1. How will the renovations be paid for?

The master plan was created in a phased approach. Each phase is independent so we can ensure that funding is available for each phase before we begin it.

One key goal of the master plan was to find a way to fund the renovations without financially impacting all Tennessee fans. Several specific revenue streams have been designated to fund the future of Neyland Stadium and the continuance of Tennessee's prominence on the national stage.

The addition of club seating will be a primary funding source for the renovations, providing more than $28 million up front plus an additional annual revenue of $2.6 million towards the estimated $115 million in renovations through club seat gifts, annual donations and fees for those seats. Other funding sources will include the additional contributions from the 2004 sideline seating policy change along with other philanthropic gifts.

2. Will ticket prices increase?

We do not currently plan to increase ticket prices for Neyland Stadium renovations. Future ticket price increases in the immediate future will be used for operational needs.

3. How did UTAD decide what renovations to make?

We wanted a master plan that would prepare Neyland Stadium for the next 75 years while maintaining the collegiate integrity of the stadium and recognizing the heritage of Tennessee football in a fiscally responsible manner. Before beginning the master plan, we visited six stadiums across the country which are similar in age to Neyland. We also received feedback from more than 3,000 fans through an online survey. When completed, every fan will benefit in better concourses, restrooms and concessions.

4. Why are the renovations needed?

In order for Neyland Stadium to continue to be a viable structure, renovations to electrical and plumbing must be made. There are also several areas of the stadium that are not ADA compliant and need to be addressed. Renovations to bathrooms and concourse space are included to enhance all fans' experience at Neyland Stadium.

5. Would it be cheaper to build a new stadium?

No. It would cost an estimated $400-600 million to build a stadium the size of Neyland Stadium.

6. What will happen to ticket holders in the areas where club seats are being added?

The plan currently calls for club seats in two areas - along the east sideline underneath the skybox in sections AA to FF and the west sideline underneath the skybox in sections RR to WW where the current radio and television broadcast area is located.

The seats affected on the east sideline were primarily visitor allotments and student seating. We are working with the architect to determine what seats will be affected in the west upper deck. When these locations are determined, we will work with those affected to re-assign them. Season ticket holders affected will have the opportunity to move to other seats in the stadium.

7. Why does the master plan call for the removal of ramps at Gate 10 and along Phillip Fulmer Way?

The current ramps are not ADA compliant and must be replaced. In order to rebuild Gate 10 at the correct size, the ramp would have to be extended into the street at Phillip Fulmer Way. To address safety concerns, the non-ADA compliant ramps will be removed and four stair towers with a total of eight elevators in the south end of the stadium will be added to move fans in and out more efficiently. This provides new elevator access to the south area of the stadium.

In the new south end zone, the majority of fans will enter on street level, thus not having to use the Gate 10 ramp. For fans going to the upper deck, the stair towers will reduce the travel distance. Access to upper deck would require travel distance of 1,550 feet on a ramp versus 275 feet on stairs. In addition, the stair towers enable Neyland Stadium to meet "life safety" code to allow our fans to exit the stadium quicker.

8. If capacity is reduced, will anyone lose their opportunity to buy season tickets?

No. Approximately 1,200-1,800 seats turn over every year. Rather than assigning those seats to new donors, we will use them to re-assign season ticket holders affected by the change.

9. What will the new capacity be?

Once the project is completed the stadium capacity will be over 100,000.

10. Why isn't UTAD increasing the size of seats throughout the stadium?

One of the goals of the master plan was to renovate the stadium while keeping capacity over 100,000 to allow a maximum number of fans the opportunity to enjoy UT football. By altering the width of the seats, we would greatly reduce capacity.

11. Will there be a tribute to General Neyland or former teams at the stadium?

There are currently plans for a "Legend's Plaza" which will feature a statue in the new Gate 10 entry plaza.

12. How long will it take to complete the project?

The master plan was created in a phased approach. Each phase is independent so we can ensure that funding is available for each phase before we begin it. Our plan is for the renovations to be completed in five phases beginning after the 2005 season during the off-seasons to alleviate inconveniences on fans. We anticipate the renovations taking approximately eight to 12 years to complete provided funding is available.

13. Will any public funds be used for the project?

There are no plans to use public funds for the project. One key goal of the master plan was to find a way to fund the renovations without financially impacting all Tennessee fans.

14. How does this project compare to other stadium renovations across the country?

We visited six newly-renovated stadiums comparable in age to Neyland Stadium. The cost for renovations ranged from $70 million at Purdue University to $225 million at Ohio State. Purdue repaired and replaced old concrete, enlarged concourses, and added restrooms and concessions. Ohio State renovated restrooms and concessions, enlarged concourses, added a video screen and added suites.

15. Will UTAD add another jumbotron?

Not at this time due to cost. As we prioritize plans for Neyland, our goals center on renovations like concourse expansion, restrooms, concessions and other fan amenities. A jumbotron on the north end would also require a significant adjustment to the roof.

16. Are any changes being made to make it easier on elderly fans to get in and out of the stadium?

Yes. The enlarged concourse spaces and the addition of elevators on the south end of the stadium should make it easier for all fans to navigate the stadium.

17. Will there be additional changes to the grandfathered ticket policy to pay for this?

We do not anticipate additional changes to the grandfathered ticket policy at this time. The athletic department is diligently working to contain costs; however, the cost of scholarships and operating a 20 sport program continues to rise each year.

In spring 2004, we made a change in the grandfathered sideline season tickets. Effective with the 2004 football season, individuals with sideline grandfathered season tickets could retain a maximum of two (2) non-donation based (grandfathered) sideline seats. Beginning with the 2006 season, all seating currently classified as "grandfathered" on the east and west sidelines will require a minimum annual donation. Sideline grandfathered ticket holders who do not wish to make annual contributions to retain their previous sideline location may choose to transfer their grandfathered "status" to available seating in the endzones. Funds from this change will be used towards renovations to Neyland Stadium.

18. What about the South Club?

The original version of the Master Plan called for 1,589 club seats to be located in the upper south end zone for the 2009 or 2010 season. In order to begin work in the south end of Neyland Stadium, badly outdated office and classroom space must be evacuated and relocated on campus. The UTAD is currently projecting that it will be longer than anticipated for this move to occur and new office/class room space to be funded through the state budget. When this occurs, renovations will begin in the south end of the stadium. Based on funding needs at that time and the goal of keeping the stadium's capacity over 100,000, the UTAD will reevaluate its plans for the South Club and determine total seating numbers and pricing.