STARKVILLE — Construction on the new Dudy Noble Field/Polk-Dement Stadium could begin in June 2017, according to Mississippi State Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin.
Stricklin said once designs are in place and fundraising is met, the construction will begin. He also noted in his weekly update Wednesday that the goal is to have enough of the construction done by the spring of 2018 to allow the MSU baseball team to play on the site while construction is completed.
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) initially approved a $40-million budget for the project, but Stricklin said MSU will make a request this month to increase the budget to $55 million.
In other sports, Stricklin said architects are being selected to begin pre-planning renovations on Davis Wade Stadium, the home for the MSU football team, and Humphrey Coliseum, the home for the school’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. Davis Wade’s east concourse is expected to be renovated to match the newly renovated west and north concourses. Stricklin said the east side’s Floyd Wade Club level and a new press box on the west side are in the works. Stricklin also noted that the south end zone could mirror the north end zone in the future. The north end was bowled in prior to the 2014 season.
For Humphrey Coliseum, Stricklin said new restrooms, concessions, concourses, exteriors, and possible premium seating would enhance the facility.
A location has been identified next to A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre for construction of an indoor tennis facility with six courts.
Stricklin also said updates to the Palmeiro Center, the baseball team’s indoor facility that also is used by other sports, and to the Newell-Grissom Building, which is the home of the MSU volleyball team, are possibilities.
Stricklin said contractors began work this week on a $1.8-million soccer clubhouse behind the east goal of the MSU soccer field.
“Just like the work up to this point has been due to private giving, these future projects will also rely on the generosity of the Bulldog family,” Stricklin wrote. “We’ve all done some remarkable things by working together, and the future remains incredibly bright for this special place we love so much.”
Stricklin estimated MSU could invest $150 million into athletic facilities in the next 10 years.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.