Wyoming Athletics is raising awareness for its new “Restore the War” project, kicking off this winter. Over the next few years, the athletics department plans to renovate parts of War Memorial Stadium and fund a new facility for swim and dive.
War Memorial Stadium was originally constructed in 1950, and over the years has undergone various renovations. These include the addition of the scoreboard, the Wildcatter suites, an expanded press box and the construction of the High Altitude Performance Center to the north.
The newly announced plans will be completed in two phases and will include renovation of the lower west side of the stadium. There will also be a significant update to the media and broadcast area.
Phase one will begin after the end of the current 2023 football season.
“This portion of the project, which is scheduled to conclude ahead of the 2024 football season, will be highlighted by a new public concourse and improved seating options,” said Nick Seeman, Assistant AD for media relations, in a Nov. 7 press release.
These renovations include 3000 new chairback seats, a new public concourse, improved ADA access, and improved restrooms.
Phase Two won’t begin until the end of the 2024 season, but will continue the renovations on the west side.
“Phase two will include construction of a new, premium club area that will rest between the seating blocks on the lower west side, and upper west side of the stadium,” Seeman said.
“This phase will [also] include a comprehensive renovation of the War Memorial Stadium Media and Broadcast Center and will allow for significant improvements in media and guest accommodation, improved access for local, regional, and national media, including national television networks, and improved gameday efficiency.”
On top of all the improvements to War Memorial, the project will also include a new facility for swimming and diving, another exciting announcement for Wyoming Athletics.
While the Cowboy and Cowgirl swim and dive teams are able to use the Corbett pool on campus, competitions are held at Laramie High School. With this new facility, they will be able to host competitions at their own venue.
The project is made possible by an investment from the Wyoming legislature and $20 million in private funding. This addition will be one of the largest investments in the stadium to date.
The addition of the Wildcatter suites cost $50 million in 2010, but it’s not clear at this time what the final cost of the “Restore the War” project will be.
