Stadium Improvement Leveling Continues

Lincoln -- The University of Nebraska Athletic Department will provide regular updates of the construction process on the North Stadium Improvement Project via its website, Huskers.com.  The Sports Information Office will obtain information from Boyd Epley, Associate Athletic Director, representing the athletic department and Brad Muehling, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Facilities Project Manager.  The site will provide pictures and written updates regarding the construction of the new athletic facilities being built on the North end of Memorial Stadium.  In addition, all three Construction Cams are now live on the web, 24 hours a day.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Update:
Sampson Construction has made significant strides in preparing the North Stadium areas for the building projects, which include the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex, the new indoor fieldhouse, and an addition to Memorial Stadium that will expand seating to 80,000.  The soccer offices, Buck Beltzer Stadium concession stands and adjacent outdoor restrooms were removed several weeks ago. 

Today, Sampson began taking down the Northwest fieldhouse.  Sampson is utilizing a claw-like machine called a concrete pincher.  This machine grabs parts of the building and can pull it in or push it out.  They prepare each building for take-down, by first removing electrical wiring and plumbing, and any parts of the building designated to save.  They will add wood and dirt around the building to secure the pillars and protect the concrete surfaces.  On Tuesday, Sampson completed a practice take-down run and is now beginning to remove the Northwest fieldhouse, section by section.  The process is continuing and will resume again tomorrow beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Installation of gas and sewer utility lines are being finalized, and the area for the indoor workout facility is being cleared and prepared for construction.  This will allow the football field to be ready for winter conditioning in February of 2005.  Brad Muehling, UNL’s Facilities Project Manager, confirmed that the work is progressing according to schedule and should allow Sampson to meet their deadlines.

Media are welcome to take pictures of the fieldhouses coming down, from any safe position, as long as it is outside the construction perimeter fence.

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