From JSOnline:
The Green Bay Packers announced Thursday that they will add approximately 6,600 new seats in the south end-zone area of Lambeau Field and will add a new gate and rooftop viewing platform in the north end zone.
The project is expected to cost $130 million. The franchise also announced they would move up their construction plans, and now will schedule a groundbreaking on the project on Sept. 1.
The team had initially said they would break ground after the Super Bowl this season.
As expected, the Packers said they would finance the project, which is expected to be completed in time for the 2013 season, with no public tax dollars. And the team said they were still considering a stock sale; it would be the fifth such time the Packers have offered such a sale.
In the south end zone, the new seats all will have seatbacks and will be added in four levels. General seating will be featured, in addition to themed areas that will offer some indoor concessions.
The new south gate will include the construction of four elevators and escalators to move fans in and out of the stadium.
The north end-zone area will also have a new gate, with six elevators, and will enable club-seat and suite holders to enter the stadium easier.
The project will include construction of a rooftop viewing terrace for use by club-seat holders on game day. That same terrace will be available for special events on other days.
The addition of the new gates is expected to improve the movement of pedestrians in and out of the stadium.
In a team statement, the Packers said the stock sale was a possibility, adding that team officials would ask the National Football League for approval.
"With regard to a user fee, the team anticipates a program similar to what was used for the Lambeau Field redevelopment," the team said in a statement. "Additional funding options from the NFL will be explored."
The Packers said the new seats would be made available initially to current season-ticket holders, with priority given to those who have held tickets the longest.
"The number of new seats available will be equal to the number currently held," the team said. "Those opting for new seats will relinquish their current seats. After that process, members of the waiting list will be approached to purchase any seats remaining in the new sections or seats that have become available in the stadium bowl."
The price for the new seats is expected to range from $87 and $313. A Green and Gold package will be used for most of the new seats. Final details have not been announced.
The project is expected to result in the employment of 1,600 workers over the next two years and provide more than $70 million in wages.
The team also said the two new video boards will be ready for the 2012 season. That project will cost $12 million and is being funded jointly by the Packers and the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District.
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