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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has approved preliminary steps for an estimated $160 million renovation to the campus' football stadium.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/20ukwab ) that the board voted in favor of the full designs and cost estimates for Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Wednesday. The vote also approved the beginning of fundraising efforts for the project. The preliminary plan has received support from University of Arkansas system President Donald Bobbitt.
The plan includes adding additional suites, club seats and loge boxes to the north end of the stadium. It would also remove or renovate other existing areas.
The meeting agenda says the update would add more than 3,000 seats to the stadium, increasing its capacity to more than 75,000.
The Broyles Athletic Center, located at the north end of the stadium, would have to be rebuilt as part of the renovation.
Trustee David Pryor abstained from voting, saying he wanted to see more specific details regarding costs and benefits.
"This is going to take a lot of work and a lot of study on your part, and a lot of decision-making on our part," Pryor said.
The plan includes a $19 million contingency fund for cost overruns.
The football stadium was last underwent a major renovation before the 2001 season, which added an upper deck to the east side as well as club seating and suites.
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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com
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