PROVO, Utah — Cougar fans will notice a few upgrades in LaVell Edwards Stadium when they arrive to kick off of the 100th season of BYU football this Saturday.
“We are looking forward to another season of welcoming so many from across the nation to LaVell Edwards Stadium, including students, faculty, alumni, opposing teams and fans, donors, corporate sponsors and so many more," said Tom Holmoe, BYU director of athletics. "We are glad to provide a venue and location unlike any other in college football. My thanks goes out to all who make the atmosphere electric. This season, there are a few upgrades to make you aware of, in an effort to make one of the best experiences in college football even better.”
Field Replacement
In a project that began immediately after last season, the playing field at LaVell Edwards Stadium was leveled and replaced. The newly constructed field, which continues to be Kentucky blue grass, is expected to provide more stable footing for players during the game and be better equipped to handle wear and tear.
Lighting Upgrade
New LED lights were installed this offseason to maintain light levels needed for HD/4K national broadcasting standards. The new lights also provide color and light-show options to add even more to the already renowned in-game fan experience in LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Seating Changes
Sections one and nine of the stadium now have extended benches that go all the way to the ends of the west stands. Section eight has new chairs and drink rails. Section 33A had the previous seats removed and new seats with table tops installed. The stadium also increased the number of accessible seating options available. With the reduction of seats in some sections and additions in other sections, the new total capacity of LaVell Edwards Stadium is 62,073.
Player Tunnel Upgrade
The Cougars will head onto the field this season with a new tunnel from the locker room to the field, equipped with lights, LED boards and speakers.
Visitors’ Locker Room Remodel
The visitors’ locker room has been enhanced to allow for a greater capacity in the room and has added upgraded finishes throughout the space.
Suite Renovations
In a project that will span the next three years, new finishes, seats and countertops will be added to the LaVell Edwards Stadium suites.
In addition to stadium upgrades, read about digital updates for Cougar fans this season.
A Few Other Stadium Reminders
Remember that your ticket can get you entrance through any stadium gate. Last season, there were long lines to get tickets scanned at Gate 1, in the southwest corner of the stadium, especially as it got closer to kickoff, while other gates were relatively quiet.
Remember that the area between the north and west stands immediately next to the field will be partitioned off throughout the game to allow the visiting team to have access from their locker room to the field throughout the game. This will block access from the tunnel that runs under the west stands to and from the north part of the stadium. This set up is required under Big 12 policy for the safety and security of visiting teams.
Remember to download your parking pass before you depart for the stadium, and download your tickets before you get to your gate. This will help expedite the time it takes to get into parking lots and stadium gates.
Remember that LaVell Edwards Stadium has a no bag policy, except for a few exceptions. Small clutch bags, no larger than 5” x 8” x 1”, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium. Medically necessary bags will be permitted after inspection. One bag per person. No outside food or drink will be permitted. Weapons are prohibited. New this season, outside chair back seats are not permitted but can be rented at gates one and five.
To see all stadium policies, go to the LaVell Edwards Stadium venue page.