Bidding Process Under Way for Retrofit of Memorial Stadium

The bidding process for the seismic retrofit of Memorial Stadium began Wednesday as campus officials said fundraising efforts for the project have exceeded expectations.

Prospective contractors attended a mandatory pre-proposal conference Wednesday to learn about the retrofit, which is estimated to cost $190 million.

The Athletic Development office, which is responsible for covering the costs of the retrofit, is working to raise approximately $300 million in funding.

While the start date for the retrofit has yet to be determined, construction should begin "no later than the end of the 2010 season," said Associate Athletic Director Dave Rosselli.

Prospective contractors will submit sealed bids for the retrofit by July 16, according to Christine Shaff, communications manager for facility services.

"At that point we open (the sealed bids) ... and then start the process of awarding the contract," she said.

The Athletic Development office plans to raise funds through the Endowment Seating Program, which allows donors to secure seats for up to 50 years, Rosselli said.

"We are at about 60 percent sales, which is awesome because we just started in January," he said. "We anticipated being at 37 percent."

Rosselli added that about 80 percent of the retrofit funding will come from the seating program's revenue.

The pricing for the seats acquired through the program ranges from $2,700 to $15,000 per seat.

Patrons who purchase the $15,000 can pay a $225,000 one-time fee, which will cover the 50 years of seating.

Rosselli said that the other 20 percent of the funding needed will come from various sources, such as corporate naming for the field.

The seating program is one of the first of its kind in collegiate athletics and could solidify the athletics department's finances, according to a synopsis of the program.

The priority enrollment period for the program ended Tuesday, but the remaining seats can still be purchased.

While the stadium is being renovated, football games will either be held at Monster Park in San Francisco or at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

"The most important thing is that we started (the seating program) January 1 and we are having unbelievable success," Rosselli said.

Tags: MEMORIAL STADIUM RETROFIT