Even though the game clock is turned off, construction crews will be working on the clock to finish phase one of the Jack Trice renovation before next season.

The first of two phases kicked off after Iowa State’s last home game against Colorado.

“It’s a $19.5 million project. It includes widening the west concourse to 40 feet,” said Frank Nogel, senior associate athletic director of external relations.

Nogel said the first thing fans will notice on opening day next year is that the west concourse will be double its original size.

Thomas Oftedal, project manager for facilities planning and management, said there are three major components of phase one – the first being the demolition and rebuilding of restrooms and concession stands on the west concourse.

“Once you get patrons in the stadium you want to make them happy. The waiting-in-line time will get cut down,” Nogel said.

Oftedal said the second component of the renovation is the construction of 22 new suites, equipped with operable windows, on the west side.

Existing suites will also be upgraded with new windows.

He said watching a game in the current suites is like watching the game on TV because you are closed off.

However the new windows will bring most suite holders into the game and enhance the whole game-day experience.

Nogel said all 23 suites are leased and there is a high demand for more.

The third component will involve renovating the bathrooms and concession stands on the east concourse as well as the club section.

Oftedal said this will be the only work done on the east concourse during phase one, but complete renovation of the east side should take place during phase two.

Phase two of the Jack Trice Stadium renovation is scheduled to include bowling in the south end zone in order to provide 50,000-plus permanent seats.

Nogel said when Jack Trice Stadium was built 35 years ago, they were accommodating 43,000 to 45,000 people, but now there are 55,000 to 56,000 people at each game and renovations need to be made.

“We’re the last school in the Big 12 to do major work on our stadium,” Nogel said.

The project manager for the Weitz Company construction team is former ISU All-American center Ben Bruns.

Oftedal said the time frame is tight, but phase one should be completed by the opening kickoff of coach Gene Chizik’s second season.