After 78 years, Wallace Wade Stadium is in line for a makeover.
Director of athletics Joe Alleva has commissioned RATIO Architects of Indianapolis to create a plan to upgrade Duke's oldest facility. Alleva expects the changes to occur in phases over the next four or five years, and to cost at least $75 million.
Highlights of the plan include modern restrooms, concessions stands and designated areas for the Iron Dukes.
"The first phase that needs to be done is the restrooms, because they are terrible," Alleva said. "The whole concourse needs to be dressed up, because it's a mess. There are a lot of aesthetic things that need to be done to make it look good."
The plan also calls for a new entrance at the north gate. It would feature a new plaza and fan zone, message board, scoreboard and video system, along with a ticket pavilion.
Luxury suites, club level seats and a president's box would be added to the east side of the stadium.
"It's huge because facilities equal commitment," head coach Ted Roof said. "It's no different than the chemistry school or the engineering department. You want to have the best facilities so you can attract the best talent."
Alleva already has the support of president Richard Brodhead and executive vice president Tallman Trask. He will soon go before the trustees' building and grounds committee with the proposal. After that, fundraising will begin.
Roof and Alleva expect the improvements will make Wallace Wade, the third-oldest stadium in the ACC, more fan-friendly-to the point that fans can enjoy their time at the stadium whether Duke wins or loses. They also hope it will improve the Blue Devils' recruiting.
"It's not going to be easy, but I think it's imperative that we do it," Alleva said.
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