Substantial completion of the Hancock Stadium renovation is scheduled for September 21, 2013, just in time for Illinois State’s season opener against Abilene Christian.

This $27.6 million project is being funded with the proceeds from revenue bonds, an allocation from University general funds, and private contributions.

Hancock’s new east-side grandstand offers a new attractive and inviting presence on Main Street. The structure includes modern press and game day operations conveniences along with a club environment, catering facilities, and seven suite “boxes” with premier seating and outdoor terrace spaces. Wider individual club seats with backs are provided for approximately 500 guests located adjacent to the club level space.

The new structure includes aluminum bleacher seating with seat backs to accommodate approximately 5,000 spectators. The facade consists of brick, pre-cast concrete and metal panel elements. The significant new window bands provide high visibility, panoramic views from the club level to Illinois State’s campus and unite Hancock Stadium with the rest of the campus aesthetic.

The parking area is being reconfigured to better serve the stadium and game-day activities, while still providing for regular use on non-game days.

Browning Day Mullins and Dierdorf (BDMD) of Indianapolis are the architects, and Hurst Roesche of Springfield, Illinois are the engineers.

Contracts were awarded to seven prime contractors in summer 2012. Construction started September 3, 2012.

Hancock Stadium construction

Hancock Stadium construction, front view and ticket booth in August 2013.

Project development chronology

February 15, 2008: Board of Trustees approval for Hancock Stadium design work ($1.5 million)

June 30, 2008: Signed contracts with BDMD

February 17, 2012: Board of Trustees approval for Hancock Stadium construction work ($25 million)

June 29, 2012: Bid opening for the seven prime contractor trades. The construction prime contracts were:

1. Vissering (General)
2. Anderson (Electrical)
3. Mechanical Services (Heating)
4. A & R Mechanical (Ventilating)
5. Dries Brothers (Plumbing)
6. Prairie Fire (Fire Protection)
7. Siemens (Temperature Controls)

September 3, 2012: Construction work begins

October 26, 2012: Board of Trustees approval for Hancock Stadium enhancements project ($1 million). This project provides for additional signage, an audio system, and equipment and furnishings

March 20, 2013: Bid opening for the enhancement work. Additional stadium support contracts:

— Pentagra (audio system)
— Prairie Signs (signage)
— Daktronics (scoreboard)

June 15, 2013: Enhancement work commences

July 26, 2013: Board of Trustees approval of $1.2 million for Hancock scoreboard and marquee sign.

September 21, 2013 (scheduled): contract substantial completion.

Hancock Stadium before construction

Pre-construction photographs (2012)

Construction activity

As of July 19, 2013, the general contractor was framing and installing drywall on the Club and Press Levels. Ceiling grid was being installed on the concourse and mechanical levels. In addition, stone work was continuing on the main structure, and the site work has begun.

Hancock Club areas

The Club Level Suite, left, and the Club Room under construction at Hancock.

The electrical contractor was completing rough-in of the power, lighting, and fire alarm systems on the press level and pulling the main feeder wires to the electrical panels on the Mechanical and Club Levels.

The plumbing contractor has completed rough-in of the bathrooms on the Concourse, Club and Press Levels and installed and piped the water treatment system on the Mechanical Level.

Hancock mechanicals

The water treatment system, right, and electrical panels on the mechanical level at Hancock.

The heating contractor has completed piping of the mains and branch piping above the ceiling of the Concourse, Mechanical, and Club Levels.

The ventilation contractor has completed duct work installation on the Concourse, Mechanical, and Club Levels and is continuing with the installation of the duct work on Press Level and set the condensing units on the roof of the Press Level.

The fire protection contractor has completed installation of the sprinkler mains and the branch piping on the Concourse and Mechanical Levels and is installing the branch lines on the Club and Press Levels.

The temperature controls contractor is working on the rough-in on all levels.

For more Hancock Stadium construction and other project news and announcements, visit the Facilities and Planning Construction website.