UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE NEYLAND STADIUM RENOVATION FEASIBILITY STUDY
CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM POPULOUS + MHM
Big Orange. Big Ideas.
GENERAL NEYLAND’S STADIUM Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee has long been one of the preeminent collegiate football experiences in the country. The majesty of Tennessee Football is intertwined with the history of Neyland Stadium. Neyland holds the all-time record for most home-field wins of any football venue in the country and was the vessel for 16 SEC titles and six national titles. Now is the time for improvements to be made to Neyland Stadium. Though there are safety and compliance concerns to be addressed, the animating rationale for a comprehensive approach originates from Neyland Stadium and Tennessee Football being, together, one of the most revered institutions in collegiate football. Effort and improvements are required to maintain that standing. Accepting a happenstance of concrete is contrary to a history of continually striving for exceptionalism. Ultimately, the Maxims of Football outlined by General Neyland describe a method of excellence that capitalizes on opportunities as they are presented. An opportunity exists now in improving Neyland Stadium that will benefit Tennessee Football, the University, Knoxville and the entire Volunteer State for generations to come. This book is the result of a collaboration between The University of Tennessee, the Design Team, a Volunteer fan survey and other stakeholders. An expert analysis of Neyland’s current condition began by identifying items of high priority. That activity produced a thorough knowledge of the stadium. The process included many conversations, interactions & observations that concluded in an appreciation for Volunteer culture that in turn directly informed the interventions proposed in the Base Project.
PHASING Any renovation to Neyland Stadium is an undertaking best done by maintaining stadium capacity to the maximum extent possible and leaving gameday activities in Knoxville as undiminished as feasible. Volunteer football games are a tremendous benefit to the Knoxville community and the financial loss, should home games be moved or reduced in number, would be substantial. A renovation should prioritize having a small impact during the season and focus on addressing the deficiencies experienced by general patrons. Dividing the proposed Base Project into three phases optimizes both budget and construction constrictions. Neyland Stadium’s site, the adjacent buildings and topography all limit the amount of work that can be done at one time.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
MORE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE, NEYLAND STADIUM CAPITALIZES ON THE MAGIC OF SHARED JOY. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE LOVE TO BE TOGETHER. OUR GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THE STADIUM AND ITS OFFERINGS THROUGH INTERVENTIONS THAT MAINTAIN THE ESSENCE OF WHAT ALREADY EXISTS. WE’RE GIVING FORM TO VOLUNTEER CULTURE.
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 01 Phase 01 addresses high-priority items. The Concourse 01 expansion & renovation in the South will improve safety, functionality and fan comfort by replacing narrow, dimly-lit corridors crowded with patrons with an open promenade of modern amenities, including additional restrooms and improved concessions. Player safety will be improved when the field wall at the south end zone is moved back to comply with NCAA guidelines. The concrete structure of the lower West Lower Bowl, dating to 1921, has deteriorated to such an extent that the seating rows visibly undulate. The remediation of the South and West Lower Bowl facilitates the completion of two signature spaces in the project, the South Field Level Membership Club and the West Field Club. The visiting team locker room will be displaced and rebuilt in the southeast. The visiting team will step onto the field through a diminished opening in the southeast. Phase 01 will also ensure there are handrails at all locations in the upper seating areas. Lastly, Neyland Stadium has neither an onsite Kitchen or Commissary. Operations will be able to store food for vendors and for use by a kitchen able to cater food to points throughout the stadium. Additionally, a deteriorating storm sewer line bisects the north end of the field and will be isolated & addressed, a number of electrical transformers require replacement, WiFi and IT-distribution work will begin, and abatement of the dorms in the south & east will be completed, as will other utility work & demolition.
PHASE 01 INCLUDES: South Concourse 01 Renovation & Expansion South Field Wall Relocation South Field Level Membership Club West Lower Bowl Chairback Seats West Field Club Visitor’s Locker Room Upper Bowl Handrail Addition & Aisle Expansion South Level 00 Kitchen & Commissary Phase 01 Utilities
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
West Lower Bowl Chairback Seats
West Field Club
Handrail Addition & Aisle Expansion
South Field Wall Relocation Visitor’s Locker Room South Field Membership Club South Level 00 Kitchen & Commissary South Concourse 01 Expansion & Renovation
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CONCOURSE 01 LOOKING NORTH FROM SOUTHEAST
PHASE 01: SOUTH CONCOURSE 01 EXPANSION & RENOVATION
Retail Future connection to Southeast Gate Increased Restrooms Improved Concessions
Enlarged Southwest Entry Expanded Concourse
Entrance to South Field Level Membership Club
CONCOURSE 01 LOOKING WEST FROM SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 01: LEVEL 00
West Field Club
PHASE 01: SOUTH FIELD WALL RELOCATION
Visiting Team Field Entry
• • •
Field Club Patio
South Field Level Membership Club
Entrance from Concourse 01
• • •
Provides a safe space beyond the field of play conforming to NCAA standards Removes seven existing rows in Sections J through N Fills in existing vomitory/visiting team entrance in Section L with bench seating • Visiting team to enter field at de-emphasized east side entrance Geometry resulting between the field & the bowl’s curvature creates the Field Patio Padded baseball dugout-style railing keeps players safe Field Patio patrons will be closer to the field than anywhere else in collegiate football
Visiting Locker Kitchen & Commissary
PHASE 01: SOUTH FIELD MEMBERSHIP CLUB • • • • • • • • •
29,500SF Enclosed Private Club 3,200SF Field Patio Premium food and beverage options Superior Restrooms Grand Entry from Concourse 01 through the Southwest Gate Patrons may also access Club via dedicated entry through the Southeast Gate Can accomodate 1,350+ members • Membership does not include a seat or contribute to stadium capacity Sponsorship opportunity Available for non-gameday functions
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 01: WEST LOWER BOWL CHAIRBACK SEATING • • •
Existing West Lower Stands require structural intervention Expanded U & T sections to have 24” upholstered chairs on 39” treads • In-seat food & drink service from the West Field Club Outer sections to have 19” stadium seats on 33” treads
CUTAWAY VIEW OF THE WEST FIELD CLUB
PHASE 01: WEST FIELD CLUB • • • • • • • • •
16,600SF Club space connected to South Field Club Premium food and beverage options Superior Restrooms Connected to South Field Club Maximizes the benefit from replacing the West Stands Option for unique lounge-style suites North connection completes circuitous Operations path around stadium at Level 00 Sponsorship opportunity Available for non-gameday functions
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
EAST UPPER BOWL
PHASE 01: HANDRAIL & AISLE IMPROVEMENT • • • •
All aisles in Upper Bowl will have handrails Where new handrails occur, aisles improve to 4’-0” wide, increasing mobility Center-rail accessible by both sides of aisle Conforms to current building code and stadium standards
SOUTH UPPER BOWL UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
East Upper Bowl
South Upper Bowl below vomitories
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PHASE 02 The second phase continues the momentum of Phase 01. The renovation of Concourse 01 will continue to the east & northeast and Concourse 02 in the North, East and South will be expanded and renovated. The new Concourse 02 will also include patios with views of the Tennessee River and beyond. At this point, all of the concourse amenities enjoyed by patrons in the Lower Bowl will be complete. In the north of Level 00, the current Letter Winner’s space will be completely renovated to create a Recruit Room that will have no peer. The most current resources and the adjacency to the Vol Walk will greatly, and uniquely, assist in making Tennessee’s best case for the most sought-after recruits. The Letter Winner’s Lounge will be relocated to the north side of the east stands into a higher-volume space with patio-access to the field while streamlining access to their seats. Taking advantage of a pending rule change by the NCAA allowing video to be used at halftime, the Halftime Meeting Room will optimize current technology to provide UT coaches a dramatic advantage over their opponents. The rest of the East side of the Field Level, under Concourse 01, will be entirely renovated to provide larger, improved spaces for gameday operations; including cheerleaders, officials, band equipment, and field maintenance. Phase 02 will also introduce new seating options to Concourse 02. Fifteen open-air Suites in the southwest will offer patrons a premium experience integrated into the bowl and closer to the action on the field than current options. Apart from where Suites are planned, the entire top of the Lower Bowl will have Ledge Seating, replacing plywood boxes and screen walls. Lastly, Grand Entry Gates along with wheelchair accessible ramps & stairs, extending to Concourse 03, will welcome fans from the Southeast & Southwest.
PHASE 02 INCLUDES: East & Northeast Concourse 01 Expansion & Renovation South, East & North Concourse 02 Expansion & Renovation Halftime Meeting Room, Player Recruit Lounge & New Letter Winner’s Lounge East Level 00 Utility, Maintenance, Cheerleading, Band & Gameday Operations Southwest Suites at Concourse 02 Ledge Seating at Concourse 02 Southeast Entry Southwest Entry
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
Halftime Meeting Room, Player Recruit Lounge & New Letter Winner’s Lounge
East & Northeast Concourse 01 Expansion & Renovation
Ledge Seating at Concourse 02
Southwest Suites at Concourse 02
Southeast Entry
Southwest Entry
South, East & North Concourse 02 Expansion & Renovation
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CONCOURSE 01 LOOKING NORTH FROM NORTHEAST
PHASE 02: CONCOURSE 01 COMPLETION • • • • •
Patrons can easily circulate all of Concourse 01, increasing safety Equitable fan experience throughout the entire Lower Bowl Mobility facilitates access to retail and concession options Smooth circulation within the stadium is magnified by balanced ingress & egress Additional Retail options
CONCOURSE 01 LOOKING SOUTH FROM NORTHEAST UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
Additional Retail Options Increased Restrooms
Improved Concessions
Expanded Concourse
Connection to Southeast Vertical Circulation
Southeast Entry Gates
Temporary Plaza Material
Southwest Entry Gates Connection to G10 Parking Structure
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PHASE 02: CONCOURSE 02 EXPANSION & RENOVATION Ledge Ledg Le dge dg e Se Seat Seating atin at ing in g Standing Room Spaces Increased Restrooms
Enhanced Concessions
SOUTH CONCOURSE 02 New Ramp
New Ramp
Southwest Suites
Views of Field from Concourse Vertical Fins with Stairs & Elevators
Vertical Fins with Stairs & Elevators
Meeting Spaces on Expanded Concourse
EAST CONCOURSE 02 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 02: LEVEL 00
PHASE 02: PLAYER RECRUIT ROOM Existing Volunteer Locker Room
Vol Walk Final Sequence
Halftime Meeting Room
Player Recruit Room
Existing Media Room Field Patio Letter Winners’ Lounge
• • • • • • •
6,000SF of Club space at field level Finish to be tailored to recruit’s interest while showcasing the best of the Volunteers Technology installation to allow for future flexibility Adjacency to Vol Walk streamlines recruits’ inclusion Mezzanine level to be better utilized and integrated into overall space Clear path to recruit seating Access to existing field patio
PHASE 02: HALFTIME MEETING ROOM
Field Patio Maintenance Officials, Cheerleading Operations
Defense
• • • • • • • •
8,800SF of Team Room adjacent to Locker Room Operable wall separating Offense and Defense. Can be raised in 30 seconds. Two coaches’ rooms with acoustic treatment Multiple TVs tied to XOS or similar system Whiteboards throughout Optional breakout spaces Adjacent toilets and treatment/taping rooms Will set the bar in the SEC for newly-allowed space
Offices Hydration Stations
PHASE 02: LETTER WINNERS’ LOUNGE Offense
Restrooms
• • • • •
5,400SF of Club space at field level Dedicated entrance across from Media Room promotes interactions Amenities to be improved from current lounge with higher ceilings Access to field patio if desired Alternate enhances access from the northeast, allows for vehicle drop-off
HALFTIME MEETING ROOM UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
PLAYER RECRUIT ROOM POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 02: LEDGE SEATING • • • • • • • • •
Caster Chairs with Counter on Concourse 02 30” wide comfortable chair with casters 18” deep countertops Railing separates patrons from concourse traffic Removes screen walls to allow view of Field from Concourse Electrical outlets for charging Branding opportunity at top of Lower Bowl Defined Standing Room Only spaces behind railing when demand necessitates All locations are accessible for wheelchair patrons
CONCOURSE 02 BOX SEATS
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 02: SOUTHWEST SUITES • • • • • •
Fifteen 12-person Suites Glass wall can fully open Suite to Bowl Eight 24” wide, fully-upholstered chairs Four barstools at counter with view to Field Premium food and beverage options Multiple Televisions
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 02: SOUTHEAST ENTRY • • • • • • • • • • •
Consistent entry experience for all patrons Plazas offer vendor, music, and gathering opportunities • Finish paving completed Phase 03 Continues successful architecture at Northwest Entry, unifying stadium Consolidated entry options improve security Ticketing process to be consistent across all four primary gates Pedestrian ramp, elevators and stairs extend to/from Concourse 03 Dedicated access for premium-seat patrons Connected to Southwest Plaza Integrated with parking garage G10 via walkway Southeast Entry Plaza is visible from Neyland Drive and the Tennessee River Stadium Loading Dock and Visiting Team vehicle parking are adjacent
SOUTHEAST OF NEYLAND STADIUM
Loading Dock
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 02: SOUTHWEST ENTRY • • • • • • • • • •
Consistent entry experience for all patrons Plazas offer vendor, music, and gathering opportunities • Finish paving completed Phase 03 Continues successful architecture at Northwest Entry, unifying stadium Consolidated entry options improve security Ticketing process to be consistent across all four primary gates Pedestrian ramp, elevators and stairs extend to/from Concourse 03 Dedicated access for premium-seat patrons Connected to Southeast Plaza Integrated with parking garage G10 via walkway Southwest Entry Plaza will relieve pressure on Northwest Entry Plaza
SOUTHWEST OF NEYLAND STADIUM
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 03 The execution of the third phase finalizes the exterior appearance of Neyland Stadium, enhances the technological experience for everyone in the bowl and completes the expansion & renovation of all concourses. The gameday experience of Concourse 03 will be enhanced to the new motif established in the lower concourses while providing views toward campus, Knoxville and the Tennessee River & rolling foothills to the south. The southeast and southwest entry gates built in Phase 02 will see their finish materials installed as construction equipment recedes. To provide a uniform appearance to the entire stadium, the existing northeast ramp at gates 22/23 will be cladded in materials matching the other entries. The in-bowl experience will see a dramatic improvement with the building of two new videoboards, one each in the north and south. Bowl WiFi and a distributed antennae system will bring connectivity to fans and a new bowl-wide sound system will keep fans engaged and informed.
PHASE 03 INCLUDES: Concourse 03 East & South Expansion & Renovation Concourse 03 North Renovation New North & South videoboards Ribbon Board along facade of Upper Bowl Full Bowl Sound System Bowl and Stadium WiFi, IT spaces renovated Northeast Ramp Cladding Completion of Southeast & Southwest Plazas
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
PHASE 03: CONCOURSE 03
Northeast Ramp/Gate 22-23 Cladding Renovated North Concessions & Restrooms
Increased Restrooms
Improved Concessions
New Ramp
Vertical Fins with Stairs & Elevators
New Ramp
Vertical Fins with Stairs & Elevators Plaza Completion
Meeting Spaces Expanded Concourse
POPULOUS + MHM
Plaza Completion
PHASE 03: NORTH & SOUTH VIDEOBOARDS • • • • •
123’-0” x 32’-0” Videoboards installed in North & South Every seat will be able to see a videoboard South videoboard integrated with new structure North videoboard on stand-alone structure straddling Alumni Gym Building 360-degree ribbon board along Upper Bowl facade
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
POPULOUS + MHM
PHASE 03: NORTHEAST RAMP CLADDING • • • •
Cladding installed on Gate 22/23 ramp continues successful architecture Consistent entry experience around entire stadium Ticketing and security apparatus uniform across all four primary gates Alternate integrates design with terraced plaza & landscaping to proposed building
PHASE 03: PLAZA COMPLETION • • • •
Construction methodology necessitates temporary solutions until Phase 03 Southeast & Southest final ticketing & security accommodations in place Paving, planting, trees, benches & other site features installed Connection to G10 Parking Garage from both Southeast & Southwest Plazas finalized
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / NEYLAND STADIUM CONCEPT SUMMARY
COMPLETED SOUTHEAST ENTRY PLAZA
CLADDING OF NORTHEAST/GATE 22-23 RAMP POPULOUS + MHM