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Kentucky football revealed the new Commonwealth Stadium on Wednesday.
Kentucky’s 41-year-old football venue underwent a $110 million facelift that should be finished for the 2015 season.
RELATED: Photos of the SEC’s stadium renovations in 2015
The Wildcats have reduced the capacity from 67,000 to 61,000 to make it a smaller, more fan-friendly atmosphere. UK added bench-back seating to a number of sections in the stadium as well as new player areas and suites.
There’s still work left to do, but Commonwealth should be operational in time for the Sept. 5 season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette.
The team is so excited about the stadium upgrades that it labeled its 2015 media guide cover with the inscription “inaugural season” under coach Mark Stoops’ face, even though this fall represents his third season.
Here are some photos from today’s media tour.
Some Commonwealth Stadium for you. pic.twitter.com/jmXugDGc7N
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
You've seen this, I'm sure, but a giant new graphic in one of the stadium tunnels. pic.twitter.com/MsOAAojPkL
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) July 22, 2015
Had several questions about the messed up lettering on this scoreboard and was told it will be replaced. pic.twitter.com/vo1OaI7KyA
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
Project manager Russ Pear says everyone knows the stadium deadline and "we're going go to be ready to go." Won't be fully done, but enough.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) July 22, 2015
Behind Pear is the VIP seating. pic.twitter.com/V2vBb1p6tR
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
Field still needs to be worked in, Pear said. Team will help with that during fall camp.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
The goal is to have all of lower bowl with seat backs in next few years, Pear said.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
Recruiting room with a view. pic.twitter.com/jAcjrr05F8
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
The view from UK's new recruiting room … pic.twitter.com/pcjDz3hKUd
— Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL) July 22, 2015
New suite level view. It's just above the old press box area. pic.twitter.com/oK7xLSM3Ot
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) July 22, 2015
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
