Jason BatacaoThe University of Utah board of trustees approved a $39.1 million renovation to Rice-Eccles Stadium Tuesday.
The approval allows the U. and Crimson Brand Partners, the university’s new for-profit company, to move forward with the project, which will largely focus on upgrading suites, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.
The total construction cost for the project is $27.56 million, according to a presentation shown to the trustees on Tuesday. The additional $12 million will cover “soft costs,” which include design, legal and insurance expenses.
The U. and Crimson Brand Partners are paying for the renovation with capital expenditure (CapEx) funds from their recently struck deal with New York-based private equity firm Otro Capital, according to a source.
As part of the deal, the U. preallocated funds for certain capital improvements, the source said. Those improvements include the Rice-Eccles Stadium renovation.
(University of Utah) The project list for approved renovations to be made to the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium.
According to the project description, Utah plans 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 sixth level currently houses Utah’s primary game-day operations and media areas, including the John Mooney Working Press Area, Varsity Room and Bill Marcroft Radio Booth.
As part of the plan, the U. will relocate the press box from the stadium’s sixth-level west tower to a location that has yet to be selected.
The university has begun soliciting architects and engineers for the project. The initial phase of the project is expected to be completed in August 2027.
“This would enhance VIP fan experience, improve food service, and increase revenue through Premium offerings at Rice-Eccles Stadium,” the project description said.
