The $25 million renovation of Hancock Stadium continues to take shape as construction begins above ground after the underground work was completed over the past few months.

Executive Associate Athletics Director Larry Lyons said half of the brick has been laid for the north stair tower, and the steel for the frame is going to be delivered next week.

“It’s definitely going to be pretty exciting to see it go up,” Lyons said.

According to Lyons, construction will begin on the first floor with renovations of the concessions and bathrooms after the steel is up.

The first floor’s renovation will be followed by construction of the club level on the second floor and the press box on the third floor, Lyons added.

“The new stadium will have improved features on the west side, which includes the new restrooms and concessions,” he said.

A tremendous improvement will include the spectator seating, Lyons said.

“There will be improved handicap seating and spectator seating because all of the bleachers will have a back,” he added.

Lyons said the club level and suite seating will be great improvements available for university donors.

“We’re waiting for the actual finalized seating,” Lyons explained. “We’ve been playing with the seat list on the bleacher side, but we will have to wait until they are installed to come up with the exact number.”

Although the count is not yet finalized, the plan is to be in the range of 13,000 seats, Lyons added.

Lyons said the renovation of Hancock Stadium will add to the overall attractiveness of the campus.

“When you look at the new State Farm Hall of Business building, the Rec center and the renovation of Schroeder Hall, adding a new structure like the stadium at the busiest corner of the campus will definitely make a statement,” he explained.

Lyons said the new stadium will act as the gateway building to the university because it is the first building people will see when they enter the campus.

Head football coach Brock Spack seconded Lyons’ description of the stadium.

“It’s kind of a gateway to the university because it is a beautiful facility that catches peoples’ eyes,” Spack said.

Spack said recruiting is the main benefit the team will experience from Hancock’s renovation.

“It’s a statement of the commitment level of football here now, and it really shows how important it is to the university,” Spack said.

The recruits and their parents think the plans for the new stadium look really nice, and they seem excited about it, he added.

“When you build a $25 million stadium it definitely makes a statement about the commitment level of ISU’s football team,” Spack explained.

Lyons said the timelines the contractors are working plan to have the renovation of the stadium completed by the end of July and completely ready for the first football game in September.