Fall might be when stadium lights shine the brightest, but it’s the offseason when the most important upgrades take shape at college football venues. As campuses reset and regroup for the season ahead, athletic departments across the country are taking a strategic look at how to evolve their facilities to meet the changing demands and expectations of students, alumni and avid fans.
“The offseason is the best window for schools to invest in their stadiums” said Jon Chase, chief engineering officer at Sightline Commercial Solutions, a provider of commercial staging and railing solutions. “Whether it’s modernizing a legacy stadium with new railing, expanding accessibility with modular solutions, or redesigning concourses and end zones to create high-energy premium viewing zones, there are improvements that can be executed quickly and seamlessly to unlock new revenue opportunities and bring fresh life to iconic environments.”
Following are five examples of collegiate football programs that have optimized the offseason to make updates and upgrades:
Doak Campbell Stadium
75 years after its grand opening, Doak Campbell Stadium at Florida State University underwent a major transformation that included a complete redesign of the south end zone with new premium seating, a full overhaul of the West stands that replaced existing bleachers with upgraded seating, and the addition of a new Founders Level with suites and field-level premium spaces. Nearly 6,000 linear feet of architectural railing was installed, ranging from aisle and drink rail to a custom-fabricated system paired with Bendheim Corduroy fluted glass for the Founders Suite.
Lavell Edwards Stadium
The summer before Brigham Young University’s historic 100th football season, renovations were completed at Lavell Edwards Stadium, the largest venue in the Big 12. A new VIP loge seating section offers an upgraded vantage point with unbeatable views, enhanced comfort and refined style. Anchoring the new VIP section are exterior-grade SC97 aluminum platforms with closure panels that add structural integrity. Swivel chairs and personal tables mount securely to a custom backer plate, while powder-coated IBC railings in BYU’s signature blue bring safety and school pride across every sightline.
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
Opened in 1921 as a living memorial to the University of Kansas students and alumni who gave their lives during World War I, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is one of the nation’s oldest college football venues. Recent renovations reimagined the fan experience with updated seating, improved accessibility and modern design elements that honor its history while preparing it for the next 100 years. Custom modular stair units were delivered, helping the iconic venue meet modern accessibility standards.
Bobby Dodd Stadium
At Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium, a new premium activation space was created to showcase Hyundai’s corporate sponsorship in a bold, memorable way. Known as “The Hyundai Nest,” the VIP riser and party deck feature a custom pedestal stage designed to display a new vehicle at each home game, delivered dramatically by crane. The space combines platforms, drink rails, guardrails and ADA access to support both sponsor visibility and premium hospitality.
Bill Snyder Family Stadium
Since 1968, Bill Snyder Family Stadium has served as a home away from home for generations of Kansas State football fans. The latest $52 million renovation transformed the South concourse into the Shamrock Zone, a 13,500-square-foot club space where we provided 3,800 linear feet of custom fabricated railing. Football fans will find picket, mesh, glass, cane, drink rail and more throughout the Shamrock Zone’s main concourse, suite level, office level and southeast viewing terrace.