MSU recently released some football schedule news with various night games and future opponents. This got us thinking at TOC about Batt’s fundraising and planned changes for Sparta. There was some recent conversations about Spartan Stadium and the surrounding areas so let’s take a closer look and we look forward to the open discussions that will follow on everyone’s opinions on the matter. Spartan Stadium upgrades are still in the planning stages and just over half of the funding has yet to be collected.
However, if the University gets its way, there could be some very big changes. One thing we know for sure is the increase in premium seating. This is something that Batt feels is going to bring in money. Exactly how that is going to occur has yet to be determined. There have been a few renderings out there and some show increasing seating in a box like setting and also closer to the field. MSU has done a relatively great job at keeping season tickets to a price that is reasonable and many people, including myself are multi-year holders of tickets. The premium seating options are supposedly going to be diversified in its offerings which perhaps give options to various price ranges. It also looks like the student section would be moved to directly behind the end zone score board. Renderings have also shown a completely reimagined east tower. Batt also mentioned in a recent interview of his plans on investing in the game-day experience. Based on his jokes about receiving emails about the sound and video at Spartan Stadium, it seems that some changes to both of those will be inevitable.
Another idea that is floating around and being pushed strongly by MSU President, Kevin Guskiewicz, is what he wants to do with the IM West area that is being torn down. He would like to see a “Spartan Stadium District”. This would include hotels and restaurants in a public-private partnership. This would definitely change the vibe of a Spartan football game. I personally don’t really lean one way or the other on this. I can see how this may be great and also dent the traditions a bit. This is still all talk and no definitive plan or even a proposal, from my knowledge, has yet to occur.
Additionally, there is a goal to make Spartan Stadium operable year round. This I think is a great idea. Hosting concerts in the summer, outdoor hockey, etc. This could be a great additional source of revenue for MSU and bring more people to campus and East Lansing as a whole could benefit from this. The other item that could increase revenue, this being important because of the amount it is costing to field a competitive team in any sport, is corporate sponsorship. Batt recently said that “we’re open for business”. This includes the naming of venues, field logos, floor logos, ice logos, and jersey patches. He does feel it needs to be the right brand and the right partner and he wants it to be a partnership that stands the test of time and fits with MSU. So…are we soon going to be seeing Meijer Stadium? It definitely sounds like this will be happening sooner rather than later as I am sure there are many brands that would love the access to be the new name of Spartan Stadium or to have their logos on the plain surface of B1G games.
Changes need to happen, you need to evolve and keep pace with the race and plan for the future to sustain and improve. There will be lots of questions when plans do finalize. MSU wants to start construction in 2027 and finish by 2029 with the football team still playing there throughout the construction. I wonder out loud, will I still be able to have my seats? Will I be forced into an upgrade that is beyond my means? I would also assume this would have huge implications on tailgates and parking. Lots to think about, but like I said earlier, I’m willing to be optimistic and see what the plan is. I hope it’s one that we all can stand behind. What do you think TOC? Likes or dislikes about some of these plans? Is there something they aren’t thinking about or mentioning that you’d like to see? Drop a comment and let’s discuss.
