RFQ open for $65M Nippert expansion

A request for qualifications (RFQ) for architectural and engineering services for the $65 million expansion of the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium is open through Feb. 15 at 2 P.M.

A proposed new West Pavilion structure of approximately 100,000 square feet and four to five levels – about double the size of the current press box – would replace the existing press box, concession, and restroom facilities with a wider concourse, new box seats, loge boxes and private suites, enlarged restroom and concession areas, and expanded media space.

Upper levels of the pavilion are envisioned to connect with the Tangeman University Center complex, creating a year-round usable space that could be used for meeting rooms or dining.

Approximately 2,000 seats would be added to Nippert's current capacity of 35,097, the lowest in the Big East Conference. The university hopes that the new loge boxes and private seating will generate revenue, donations and corporate sponsorships – money it could use to reinstate scholarships to several sports and make upgrades to the 23-year-old Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center.

Construction would take between 12 and 18 months.

A site visit for interested parties is scheduled for Thursday between 3 P.M. and 5 P.M. at the base of the stadium press box.

According to project documents, the project will require the closure of Nippert Stadium for the 2014 football season, but the project should be completed in time for the 2015 season. However, when the project was announced in December, University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics Whit Babcock indicated that the project could be completed in two phases, meaning that the stadium could remain operational and no games would have to be moved.

Built starting in 1915 and completed in 1924, the stadium was last renovated in 1992 when the current press box was added and seats were added to the upper deck along the east sideline.

Renderings from the University of Cincinnati/GoBEARCATS.com

Previous reading on BC:
Renowned architects to attend DAAP symposium (10/23/12)
UC lecture to examine broader effects of streetcar project (5/1/12)
The University of Cincinnati and Nippert Stadium (10/12/09)