Inside Iowa State
August 8, 1997
Rooms with a view
by Steve Jones
The news media soon will have a new perspective on Iowa State football.
Writers, broadcasters, game-day operations staff and scores of fans will watch the Cyclones' season opener Aug. 30 from a new press box tower at Jack Trice Stadium. The three-level structure soars 134 feet above the playing field, some 75 feet higher than the old press area, located between the west-side upper and lower stands.
The press box is part of the $6.1 million project that includes nine suites for football fans on the tower's first level and 14 more suites in the old press area. Accommodating from nine to 32 people, the suites were marketed to Cyclone football fans during the past year. Revenue from the 10-year agreements with suite holders are funding the project.
"This is wonderful addition to our football stadium," athletic director Gene Smith said. "The tower enhances the look of the stadium and the additional space improves our game-day operations and allows more members of the news media to cover our games."
Additional space for the news media is needed because coverage of Cyclones games has increased with the formation of the Big 12 Conference, Smith said. Increased media coverage meant cramped quarters in the old press area, built in 1975 when the stadium opened.
Members of the print media and ISU staff occupy the press box's second level, and radio and television crews and football coaches have booths on the third level. Access is provided by an elevator.
The press tower is the newest of three major projects that dramatically have changed Jack Trice Stadium. Last year, the athletic department moved into the Jacobson Building, which overlooks the north end zone. Also in 1996, a grass playing surface was installed, replacing artificial turf. In addition, a new practice facility west of the stadium is planned.
Private gifts funded most of the Jacobson Building construction and the entire grass turf project.
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