaging and entertaining fans at live events.  Our new video board and audio system gives us the tools we need to do so while also maximizing our sponsorship revenue," Bo Kerr, Deputy AD for Development and Corporate Affairs said.
 
Phase II improvements are scheduled to begin immediately following the spring football season and will include a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House.
 
"We are excited about this next phase of renovations to Seibert Stadium.  The renovation of the press tower will provide us with a more functional building with more space to better serve our students, fans, media and game day personnel." Newton said.
 
Enhancements to the press tower will include new and expanded restrooms, improved hospitality space, as well as additional workspace on fourth floor.  New chair back seats will be installed on the west side in the current premium seating area.  The Gate House, originally built in 1958 will receive numerous upgrades including a new family restroom, renovations to the current restrooms, improved ticket windows and other cosmetic improvements to enhance the entrance at Gate K.
 
Phase II improvements are estimated to cost $2.3 million and have been 100% donor funded.  "We are incredibly grateful for the financial support we continue to receive for this project.  Our donors recognize the value of Samford to the community and beyond as well as the importance of maintaining a successful football program," Kerr said.
 
Fundraising for Phase III is currently ongoing with the goal raising an additional $2.5 million by December of 2021.  Plans for Phase III call for resurfacing the entire playing field, sidelines and practice area as well as new seating on the east and west side of the stadium.  In addition, Phase III also calls for upgrades in the Sullivan-Cooney Fieldhouse, Samford's football operations building.
 
Once all three phases have been completed, donors will have invested more than $6 million dollars in Sebiert Stadium improvements.  "We have been very diligent to ensure we are addressing our current and future needs in a fiscally responsible way.  I am confident that these improvements to Seibert Stadium will serve our football program and the university more many years to come." Said Newton.

Anyone interested in supporting the ongoing renovations to Seibert Stadium are encouraged to contact Bo Kerr, Deputy Director of Athletics for Development and Corporate Affairs at (205) 726-2139 or jkerr@samford.edu

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