Expanding Bridgeworth Stadium
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Updated: 4:58 PM Jan 20, 2008
Expanding Bridgeworth Stadium
Harrisonburg, Va.
JMU proposing $52-million expansion to Bridgeforth Stadium.
Posted: 4:19 PM Jan 15, 2008
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JMU says it's not looking to become a Division I-A school with a proposed $52-million expansion to Bridgeforth Stadium. Phase one will add 9,000 seats, which will bring the total to 24,878.

The General Assembly must approve the project, although state funds would not be used to pay for it.

The university has had sold out games for the past three years. University spokesman Don Egle says the project addresses seating and other space needs 40 years down the road.

"The University has repeatedly said we're interested in becoming the best 1AA program, football program, out there," says Egle. "We're interested in winning consecutive championships. We're interested in doing what Appalachian State has done."

The university already has $12 million for the project. An additional $10 million will come from private donors, $4 million from student fees and the rest from ticket sales and concessions.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Dave Location: Waynesboro, VA on Jan 20, 2008 at 09:20 PM

I remember when there were more fans sitting on the hill than there were in the stadium. If they can add seats and fill them without taking money out of taxes, more power to them. They should not consider going to I-A. If Virginia cannot compete against Va. Tech for the areas best athletes, what could JMU do. Also, why not stay where you can actually decide a national champion on the football field, instead of using the opinions of arm chair quaterbacks and computer software to decide the best team.
Posted by: Chris Location: Huntersville, NC on Jan 17, 2008 at 07:50 AM

JMU is already a Division I school. As a reporter, you should be able to get the facts straight. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Your precious "Division I" schools (Virginia, VT, etc.) compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. They do not compete for the NCAA Championship, but the BCS Championship. Appalachian State is the NCAA Division I National Champion. Very poor reporting.
Posted by: Mark Location: Roanoke on Jan 16, 2008 at 11:17 AM

It still is . . . you can have both a great education and a great football team/facility. JMU has that and will continue to have that.
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