Coming off a 2012-2013 campaign that saw the Irish advance to their first BCS National Championship game, University of Notre Dame officials are discussing the possibility of upgrading iconic Notre Dame Stadium.
As Yahoo Sports reports, the University unveiled a plan this week to add buildings and upwards of 3,000 additional premium seats both in and around the stadium in an effort to give the part of campus surrounding Notre Dame Stadium more of a community feeling.
Not looking to change or interrupt the long-standing tradition of Irish football and its stadium, the proposed plan would implement the addition of those seats in brand new buildings that would peak over both sides of the stadium.
To add to the usage of these new buildings, classrooms, a media center and a new student center are all proponents that will be added to the buildings if the University decides to follow through with the plans.
"We'll take our most iconic athletic venue and reimagine it as the site of year-round university use, not five-day-a-year athletic use," Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick told ESPN.
The idea to create more seats and academic space for the students is something very much intriguing to many members of the University, including their athletic director. With the addition of these seats and popular on-campus sites such as the proposed media and student centers, Swarbrick knows the boost in finances that would come along with the additions would be monumental.
"We're in a business where we have to generate some additional revenue out of that stadium to support the program," he said. "Long-term premium seating plays a role in that."
Coming off a 12-1 season that included an appearance in the 2013 National Championship game, the excitement surrounding Notre Dame athletics - especially the football program - is at a tremendous high and the proposed additions are sure to arouse more anticipation for what the future holds in South Bend.
One possible event that could take place if the plans are furthered would be hosting the NHL's Winter Classic as well as concerts during the football off-season.
Adding approximately 3,000 more seats would bring the total number in and around the stadium to slightly above 84,000. Not wanting to change the historic stadium initially designed by legendary coach Knute Rockne, Swarbrick's main goal is to carry on the great Notre Dame tradition.
"He (Rockne) built a state-of-the-art stadium," Swarbrick said. "That's the essence of the iconic venue, and we want to protect that."
Notre Dame Stadium hosted its first game on October 4th, 1930. Initially holding 54,000 fans, the University conducted a stadium seating expansion in 1997. Adding over 20,000 seats, Notre Dame Stadium now holds 80,795, creating a raucous environment for every home football game.
If the proposal is agreed upon, it is reported that the finished product will take between 5 and 6 years to complete upon approval.
The Irish begin their 2013-2014 season at home as they'll welcome in the Temple Owls on August 31st.
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