CARBONDALE, ILL. — A joint venture between Holland Construction Services and JE Dunn Construction has begun site development on an expansion and renovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C). The centerpieces of the $83 million, multi-phased Saluki Way project are a 12,000-seat football stadium and the renovated 8,460-seat Saluki Arena basketball venue. In addition to the renovation, a 53,000-square-foot, two-story addition is planned for the northeast face of Saluki Arena.
The $25.3 million football stadium will measure 37,000 square feet in size, and will house 12,000 fixed seats plus lawn seating. Designed by Image Architects Inc., the football stadium will feature concessions areas, as well as a press box and club area with eight private, enclosed luxury suites.
Plans for the $29.9 million renovation of Saluki Arena call for new seating, improved accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new scoreboard, new concession areas, additional restrooms and other fan amenities. The $11.5 million addition, which was designed by 360 Architecture, will become the main entrance for the arena, and will include its ticket office, football and basketball team facilities, an auditorium and administrative space.
The project is being funded by public and private sources, with the city of Carbondale committing $20 million to the development. SIU-C has increased student fees and launched a targeted fund-raising program for the project. Additionally, revenues generated from the lease of the eight private suites will be applied to the debt service.
Both facilities, which will form the core of the SIU-C campus, are scheduled for completion before the 2010 football and basketball seasons. The renovation of the basketball arena is being completed in two phases so that the basketball team can compete in the venue as work proceeds.