UW regents approve first steps in stadium remodel

Published 6:09 pm Thursday, October 16, 2008

SEATTLE — The University of Washington Board of Regents gave approval on Thursday for the Huskies athletic department to move forward with the pre-development phase of a proposed renovation to the aging Husky Stadium.

The school will now enter into negotiations with Mortenson Construction, which would provide planning, and architectural design for the stadium renovation once money for the project has been secured.

Some of Mortenson’s previous projects include new stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and University of Minnesota football, renovations to the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, and the new Kent Events Center just southeast of Seattle.

Husky Stadium is now in its 89th season.

The facility needs significant work in the lower bowl to meet health and safety, seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, according to university officials.

The school is pushing for a proposed $300 million renovation of the stadium, hoping $150 million can come from King County tourism taxes already in place to help pay off the bonds on Qwest Field and Safeco Field. The remainder would come from premium seat charges, private donations and the athletic department.

The Washington Legislature would have to approve the funding package and give authority to the King County Council to redirect those taxes toward paying off the stadium renovations.

The university lobbied hard earlier this year, but was not able to secure funding from state lawmakers.