Rutgers May Scale Back Stadium Expansion Amid Rising Costs

[Lil Bit Special]

Rutgers Univ. (RU) officials yesterday said that "skyrocketing costs for concrete, steel and fuel will force them to scale back the university's controversial $102[M] football stadium expansion, or risk going over budget," according to Margolin & Sherman of the Newark STAR-LEDGER.

While the first phase of the project, which will "add 1,000 new 'premium' mezzanine seats," remains on schedule for RU's first home game on September 1, the problems center on the second phase of the project, including the "construction of 13,000 additional seats in the south end zone section of the stadium."

RU President Richard McCormick: "We're contemplating our options and almost inevitably those options include reducing the scope of the project. However, reducing the number of seats would be a decision of last resort."

In addition to end zone seating, the plans "call for the addition of a recruiting lounge, additional concession stands, locker rooms, a media room and a new entrance off River Road."

RU AD Robert Mulcahy said that the university is "still examining the new construction estimates." Options include "scaling back the project, or using a different type of construction to build the larger portion of the expansion -- which could lead to delays."

Mulcahy said that the "unprecedented cost of fuel never could have been anticipated." But he added, "We will deliver the stadium at $102[M]" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/10).

[124]

Maybe they'll hold back because they know they won't be **** once again soon.

[harris5214]

foolish, there is an only growing season ticket waitlist.

[madmike1]

Maybe they'll hold back because they know they won't be **** once again soon.

WTF is that based on? Their 2009 class IS TOP 15 IN THE COUNTRY. Stop being a blind hater it's annoying.

[uart]

GODDAMNIT! STOP WASTING MY TAX DOLLARS! GRRRRR... Damnit Rutgers.