STEPHENVILLE—Tarleton State University will begin renovation and expansion of Memorial Stadium, President F. Dominic Dottavio announced today in a news conference on the Stephenville campus.

"Wow," said an emotional Lonn Reisman at the news conference. "We've been waiting for this for a long, long time. It's been something that has been talked about in every coffee shop, outside Stephenville, and across the state. I remember how excited we were when we put the turf down, but now to do a project of this magnitude that is so meaningful to so many people is incredible. It's so big for Tarleton State University, Stephenville High School, the area schools, Erath county, and it's something that will be talked about in our conference. It says that Tarleton is on the move and on the move in a positive direction."

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has authorized $24 million to begin planning, designing and financing the project. Initial plans include expansion of seating from 7,400 to about 10,000 and conversion of the west-side stands to seating for home fans. Additional plans will be finalized during the design phase of the project.
 
"For far too long, Tarleton Texan fans have faced the setting sun during our football games," said Dottavio. "We are excited to make this change for our patient fans as well as to add the many improvements that the renovation will bring."
 
Renovations will include an expanded press box and suites, additional premium seating with chair backs, expanded entrances and ticket booths, and improved concession and other facilities. The football field and track-and-field surfaces will be replaced as part of the project.
 
Planning and design are expected to begin immediately and stretch through next spring, with construction beginning after the 2016 football season.
 
Joining President Dottavio in the announcement were Stephenville Independent School District Superintendent Matt Underwood, Tarleton Athletic Director Lonn Reisman and Head Football Coach Cary Fowler. Stephenville High School plays all of its home football games at Tarleton Memorial Stadium.
 
Developed in the 1940s as a tribute to the 179 Tarleton faculty and students who died in World War II, the original Memorial Stadium opened in 1951. A major reconstruction was completed in 1977, when today's features were created.  In 1988-89, seating was expanded, the concession stand was remodeled, the current field house was built and track-and-field facilities were renovated.  
 
Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.