EAST LANSING – The building trades are erecting an entirely new area to watch Michigan State football above the west bleachers of Spartan Stadium – but they won’t be the cheap seats.

Construction has begun on a project to build 24 luxury suites and 3,000 new seats in an effort to enhance revenues for Spartan athletics. Also part of the project are a replacement press box, upgraded restrooms, expanded concourse space, and new offices.

Iron erection has been the primary activity for the building trades on the project in recent weeks, although electrical and plumbing rough-ins, earth-moving and cement pours are also taking place. The $61 million project is being managed by a joint venture of Barton-Malow and Clark Construction.

“I wouldn’t mind being a little farther along, but we’re doing well, we have a good crew out here,” said foreman Frank Samples Jr. of Iron Workers 25 and Assemblers, Inc.

For the suites and press box the trades are building a 200,000-square-foot structure that stands on its own but will tie into the existing 81-year-old stadium. The suites will hold between 12 and 24 guests. MSU promotional materials say fans in the suites will watch games “in extraordinary comfort with theater-style seating and a living-room style seating area complete with television monitors, refrigerators, elevator access and private restrooms.”

In addition, club seats will be built where the press box is currently located with comfortable chair back seating between the 10-yard lines. The seats will be outside, but covered by the upper deck which will allow heating as well as protection from the elements. Club Seat holders will have elevator access to an 18,500 square foot indoor club with upscale food and beverage service, television monitors and private restrooms.

The addition also will house the MSU Alumni Association, University Development, the MSU Foundation and the 4-H Foundation. In addition, the MSU icon, “The Spartan” statue (everyone calls him “Sparty”) will have a permanent home there when a bronze replica is unveiled in 2005.

“This project is one that responds to the needs and demands of many fans and supporters and provides the financial support needed to keep our program competitive,” said MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason. “Our information indicates support for the range of options being offered.”

The work is expected to be complete in time for the first game of the 2005 season. Plans call for the project to proceed through the 2004 football season.

“It’s a great idea,” MSU Trustee Joel Ferguson told the State News during the planning process. “If people want them and will pay for them, then the university should build them. It’s another source of revenue.”

IRON COLUMNS that will support Spartan Stadium's new luxury suites and press box poke up above the west wall of the upper bleachers.

IRON WORKERS Alan Delahaye and John Malburg of Local 25 and Assemblers, Inc. cut a whole in the iron backstop atop the western bleachers to prepare for tying in the new iron to the stadium structure.

A RENDERING of the new press box and luxury suites at Spartan Stadium. (From MSU)