Installation of new stadium seats for Jones Stadium was delayed due to weather, says the Athletics Department. The renovations at Texas Tech are back up to full speed ahead of an August 1st deadline.
“We are repairing the concrete and putting new seal down,” says Mike Ryan, Associate Athletics Director of Facilities and Operations. “It’s got to be dry to apply the sealant. With all the weather we had in May, it slowed us down a little bit. The guys are picking it back up and hopefully we’ll be on time. That’s the issue with the rain.”
According to Ryan, crews have taken extra measures to get back on schedule.
“With the rainy conditions, the hot temperatures can affect the process as well. So we’ve had crews working at night, overnight, so certain things to speed up the process,” he says. “We have to have time to get the stadium ready to go. Get the concourses in tip top condition for the fans and make sure everything is bolted tight, and the stadium is clean.”
Ryan emphasizes fan experience as a top priority for the Athletics Department.
“I’m excited for our fans, first and foremost. Fan experience is very important to us. A majority of our fans will have new bleachers to sit on, new seats. Some of our ticket holders who have been here a long time know that this has not been done in a very long time. Some of the seat backs and steel have been here since the 1950s. I’m most excited for the fans to come in and enjoy the new seats and the new concrete as well,” Ryan says. “A lot of the concrete was chipping away.”
The student section will also get new seating, with brand new bleachers.
The August 1st deadline is set a month ahead of the Red Raiders’ first game of the 2015 season, on September 5th, when they host Sam Houston State.
