— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison says his department is in the process of “taking care of the house.”
Harrison and MU Deputy Athletic Director Niesha Campbell detailed this week plans for improvements and new spaces at the Thundering Herd’s main athletic venues — Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Cam Henderson Center and the Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex.
The discussion occurred during the Marshall Board of Governors Athletics Committee meeting.
Harrison and Campbell said plans are underway to develop premium suites in the athletic venues to create additional revenue for the athletic department.
Edwards Stadium will feature a new seating area in the south end zone area through the construction of indoor suites and an outdoor seating suite which create an additional $100,000 in revenue.
Campbell noted the south end zone seating would create a new game viewing spot, and, as she said, “continue the tailgate.”
The Henderson Center is getting a facelift through a renovation of the current Hartley booster room, creation of new sky deck seats and creation of a court side lounge for those who sit next to the basketball court.
The soccer complex will see two major projects in the addition of another 280 seats and the relocation and renovation of the 20/20 Club, an area populated by the Herd’s most rabid fans before and during matches.
Harrison also detailed several physical improvements during Wednesday’s meeting, including the installation of new turf in the Chris Cline Athletic Center and installation of new lights at Joan C. Edwards Stadium and purchase of new goals for the soccer complex.
The new lights and turf replacement projects were both privately financed.
“I was really worried last season because we didn’t have back-up goals,” Harrison said. “The goals were around 20 years old, so it was time.”
Harrison and Campbell said that there are several projects on a “wish list” that still need to be funded.
They say that the turf at the Herd soccer facility is due for replacement at a cost of $1 million dollars. The Henderson Center and Scaggs Family Practice Facility have multiple needs, including the installation of air conditioning in both facilities that could open them up to year-round use.
Harrison estimated the installation of air conditioning could cost as much as $4.5 million. He’d also like the installation of new handrails at Edwards Stadium.
Another big capital projects need is major improvements at Fitch Natatorium, including pool renovations as well as locker room changes.
Campbell told the committee that Marshall Athletics will likely spend about a half million dollars less in the soon-to-end fiscal year and will see revenues likely end $150,000 higher than a year ago.
One of the revenue highlights, according to Campbell, was a nearly quarter-million dollar increase in ticket revenue for Marshall baseball.