Governors Stadium is on the rise as progress on the $19 million renovation project is becoming more than just a structure.
Bleachers for normal ticket holders are in place, for the most part, while the focus now shifts to creating suites and club level seating. All 13 suites have already been sold, and club level seating will soon follow. As previews have been given to the public who have expressed interest, more often than not, people have purchased season tickets.
“As we are bringing our fans and supporters through, it’s succeeding everybody’s expectations,” APSU Athletic Director Derek van der Merwe said. “The spaces create a different culture and environment around football. It’s more than just about a game. It’s about entertainment, fan experience, and it meets all of those needs.”
About 90 percent of people who have been on a tour, which are featured every Monday by special request, have bought into supporting the program with a club level purchase. Van der Merwe said they are just over halfway from selling out, and expects to do that by next month or so.
Club level will offer four rows of outside seating across the stadium, with a fully furnished area inside separated by a  glass window. Fans will have a seating area with stools behind the glass to eat and drink comfortably no matter the weather conditions.
Of the 13 suites, some will feature 22 seats, while smaller rooms with have 16. New APSU President Alisa White, she will have her own suite which features 46 total seats. Chartwells will provide catering services, and as for alcoholic beverages, members will be able to store drinks the day before without having to do it on game day.
Compared to other programs in the Ohio Valley Conference, the luxury service is expected to set the bar high.
“I think it’s going to be the best out there,” said Janet Wilson, manager of the Governors Club and Ticketing. “We’re going to be the best hosts out there for our OVC partners. We’re very excited.”
Within the next two or three weeks, the external features are expected to be complete. From there, interior carpentry work will be done.
For the field itself, turf is on schedule to be put down by Aug. 1 in time for football practice. Van der Merwe said it will be a quick turnaround, but once that point hits, it will take two or three weeks to insulate both the field and track areas.
Most importantly, everything is in line to be complete by the season’s first kickoff against Memphis on Aug. 30.
For a complete photo gallery of the current sights of Governors Stadium, click here:
