Facilities Enhancement Construction Progress
by Appalachian Sports InformationUpdated July 25, 2008 - Each day brings more evidence of a new era of Appalachian State University athletics, as progress on ASU athletics' $50 million facilities enhancement campaign is being made rapidly, espcially at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
KIDD BREWER STADIUM ? Construction of the crown jewel of the athletics facilities enhancement campaign ? the 100,000-square-foot KBS Complex has begun. The concrete stairwells and elevator shafts have been erected and steel placement is underway.
? Construction has also begun for a 4,400-seat expansion on the stadium's east side, with the concrete footings that will hold the stadium's new upper deck in place. Installation of the upper deck's bleachers will begin soon and the seating expansion is on pace for completion prior to the Sept. 6, 2008 home opener versus Jacksonville.
RENOVATIONS COMPLETED FOR THE 2007 SEASON INCLUDED: ? Demolition of old press box.
? Installation of stadium-wide brick columns and wrought-iron fencing to replace old chain-link fencing.
? Widening of walkway to west stands and and installation of concrete surface in northwest corner of stadium.
? Temporary press facilities in place on east side of stadium.
? Demolition of old restroom buildings in south end of stadium.
SOFIELD FAMILY INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY ? Construction is complete.
? ASU football held the first official practice in the facility on Monday, Oct. 22.
? Facility is located, along with the new ASU Softball Stadium, on the former site of Red Lackey Field, adjacent to Kidd Brewer Stadium, Owens Field House and the future KBS Complex.
? Facility, which features an 80-yard X 60-yard artificial playing surface that allows all 20 of ASU's varsity sports to practice and train during inclement weather.
JIM AND BETTIE SMITH BASEBALL STADIUM ? Located behind the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.
? Construction of playing field, including state-of-the-art FiedTurf playing surface, dugouts, walls, lights and scoreboard/message center, is complete.
? Construction of indoor hitting facility is complete.
? Installation of permanent seating, both chairbacks and bleachers, is complete.
? Construction of press box, concession stand, restrooms and team clubhouse facility is nearing completion, with the entire facility on pace to be completed this summer.
? Appalachian officially opened its new home with a 6-1 victory over in-state rival Gardner-Webb on Tuesday, April 10.
ASU SOFTBALL STADIUM ? Located on the site of baseball's former home, Red Lackey Field (adjacent to Kidd Brewer Stadium).
? Initial construction is complete.
? Upgrades for the 2008 season included a new state-of-the-art scoreboard and message center and a newly sodded outfield.
? Apps opened play at their first-ever on-campus facility on March 31, 2007 versus College of Charleston.
VARSITY GYM ? Construction of a wrestling-only practice facility and coaches' offices were completed in 2006.
? Installation of a mondo track surface on the gym's balcony for use by ASU's track and field programs was completed early in 2008.
? Removal of the gym's old bleachers and installation of a new hardwood floor, which includes four full-sized basketball courts and six volleyball courts to be used exclusively as a practice facility for ASU basketball and volleyball, was completed in June 2008.
Facilities enhancement progress will be updated regularly at
GoASU.com throughout the construction projects.
