After making renovations in recent years to several other athletic facilities, Mississippi State is looking into another round of upgrades for Davis Wade Stadium — and is seeking input from Bulldogs fans and stakeholders before taking any further action beyond the sound and lighting improvements that are already planned.
The stadium has been home to MSU football since 1914, making it the fourth-oldest college football stadium still in use, and has undergone renovations and expansions several times throughout its history. It was expanded to its current capacity of 61,337 in 2014, although more recently, premium balcony-style seating was added on each end of the upper deck on the western side of the stadium.
“The comprehensive plan developed for Davis Wade will provide a complete road map to follow into the future,” athletic director Zac Selmon said in a news release. “While we think (fans will) be pleased with the immediate updates to improving the sound for 2024 in advance of the permanent sound and lighting upgrades scheduled for the 2025 season, there is even more to do as we approach the goal line on our master plan process.”
Students, faculty and staff, as well as donors and just about anyone who has purchased a ticket for an MSU athletic event through the department’s website, are being sent a survey to gauge interest in various ideas for upgrades to the 110-year-old venue.
The survey asks respondents to indicate, among other things, their level of interest in potential new premium seating options in locations around the stadium, shaded “social” areas inside the stadium where fans could gather, and reimagined food and drink offerings.
Humphrey Coliseum, home to the Bulldogs’ men’s and women’s basketball teams, recently underwent upgrades to redesign the court, update the concourses and add new entrances and premium seating options.
Dudy Noble Field experienced a near-total, $68 million makeover completed in 2019 that made it arguably the finest venue in college baseball, and the largest on-campus baseball stadium in the country. And Nusz Park, home to MSU softball, was upgraded last year to include a new locker room and team meeting room as well as bullpens and batting cages. The stadium itself was rebuilt for the 2016 season.
Davis Wade Stadium and its surroundings represent the final stages of the athletic department’s long-term master plan for keeping all facilities up to date.
“As we continue to evaluate the long-term future of Davis Wade Stadium, the interests of the Mississippi State community will be an integral part of our decision-making process,” Selmon said. “Recruiting world-class student-athletes and providing a superior gameday experience is paramount. We look forward to the participation of our devoted supporters in this process. I can assure you we are working tirelessly to make the Bulldog family proud.”
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