CONWAY, SC – Coastal Carolina University’s Board of Trustees plans to discuss the expansion of Brooks Stadium and construction of a proposed soccer complex at a meeting Thursday.
The items are talking points at a Finance, Planning and Facilities Committee meeting scheduled for 11 a.m., according to the university’s website.
The expansion of Brooks Stadium is a requirement to meet FBS football standards, as the school moves forward with its membership into the Sun Belt Conference. The process, according to school officials, will expand the facility to 20,000 seats.
CCU leaders plan to request approval to establish a capital project for the work Thursday, according to meeting agendas. The agenda reveals the school is also looking to add additional suites and required spectator amenities as part of the upgrade.
The school anticipates the work will cost between $19 million and $25 million. The decision on a final design for the expansion of Brooks Stadium will ultimately determine the cost of the project.
Currently, Prufer says the university is advertising for an architectural firm to consult with on the design. Following the consultation, the school hopes to have renderings of what the expansion may look like.
“We would like it to be completed by the beginning of the 2017 football season,” Prufer added in an e-mail Tuesday to News13.
At the same Thursday morning meeting, CCU leaders also plan to request approval of capital project to construct a new soccer complex at the university. Officials say the proposed complex will likely include a playing field for athletes, structure for fans and media and a support facility.
Prufer says the university anticipates spending $5 million on the project, if approved. While the location is still being discussed, Prufer says the proposed soccer complex should take less time to complete than the football stadium.
