Friday, Apr 9th, 2010

Topping Out Held for War Memorial Press Box

LITTLE ROCK, AR (April 8) ---  The last steel beam was hoisted 112 feet into the air and placed atop the steel framework of War Memorial Stadium’s new $7.3 million press box during official topping out ceremonies today at the stadium.  The new press box will be completed by August 15, just in time for the opening of the 2010 football season. 

Demolition of the old press box began December 15, right after the state high school football finals were played.  The construction project is “on schedule” according to Doug Wasson, President and CEO of Kinco Constructors, general contractor for the project.

Gary Smith of Little Rock, Chairman of the War Memorial Stadium Commission, also announced that the Lettermen’s Club and Recruit Room, located on the west side of the stadium on the third floor (not a part of the Press Box) will be totally renovated and ready for the 2010 season.  Earlier this spring, the University of Arkansas Athletic Department provided $500,000 as a gift to the stadium, helping make this project and other Stadium renovation programs possible.   

The new press box will be three stories tall with a photo deck on top, measuring 172 feet long and 112 feet high. The new facility will be 10,000 square feet larger than the old structure, which was opened in 1966.The new facility will also contain five suites and seating for 500, replacing the 228 private seating area (often referred to as Hog Heaven)  A reception area, complete with kitchen and dining areas, will be behind the suites.             

The third floor, named the Orville Henry Press Floor, is devoted to the news media as their work area. Also on this floor will be the Paul Eells and Jim Elder Broadcast Booths, where play-by-play radio announcers for home teams, television commentators for live televised games, and the stadium announcer work.

The fourth floor is open and is reserved for still and video photographers. 

“We are pleased to be able to obtain a new press box, a task that is long overdue.  The news media has been most patient with us all these years, operating out of a facility that was in dire need of updating.  We feel certain that they will be pleased, as will the patrons who purchase club seating,” Smith said. 

The University of Arkansas Ticket Office is handling club seating ticket sales, with former Hog Heaven patrons receiving first option to renew. 

Funding for the press box was made possible by Governor Mike Beebe, Arkansas State Legislators, and Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council.          Architect for the project is Wittenberg Delony & Davidson (WD&D) of Little Rock. 

War Memorial Stadium will host two Razorback football games this fall – Louisiana Monroe on September 11 and LSU on November 27. 

Charlie Staggs is general manager of War Memorial Stadium.  In addition to Smith, other War Memorial Stadium Commissioners are Brenda Scisson, Kevin Crass, Donald Cook and Nancy Monroe, all of Little Rock; Charlie Holt of Stuttgart, Dorance Damron of Fort Smith and Senator Jim Hill of Nashville.  Commissioners are appointed by the governor and serve seven-year terms.