JONESBORO, Ark. (11/20/17) – The Arkansas State Athletics Department was approved Monday to begin construction on its Centennial Bank Stadium $29-million “North End Zone Expansion” project following a vote by the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees granting ground lease and space lease agreements with the Red Wolves Foundation.

The Board of Trustee's approval gives the Red Wolves Foundation the ability to facilitate and pay for the construction of a new A-State athletics facility, as well as premium seating areas and aesthetic enhancements, in the north end zone of Centennial Bank Stadium.

“This is a monumental day in the history of Arkansas State Athletics as we take the next step in this historic initiative to help build our programs to be the best we can possibly be,” said A-State Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir . “This wouldn't be possible without many loyal and dedicated people and companies who believe in the vision of our athletics program. I appreciate Dr. Damphousse, Dr. Welch and our Board of Trustee's support and confidence in this project."

The new facility will span approximately 66,533 square feet and be utilized by all A-State student-athletes with amenities such as a weight room, training and rehabilitation area, academic rooms and a team theater-seating room. The facility will also co-exist as a football operations building consisting of a team locker room, meeting rooms, players' lounge, coaching offices and more.

The project will not only enhance the student-athlete experience for current and future Red Wolves, it will create additional space to expand the entire athletics department as well. The construction will also yield 150 new loge boxes and 68 new premium seats, generating additional revenue for the athletics department.

The new seating areas and aesthetic improvements to the stadium will combine to upgrade the game day experience for fans and will allow for private and corporate event opportunities on non-game days. The aesthetic enhancements will pay homage to The Natural State with landscape features indigenous to the state of Arkansas.

Construction documents have been completed and Ramsons, Inc., of Jonesboro will serve as the general contractor for the project. AECOM was selected as the architect for the project which will be paid for entirely through private funds.

A-State will begin to mobilize construction immediately, although a specific ground-breaking date will be announced at a later time. Construction in the Centennial Bank's north end zone will begin with the premium seating areas.

“This is going to be a great addition to our athletics facilities and fulfill a lot of needs,” said ASU System President Dr. Chuck Welch. “I want to commend Athletics Director Terry Mohajir and his team for raising the private funds to accomplish this. We appreciate the Red Wolves Foundation donors for their significant support of our program. The Athletics Department and foundation want to begin construction as soon as possible so the revenue-generating seating is ready for the 2018 fall season."

Additional “North End Zone Expansion” project details, including artist renderings and a “Frequently Asked Questions” page, are available online at RedWolvesFoundation.com.