Auburn is in the early stages of seeking feedback for a major renovation to the North end zone of Jordan-Hare Stadium, but one thing is certain: the project's cost could be higher than initially devised.

Initial plans in 2015 called for the potential renovation to total $145 million, according to documents obtained by AL.com, but those costs could increase substantially if newly-devised plans for stadium construction move forward in 2016.

"It could definitely be higher," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said Tuesday. "... We're working on that right now, to get a solid number."

A new cost estimate for the potential renovations is expected to be announced by the end of March. Auburn's Board of Trustees would have to approve the project before the athletics department moves forward with construction. The board is set to meet April 8, but it's not yet known if the stadium renovation project will be discussed.

Auburn started seeking feedback in December from fans for its rebooted plans, which would include an expanded concourse and walkways, club seating, additional concessions, new locker rooms, a new video board, a recruiting lounge and other amenities. Auburn also released images of the proposed project, which would include a brick facade, its website in mid-December. Feedback has mostly been positive, Jacobs said, "but it's too early to tell."

If the renovation plans are approved, construction could start after the 2016 season and be completed before the start of the 2018 season, a source told AL.com in December.

The renderings released in December were re-worked drawings of plans leaked online in March, when Jacobs decided to hit the pause button on the project and go back to the "drawing board." Auburn spent $100,000 in its initial planning and design phases of the renovation, according to documents obtained by AL.com.

Auburn's Board of Trustees discussed a $4.5 million construction project to repair storm drainage and sewer lines near the North end zone in November. Jacobs said the initial work, which could be viewed by some as foundation construction setting up a larger project, is not related to Auburn's renovation plans.

Jacobs' drive to renovate the North End zone has stretched more than a year. The plans have not changed much. Auburn hopes to expand premium seating in the North end zone and possibly relocated the press box to the Northwest corner, which would provide more space for premium suites on the West side of the stadium.

"It's just like if you're going to buy a car, this is what you'd like, you want to pay this much for it or not," Jacobs said. "We want to be as transparent as we possibly can and show everybody what they need so they can make a good decision of what they think is best for Auburn."

Jacobs initially told AL.com in May the North end zone renovation would be funded through debt service and he believed Auburn's ticket sales and new premium seating would support funding.

"We're basing it totally on ticket revenue," Jacobs said at the time. "We're not even taking into consideration any philanthropic giving."

A feasibility study is being conducted by an outside consultant "about the financial component" of the project, said Jacobs, including potential philanthropic giving.

Auburn fans have been encouraged to provide feedback via email (JHSRenovation@auburn.edu) or by visiting the Tigers Unlimited website.

"We want their input and feedback, and I encourage them to offer it," Jacobs said in a December news release. "Fan and donor feedback has driven a lot of what we've done with the gameday experience that has proven to be popular and helped make Auburn's gameday experience the best in the nation."

 

al.com

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