The school announced its “Drive for Husky Stadium” campaign Wednesday, complete with the launching of a new website, www.huskystadium.com.
“Today is a big day for us, we are introducing a really interesting concept,” UW athletic director Scott Woodward said. “This is really important to us. It’s another step in remaining a prominent and elite program – the renovation of Husky Stadium.”
So what is the Drive for Husky Stadium?
“This project and drive is really about our fans,” said Jen Cohen, senior associate athletic director. “This is a project of our lifetimes. And for our fans, it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on Montlake. Today is kind our day to ask our fans, our supporters and our community to join us, to be part of this effort. It’s a drive for the masses.”
The website is an avenue for fans to find answers to questions and to see the progress of the stadium. There is a fair amount of confusion about ticket prices, seat locations, changes and renovations.
The website features information ranging from seating charts and ticket information for not only 2013 but also for the 2012 season, which will be played at CenturyLink Field.
Season ticket prices for 2012 at CenturyLink and 2013 at the new stadium have yet to be unveiled, but should be available in October. Woodward stressed that there will be no exponential ticket price increases for 2013. He said any increases would be “incremental.”
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the site is the “virtual venue,” which offers a computer rendering of the stadium and all its new and different amenities that fans can tour.
“There’s all-new elements, but you are going feel like it’s the same Husky Stadium,” said senior associate athletic director O.D. Vincent. “That means we will have an open east end. We didn’t want to crowd that with seats. We think looking at Lake Washington is a unique experience.”
The new stadium will still seat about 70,000 fans with 21,000 premium seats for donors.
The rebuilt stadium will have luxury suites – 25 of them renting for $60,000 per year. There will also be 30 outdoor patio suites along with Club Husky – a 2,500-person club with a lounge area with upgraded concessions and two bars.
The track around the field will be removed, bringing fans closer to the field. The first row at the 50-yard line will be 44 feet from the sideline. The distance currently is 72 feet because of the track.
“We are going to honor tradition and really keep it collegiate,” Woodward said. “I think that’s where our stadium really gets it right.”
Other notes from the press conference:
• There will be a 60 percent increase in restrooms, including significantly more women’s restrooms.
• Students will be moved from the coveted seats in the lower bowl between the 40-yard lines to the west end zone along with the band.
• UW has raised $42 million of the $50 million goal before construction begins.
FIRST DAY OF PADS
With the team wearing shoulder pads and shorts, the hitting and intensity picked up a little. Defensive backs, including Desmond Trufant and Quinton Richardson, manhandled young receivers. “It’s just about being physical,” Trufant said. “It was fun hitting again, it’s been a while.”
Defensive coordinator Nick Holt wasn’t exactly thrilled with the way his defense played.
“We weren’t very sharp today,” Holt said.
EXTRA POINTS
Freshman receiver Kasen Williams continues to get reps with the first team. In the final team drill, he took an underneath screen and broke it for a long touchdown.
