Athletics campaign to fund stadium upgrades, additions

Duke Athletics is embarking on an effort to raise $100 million to expand Wallace Wade and renovate Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The fundraising is expected to begin in the Spring and last three to five years, the Triangle Business Journal reported. The majority of money raised will go toward building a new press box and increasing seating in Wallace Wade Stadium by 10,000—including the addition of 24 suites and 700 to 800 club seats. Planned improvements to Cameron Indoor Stadium—which include expanding its lobby, constructing an upstairs club area and adding more concessions and rest rooms—will account for one-fourth of the funds raised.

Tom Coffman, associate athletic director for development and planning, will lead the fund raising initiative.

“This is just a continuation of doing the things we need to do to build the football program and make sure that Cameron is up to speed,” Coffman told the Triangle Business Journal, adding that the renovations to Wallace Wade are designed to improve the fan experience and generate more revenue.

The changes include relocating the running track, lowering the field by five feet and closing the south end of the stadium to create a bowl.

Architecture firm HNTB will help the University plan for the project, which will likely come before the Board of Trustees for approval in May, according to the Triangle Business Journal.