State approves PJCS expansion

The University of Louisville has received final approval from the state of Kentucky to move forward with the proposed expansion of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, said Vice President for Athletics Tom Jurich.

Premium seat packages and suites in the new structure are currently being sold and additional gifts are still being sought to complete the $72 million project. While increasing the seating capacity to more than 60,000, the expansion will include 45 new luxury suites, a new south terrace, 2,000 premium loge seats and additional reserved seating.

Expansion will be completed by 2010.

The new east side loge section will offer outside seating and inside amenities. The six-row section is adjacent to a glass-enclosed lounge area with a private entrance, concessions, and restrooms under an overhang with fans and heaters to provide a comfortable climate. Also included are 45 new luxury suites, which feature 18 outside seats plus accommodations for 8-12 persons inside.

“We’re very excited to get final approval from the State of Kentucky to move forward on our stadium expansion,” said Jurich. “When this project is completed, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium will be one of the finest stadiums in college football. We appreciate the response we’ve received from our fans and the donations we’ve received from our corporate partners.”

Fundraising for the $72 million stadium expansion is ahead of schedule, which includes the lead gift from Papa John’s and John and Annette Schnatter at $10 million.

Sun Tan City, an Elizabethtown, Ky., based company, has also made a $3 million donation, and in recognition of this gift, the formerly named red parking lot located adjacent to the stadium will be renamed the “Bronze lot”.

Loge seat sales are nearing the 1,000 seat mark and nearly two-thirds of the 45 new football suites have already been committed.

“Fans are really excited about the premium loge seats being added, and our package combining these loge seats with premium basketball seats in the new downtown arena has really caught on,” said Gary Friedman, Associate Athletic Director. “I anticipate, with this stadium approval, the sales momentum will increase even more and the urgency to get these seats will pick up considerably.”