Work isn’t limited to the visiting side as the existing structure on the west side of the stadium is also under construction and will be known as the John J. Harmon Sky Box. No major changes are in store for the first-level sky boxes, which are getting new carpeting and countertops. But the second tier, the former press box, is being completely renovated for private suites. Seating will accommodate six to eight people, says Allen Biddinger, assistant athletic director for facilities and events. Food packages will be available and all suites will have a mini refrigerator.
Air-conditioning for the sky boxes and private suites will be added.
“We have heat in them but the late-August, early-September games when you have 80-degree temperatures, it could get pretty sweltering in there,” Biddinger says.
There will even be bathrooms, something absent from the west-side structure since its original construction.
“If you were working media or you were in the donor box and you had to use the restroom, you had to walk down the stairs and use the restroom and walk back up,” Biddinger says. “This will be a nice perk for the ticket holders and those [upper] two levels, as well.”
Both the east and west structures will also feature elevators. Currently, the only way to reach the west-side structure is to walk up the stairs through the stands.
Construction began mid-November, just days after the final home game of the 2018 season, with completion set for early May. Biddinger says he expects the project to be completed by Commencement with the boxes and suites available for use for the ceremonies, if needed.
The renovations are being made in memory of John Harmon ’59 ’83P by his wife, Elaine, and daughters, Wendy and Debra ’83, and the HFO Foundation.
