Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Stadium Construction Update
2/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 14, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Spartan Stadium expansion project has forced MSU Athletics Department officials to limit access to the final spring football scrimmage, scheduled for Friday, April 22 at approximately 3 p.m. EDT. Only members of the MSU Football Players Association and Downtown Coaches Club are invited to attend the intrasquad scrimmage.
"I know this isn't going to be a popular decision, but fan safety is our No. 1 concern," MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason said. "With the on-going construction, there's no way we can safely accommodate a sizeable crowd for the spring scrimmage. The stadium currently doesn't have a public address system, so there would be no way for event management personnel to effectively communicate an evacuation plan to the crowd in the case of severe weather or any other emergency.
"We did consider some off-campus facilities for the spring scrimmage, but we encountered too many logistical and scheduling issues.
"We deeply appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our football fans. We're confident that our fans will be thrilled when they see and experience first-hand Spartan Stadium this fall. The completed stadium project will be a source of pride for the entire campus community."
For information about the MSU Football Players Association (former Spartan coaches, players and managers only), contact Assistant Athletics Director/Director of Football Operations Mike Vollmar at (517) 355-1647. To learn more about Downtown Coaches Club, visit www.dtncoaches.org or call (517) 483-7243.
