Following the Cowboys’ home win over Hawaii last November, War Memorial stadium quickly became a demolition site. The entire lower west stands were removed and construction began to replace and update the old seating area.
As reported at the time, the “Restore the War” project would occur in two phases. This summer, the lower stands were renovated, and next year, a new club area will be added to the west stands, along with renovations to the press area.
The question now is if the first phase of construction is ready for the Pokes home opener against Idaho.
“[It’s] ready to go,” said Tyson Drew, Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Events at UW. “As of last Friday (August 16th), we could have a game in the stadium,” he said.
With such a big project and lots of moving pieces, finishing with a tight schedule is important. “Everything that needed to happen from a schedule standpoint or a material standpoint were all delivered on time,” Drew said. “There were not any major issues,” he continued.
This wave of renovations set up the next stage of adding premium box seating. For now however, fans on the west side will have seating similar to the past, but with a more modern look and feel.
Unfortunately, permanent restrooms and concessions will have to wait for next season, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll have to make a long trek around the stadium to look for food. “We knew that we wouldn’t have restrooms and concessions finalized for this season,” said Drew. “We worked with and got a few food trucks that will park under the west side,” he continued.
“We’re bringing in portable restrooms, but also two trailer restrooms that are a bit nicer and more comfortable for you to use,” said Drew. “From a fan amenity standpoint, you’ll actually have access to more concessions than before construction,” he said.
“To look up at the stadium and see that it looks a bit different and a bit more modern is exciting to see,” Drew said.
Drew encouraged students and fans to see it for themselves. “Come on out,” he said.
“From what I’m hearing the game [against Idaho] is pretty close to a sellout,” Drew said. “Come out and take advantage of War Memorial Stadium when the weather is nice.”
The Pokes will be on the road this Saturday to take on Arizona State, before unveiling the new construction against the Idaho Vandals on September 7th.
