As students begin their first week of the semester, Hancock Stadium begins week 20 of its renovation.

Passersby on the east side of the stadium facing Main Street might notice the cranes that have moved in and begun work on two large brick towers.

“Right now, what you see going up are the metal structures for the stands, as well as the north stair tower and north elevator shaft,” Matt Lyons, assistant athletics director, said.

“[The developments] really start to give a sense of the size and shape of the building.”

The north stair tower is complete and work on the north elevator shaft is expected to continue through the week. Additionally, part of the stadium turf has been removed to enable underground work for east side stand footings.

“There is also some electrical work going on that can’t be seen, but it is a big part of the project,” Lyons said.

Mild winter weather has favored the renovation, which is still on schedule, Lyons said. Should inclement weather appear, there is plenty of work that will continue, he added. If construction is stopped, the crew can continue electrical work and begin plumbing work.

In the upcoming months, work on the steel structures, as well as the elevator shaft, will continue.

Two south towers that will mirror the current-standing north towers will also be built. Work will also begin on an archway that will connect the two South towers and hover over the new ticket office and main entrance to the stadium.

Those interested in keeping up to date with the stadium renovations can visit the renovation website at www.goredbirds.com/hancockrenovation, where a webcam live feed of the site is available. A photo gallery and information on tickets and seating are also available on the site. 

The renovation is still on schedule for a completion date of Aug. 1, enabling the 2013 season to kick-off in the new stadium.