Michie Stadium ‘histor’ical build begins

Article posted by Coliseum, April 19^th, 2024

Image: United States Military Academy

The Michie Stadium, one of America’s most prestigious and iconic venues, construction work has begun. This was announced by the Army West Point Director of Athletics, Mike Buddie.

‘westpoint.edu’ stated that the Michie Stadium Preservation Project aims to preserve the stadium’s rich 100-year history while providing a world-class experience for the cadets, graduates, families, and fans alike.

The Michie Stadium is an outdoor football stadium on the campus of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York (US). The home field for the Army Black Knights, it opened 100 years ago in 1924 and has a current seating capacity of 38,000. The stadium sits at the upper portion of campus, directly West of the Lusk Reservoir.

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The Army Black Knights football team, historically known as the Army Cadets, represents the United States Military Academy in college football. The Army is a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Indianapolis (US)-based the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit organization that regulates student athletics among about 1,100 schools in the United States and one in Canada. It also organizes the athletic programs of colleges and helps over 500,000 college student- athletes who compete annually in college sports.

The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), formerly known as the Division I-A, is the highest level of college football in the United States. The FBS consists of the largest schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As of the 2024 season, there are 10 Conferences and 134 schools in FBS.

The Michie Stadium Preservation Project (MSPP) is a fully donor-funded effort that will modernize the East Stands section of the stadium and upgrade the stadium systems and operations, while retaining the distinct architectural aesthetic of the West Point as well as the stadium’s well-known panoramic views.

‘westpoint.edu’ further stated that the groundbreaking marks the beginning of extensive construction aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the current East Stands. Anticipated completion for this endeavor is set for the Summer of 2026. Despite the construction, the Army West Point will continue to welcome fans to the Michie Stadium for various events, including men’s and women’s lacrosse, football, graduation, and other special occasions.

During the renovation period, which will encompass the 2024 and 2025 seasons, fans can expect some adjustments to the usual game day experience as construction progresses. Buddie acknowledged that while these next two years may present challenges with construction ongoing, the ultimate goal is to enhance the stadium’s facilities and amenities, ensuring an unparalleled experience for the fans.

The Michie Stadium Preservation Project construction-related items:

Capacity: The stadium’s capacity is expected to be capped at 30,000 fans during construction, with plans to return to approximately 36,000 fans when the new East Stands opens in 2026;
Seating: The Corps of Cadets will be seated temporarily in the North-end sections of the Michie Stadium. When completed, the Michie Stadium Preservation Project will include a dedicated seating section for the Corps of Cadets in the East Stands spanning from end zone to end zone which will underscore the central role of cadets;
Fan Amenities: The East Stands will be closed for the 2024 and 2025 seasons – this includes all fan amenities in the area including the walkways, concessions and the bathrooms; and
Traffic Pattern Adjustments and Road Closures: The Mills Road, which runs along the East side of the stadium, will be closed for all vehicular and foot traffic during construction. It will reopen as a walking plaza at the conclusion of the project. This area will be closed to regular vehicular traffic.

The Director of Athletics Mike Buddie emphasized that this renovation project, combined with the recent enhancements, will distinguish the Michie Stadium as a premier venue for sports and special events. The Michie Stadium Preservation Project aligns with the institution’s commitment to excellence and tradition, ensuring that the future generations of fans can continue to enjoy the storied history and excitement of Army West Point Athletics.

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