WSU Football | Martin Stadium upgrade build rises from confidence in Coach Wulff

Washington State Athletic Director Jim Sterk proudly announced the public launch of the third phase in renovating Martin Stadium on the Pullman campus Tuesday afternoon.

The only thing hotter than the 90+ temperature in Pullman today was the level of excitement and support already behind Phase III.

Originally budgeted at approximately $40 million, Phase III involves the construction of luxury suites, loge boxes, and club seats atop the north stands.

It follows the completion of Phases I and II, which included the addition of concession and restroom areas throughout the stadium, a concourse at the stadium’s north side, many new comfort and safety enhancements, a Martin Stadium sign at the east end, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and the Cougar Pride statue at the newly created plaza area on the stadium’s northeast side.

Phases I and II began in December 2006 and were completed in the fall of 2008.

The first two phases of rejuvenating Martin Stadium were dedicated to bringing facilities up to a standard expected fans attending a college football game.

“The significance of completing the initial phases of the renovation cannot be overstated; however, our goal at Washington State University is to make the complete renovation of Martin Stadium, and we are ready to move on to the next phase of doing just that,” Jim Sterk, WSU Athletic Direcor said.

This next phase of construction will achieve a number of goals for Washington State athletics. Near the top of the list is generating revenue. Phase I and Phase II simply restored the stadium to the campus jewel it once was. The 2,200 increase in seating will add revenue and also appeal to markets presently not purchasing season tickets for Cougar football. 

There is nothing sudden about this move. In fact, WSU plans called for beginning this phase of construction on Martin Stadium last year. Timing was adjusted due to drastic changes in the economy.

“We had originally intended to do this a year ago; however, the state of the economy prevented us from moving forward at that time,” Sterk said. “While the economy forced us to postpone the project last year, it now offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the potential to take advantage of favorable construction costs and other economic factors which could provide additional support for the project.”

Staying with the timing issue, here's an update on the planned schedule. Once 80 percent of premium seats have been committed, the construction of Phase III will begin. Phase III will be completed by the 2012 football season. However, if premium seat sales and fundraising benchmarks are met earlier, construction can begin sooner, and Phase III could be completed in time for the 2011 season.

The motto of the renovation project is TeamBuilt, a slogan that Sterk says communicates the importance of the involvement of all Cougs in this project.

“With the initial phases we have received the support from many generous and dedicated Cougars, and I greatly appreciate it,” Sterk said. “We need the support of each and every member of Cougar Nation to make Phase III a reality, and I am inviting all Cougars to be a member of the team. That is what TeamBuilt is all about.

“People can be a part of the team in many ways,” Sterk added. “They can purchase premium seating, renew their season tickets, or become a season-ticket holder, if they have not previously been one, and make a donation to the renovation project.”

Washington State University President Elson Floyd weighed in on the importance of this project to the future of the school.

“Without doubt, the Pac-10 is the premier athletic conference in the country. Likewise, the quality of the teaching, research, and service provided by conference institutions is unsurpassed anywhere in the nation. We are very proud of our commitment to the high standards of the Pac-10 in all of the activities in which we engage. The stadium renovation is critical to strengthening the ties among members of the Cougar family as the University rededicates itself to meeting the priorities of the 21st century. The renovations and upgrades to the stadium will provide a more comfortable and functional space for fans and visitors, enhancing their game-day experience. In addition, a renovated stadium will reinvigorate our ability to recruit top student-athletes and coaches, strengthening our ability to compete in the Pac-10 and enhancing our overall institutional reputation. I am delighted with the generosity so many individuals have demonstrated already in support of this important project.”

Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.
President, Washington State University

It should come as no surprise Cougar football Coach Paul Wulff is completely behind this construction project. Here's what he had to say:

“Washington State is the ultimate college campus, and Martin Stadium is a special venue. So few universities have their football stadiums literally sitting in the middle of campus; we have that here at WSU. The family atmosphere, along with the togetherness of a campus and community, is as strong as I can imagine anywhere in the United States. The stadium renovation plays a critical role in our recruiting efforts. To be able to show the positive atmosphere the renovated stadium will create, the excitement it will generate among fans and WSU student-athletes, and the home-field advantage it will provide will dramatically enhance our ability to recruit top-tier talent.”

Paul Wulff
Head Football Coach, Washington State University  

Cougar football has always been rich part of the fabric that is the collegiate experience in Pullman at Washington State University. In recent decades there has been a tradition of winning, but Cougar football is more than that.

Cougar football...it's an event. 

That may sound trite, but attending a football game in Pullman is truly something special. A key component to the unique character that is Cougar football is evolution. The experience has grown with enhancements designed to build on what makes a day at Martin Stadium great. Too often change is marked by exchanging the old for new. In the case of Phase III, WSU administration looks to add to the experience.

Former Cougar running back Rueben Mayes offers a good perspective on what Phase III means for the entire Washington State University community:

“I think it is a unique opportunity for the Cougar Nation to make the time in Pullman really special. What makes being a Cougar special is epitomized in attending a football game and being part of that experience. I wholeheartedly endorse and feel strongly we need to maximize that experience through the renovation of the stadium. We have few venues that bring such large numbers of people back to Pullman. What better way than to make our stadium a positive environment for our fans, students, players, future players, alumni, faculty, and staff to enjoy a fall day at a football game. We have just so many opportunities to make an investment in our lives and what better way as a Cougar than to invest in something that will really enhance the special experience of being in the Palouse.”

Rueben Mayes
Running Back, Washington State, 1982-85
Member of WSU Athletics Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame

Jim Sterk is quite clear that moving forward with the renovation of Martin Stadium is fueled by the hard work and positive direction Coach Paul Wulff and his staff are taking the Cougar football program.

There's much more to learn about Phase III. Check back here later in the week. My column will offer more background and information on the proposed construction designed to move WSU forward.