Holland/ J.E. Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project

Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and renovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.   A joint venture comprised of Holland Construction Services of Swansea, Ill. and JE Dunn Construction of Kansas City, Mo. is handling the project.

The twin centerpieces of the multi-phase initiative are a new 12,000-seat football stadium with capacity for up to 15,000 fans and a renovated Saluki Arena, an 8,460-seat basketball venue.  Both facilities are to be completed in time to host the home-opening games of the 2010 football and basketball seasons.

The final major component is a 53,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will emanate from the northeast face of Saluki Arena.  Designed by 360 Architecture, the $11.5 million multi-purpose structure will serve as the new main entrance to the arena and host its ticket office, football and basketball team facilities, an auditorium and administrative space.  The façade will combine brick veneer with a glass curtain wall.
The new, yet-to-be-named football stadium will replace McAndrew Stadium, built in 1939.

Budgeted at $25.3 million, the 37,000-square-foot U-shaped facility designed by Image Architects, Inc., will have 12,000 fixed seats plus lawn seating and a lower concourse with concessions areas, restrooms and storage.  It will also feature a press box and club area with eight private, enclosed luxury suites.  The field will be artificial grass turf. 

The $29.9 million renovation to Saluki Arena, built in 1964, will include new seating throughout, greatly improved accessibility with entrances that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new scoreboard, new concession areas, additional restrooms and other fan amenities.  The renovation is being staged in two phases so that the 2009-10 basketball Salukis can compete in the venue as work proceeds.

Funding for the project is coming from public and private sources. The city of Carbondale has committed $20 million to it ($1 million over 20 years) while SIU-C has boosted student fees and launched a targeted fund-raising program. Revenues generated from the lease of the eight private suites will also be applied to debt service.

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