The University of Notre Dame's famed football stadium will get an upgrade, according to officials who unveiled plans for a $400 million project on Wednesday.
The proposal, which will add three new buildings and almost 4,000 premium seats, was presented to Notre Dame's board of trustees in Rome this week. President of the University Rev. John Jenkins told the board that the idea was "the most ambitious building project in the 172-year history of Notre Dame."
"What's exciting about this project is it brings together athletics, faculty and academics, research and a student center, so it's an integrated model," Jenkins said on Wednesday.
An additional 750,000 square feet will come with the new buildings, which will house a student center, as well as the psychology and anthropology offices.
The additional seats will bring capacity at Notre Dame Stadium from 80,795 to more than 84,000. According to a report by the Associated Press, the press box will be moved from the west side to the east. In the new south building, which will take the place of the current Rolfs Sports Recreation Center, six stories will house a recreation center and hospitality area. The school's men's and women's basketball teams will also practice in the new space.
Jenkins told AP that the university is looking for donations for the project, adding that the research facilities will prevent the campus from spreading out too far.
Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick said that the addition proves just how important sports are to a university, especially one like Notre Dame, which covets its iconic football team.
"It's such a powerful symbol, given what's going on in college athletics right now, that you can take the stadium and say we believe in the integration of athletics into academics, and here's the living proof," Swarbrick told AP.
