Jason BatacaoThe University of Utah and its new company, Crimson Brand Partners, have plans for a potential $26 million renovation to Rice-Eccles Stadium, according to documents obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune.
According to the project description, Utah is looking to refresh existing suites on the stadium’s fourth and fifth levels, add six new suites and a club on the sixth level, and create a new field-level club.
The university has begun soliciting architects and engineers for the project. If approved, the initial phase is expected to be completed in August 2027.
The initial construction budget is listed at $26 million.
Utah Athletics and the university both declined to comment on the proposal when contacted by The Tribune.
(University of Utah) This image depicts a concept rendering of the full scope of the potential $26 million renovations coming to Rice-Eccles Stadium in 2026.
The project would center mostly on the stadium’s West Tower, upgrading suites on the fourth and fifth levels to deliver an “elevated fan experience and sustainable revenue growth.”
The project would also add new suites and a new club on the tower’s sixth level.
The sixth level currently houses Utah’s primary gameday operations and media areas, including the John Mooney Working Press Area, Varsity Room and Bill Marcroft Radio Booth.
(University of Utah) Concept renderings of the potential renovations to be made to the level four and five areas of Rice-Eccles Stadium's West Tower.
The U. also plans to create a new field-level club in the stadium’s northeast corner, near the new North End Field Seats announced last month.
According to the documents, Utah would renovate an existing storage space into a “Corner Field Club.” The concept rendering includes a “pass-thru” bar, a feature bar and other dining areas.
That suggests a second area where alcohol is sold during games could potentially be coming. This season, the university added an alcohol option in the south end zone. No other alcohol sales are currently allowed during football games.
(University of Utah) This image depicts a concept floor plan for the proposed Corner Field Club renovation to Rice Eccles Stadium.
According to a Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control spokesperson, the Ken Garff Red Zone’s licenses are held by OVG Alumni Club Holdings LLC, which operates independently of the University of Utah. The company holds a full-service restaurant license and a banquet catering license, both of which allow it to sell alcohol.
In the architect solicitation, the U. is seeking services “for a period of three years with the option of two one-year extensions” for the stadium renovation.
Jason Batacao, a former Oklahoma City resident who graduated from the University of Oklahoma, covers the University of Utah for The Salt Lake Tribune. When he’s not covering the Utes, Jason enjoys watching movies, playing on his Xbox Series X and reading books.