Cardinal Stadium all set to boost fan experience

Article posted by Coliseum, January 21^st, 2020

Image: Aecom

The University of Louisville’s Cardinal Stadium in US will see the introduction of a new fan zone at the start of the 2020 American football season. It will be a part of numerous upgrades planned for the facility.

WiFi access without any hitch, the recoating of nearly 38,000 seats and “significant parking improvements” will also be a part of the improvisation plan at the 61,000-capacity venue in time for the start of the 2020 season.

However, the stadium will be underlined by its new fan zone which will be erected during the off season. Located in the Purple Lot on the south side of the Central Avenue tunnel, the fan zone will open this spring.

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The area will boast a food truck to tickle foodies’ taste buds, a live music stage for music enthusiasts, beer garden to soar supporters’ spirits, as well as a Family Fun Zone with a miniature turf field and additional reserved space for tents and tailgating opportunities.

In 2021, mobile ticketing facilities will be introduced for fans. Prior to that, the spruce-up work will be initiated which includes work on the 37,800 seats in the lower bowl, with an industrial UV protecting coating applied to restore their red color.

The recoating process to redecorate seats in the lower bowl in Cardinal Stadium began last summer. The seats had faded from its original red color due to weather factors.

The Purple Lot will become a pass-required speed parking option that will be based on the first-come, first-to-park model.

“This is another major step forward in our fan engagement strategy,” the University’s Vice-President and Director of Athletics, Vince Tyra, said.

“The partnership established with Tailgate Guys last season was a great starting point, but this is an investment in every fan, not just those with premium seats, and this will help create more of a tradition around our football program. We’re excited to create this family environment that is missing around our stadium today.”

With the objective of giving fans a warmer and enriching experience for the 2020 football season, the University of Louisville’s Athletic Department announced several improvements to Cardinal Stadium.

Deputy Athletic Director Josh Heird did not want to promise WiFi and upgraded cellular service inside the stadium for the 2020 season, but the school is working with multiple vendors to increase mobile services.

As mobile devices continue to boost fan experience as well as the in-game experience, additional cellular access is required. It will also be needed as the stadium is graduating to full mobile ticketing from the year 2021.

Changes are also planned to the stadium lots. Construction on a new hotel means football fans can no longer use the Platinum T Lot in the southeast corner at Floyd Street and Central Avenue. Season ticket holders will be notified in March about selecting parking for the 2020 season. Options will be based on CAF Priority Points. Reserved parking will only be available in the Platinum S and Bronze Lots.

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