Tennessee's Board of Trustees have approved initial plans to to renovate historic Neyland Stadium, one of college football's largest, and most historic venues.
Dave Hart explains in the officials Vols release that "the groundwork has been laid for proceeding with a much anticipated investment," and "the study encompasses all the essential elements to ensure that Neyland Stadium remains a preeminent college football destination and experience for current fans and future generations alike."
The target completion date of the initial phase in August of 2019, and that includes the expansion and renovation of the south concourse, moving of the south wall, relocation of the locker room for the visiting team, kitchen and comissary addition, a rebuild of the lower west bowl to improve infrastructure, upgrades to the field-level club seats, and a few other odds and ends.
The official capacity for Neyland Stadium sits at 102,455, ranking it as the fifth largest stadium in college football. Capacity was recently as high as 104,079, but that number was reduced by some alterations during the last ten years or so.
The renovations scheduled to take place will start at the field level and gradually progress up to the concourse area. Official capacity after all these changes will remain over 100,000.
Head here to read the full release from Tennessee, and check out renderings of the project below.