The $80 million project for fans of Florida State University football in Tallahassee, Fla. is on schedule to be completed in time for the Seminoles’ September 10th home opener. The 20-year partnership between ClubCorp and Seminole Boosters, Inc. represents “the second generation of alumni clubs” and involves more than 5,000 outdoor seats, 70,000 square feet of air conditioned space and 34,000 square feet of covered rooftop terraces.
The new Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium promises to deliver a unique game-day experience for Florida State University (FSU) football fans this season, the Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat reported. But the cutting-edge facility—described as “the second generation of alumni clubs”—also expects to be a dynamic, year-around meeting space for the community, the Democrat noted.
The 20-year partnership between Seminole Boosters, Inc., and ClubCorp is a key component to the plan to make the Champions Club a destination spot, the Democrat reported. In fact, FSU’s vision has been copied by others, as athletics construction has “redefined the competitive formula for top-tier college sports programs,” it was noted.
“The big, big question in the stadium and entertainment industry today is what to do with your venue in the offseason,” said Tracy Marple, regional manager of ClubCorp, which has managed the University Center Club at Florida State University since its opening in 2004, and will also oversee the Champions Club.
“That is the big question,” Marple told the Democrat. “Trying to drive a return on the investment from all these incredible amenities they are adding to stadiums these days.”
The Champions Club, on schedule to be completed for the Seminoles’ home opener September 10 against Charleston Southern University, includes more than 5,000 outdoor seats, 70,000 square feet of air conditioned space and 34,000 square feet of covered rooftop terraces, the Democrat reported.
Childers Construction Company is managing the $80 million project, which features renovations, painting and enhancements to a stadium that turns 67 in October. The project is being funded by revenue generated by the Champions Club, which accounted for $50 million of the project cost, the Democrat reported.
The new scoreboard in the north end zone, ribbon boards and sound system is projected to cost an additional $15 million and is being funded by revenue generated from season tickets and Seminole Booster contributions, the Democrat reported.
Jason Gassett, project manager for Childers Construction Company, told the Democrat on August 14th that progress is being made daily by the multiple teams of subcontractors that recently started working seven days a week to try to ensure completion in time for the September 10th opener.
The canopy and featured iconic spears have been installed, with the area offering 1.2 million color options for lighting, the Democrat reported. Upper-deck seating is completed and installation continues across the lower deck. Tile, carpet, counter tops, carpet and ceiling work headline the flurry of activity inside the facility.
“I don’t see anything that is going to keep us from getting done,” Gassett said. “We are not nervous. We just have to get it done and figure out and work each day how to make that happen.”
While the Champions Club expects to enhance the home-viewing experience for Seminole fans, the Seminole Boosters and ClubCorp are working together to manage the new space and facilities offered by the venue, the Democrat reported.
Champions Club seat holders are automatically enrolled into University Center Club membership, which features privileges at all ClubCorp properties. FSU set a precedent for this business model, the Democrat noted, as the first of ClubCorp’s alumni clubs to include a private club membership with the purchase of a club seat.
While other top college football programs, including Texas, Texas Tech and most recently Baylor, have built private membership clubs at their stadiums, members do not get to use their clubs on game days in the same way that FSU fans can, ClubCorp’s Marple told the Democrat.
“What is happening now with the boosters and this Champions Club concept is groundbreaking, as well as in our industry; [it’s] a game-changer,” said Marple, who managed more than 2,000 events at the University Center Club last year.
“I call it the second generation of alumni clubs,” Marple added. “What is being done here is very much what you find in a pro stadium. College sports are starting to compete on that level, and this is a very first example of that.”
The Democrat reported that Seminole Boosters, Inc., is approaching its goal of 3,000 tickets sold in the Champions Club for the Seminoles’ six-game home schedule. Additionally, more than 400 three-game ticket packages have been purchased.
The Democrat’s video report on the Champions Club can be viewed at http://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/college/fsu/football/2016/08/14/innovative-champions-club-represents-future/88734340/
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