Grand Valley State University is expected to finalize construction at Lubbers Stadium before the first football game on Sept. 5. The $6,700,000 project at Lubbers Stadium is part of a master plan to expand GVSU’s facilities. Renovations to the stadium include safety improvements to the field, accommodation upgrades for a larger capacity and entertainment upgrades. 

Additions to the facility include new turf and a shock pad under the field to reduce injuries and concussions for players. The changes that will affect fans the most include the addition of 42 bathrooms and a new concessions facility at the stadium.

Senior Project Manager in the Facilities Planning Department at GVSU, Scott Whisler, said there was a need for these changes for several reasons.

“The growth in attendance over recent years has created a much higher demand for more concessions and restroom facilities,” Whisler said. “The new facilities should shorten lines, making your time away from the action much less.”

There have also been adjustments made to ensure Lubbers Stadium is more accessible for those with disabilities. According to Whisler, a new ramp and elevator have been added to better comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and ensure all fans can enjoy the games.

“While we have always provided barrier-free seating, it was sometimes difficult to get to,” Whisler said. “The great thing this facility also allowed us to do was create a barrier-free access to the upper grandstands, as well as the press box and suites.” 

Adjustments and upgrades were also made to the viewing deck, which now features multiple televisions to watch the game, as well as a bar. GVSU Athletics is also in the process of obtaining a permanent liquor license for the stadium, according to Whisler.

“There is an elevator at the ground concourse level that will take you to the viewing deck,” Whisler said. “From there, we have installed a barrier-free ramp to the suites and grandstands, or spectators can hang out on the deck and watch the game from there.” 

Doug Lipinksi, the Deputy Director of Athletics for External Relations at GVSU, said every change was made with the GVSU community in mind. Lipinski highlighted his excitement about the renovations, and the impact they will have on the stadium’s audiences.

“We pride ourselves on having the best fan experience in the nation, and part of that is infrastructure,” Lipinksi said.

Lipinksi also said audiences’ overall safety was a focal point to the renovations, describing “having more room to walk around,” and the efficiency of getting crowds in and out faster.

Ruby Crockett, a sophomore at GVSU, said she enjoys going to football games due to their social aspect. However, she said attending games last year felt chaotic, and that it was hard to get from one side of the stadium to the other. 

“You can really get into the school spirit (by attending sporting events), especially when they have themes,” Crockett said. “The few football games I went to last year felt incredibly packed. Now that there’s more concessions and bathrooms, I’ll definitely go to more (games).” 

Lipinski said he hopes that these changes will not only benefit existing fans but will also attract new ones. 

“We’re always looking to improve our facilities to attract folks to campus,” Lipinski said. “One great thing about intercollegiate athletics is (that) you can attract prospective students.”

Lipinski said GVSU’s achievements and athletic successes have brought about conversations regarding the state of the University’s athletic facilities. The renovations are being made to support not only the current fan base, but to further support opportunities for the University to host future conferences and athletic contests. Lipinski said renovations to the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena can also be expected. 

“We talked about championship of excellence (for the GVSU Athletics Department), and it’s just not there to be able to attract the certain types of events you would want to have on a college campus,” Lipinski said. “I would say in the near future, that (the Fieldhouse Arena) would be one we pinpoint.”