University of Louisville football fans will get their first look at the Cardinal Stadium expansion at Saturday's home opener.

The $63 million expansion enclosed the north end zone, added about 5,400 new seats and more than tripled the size of the Schnellenberger Football complex.

Last-minute touches are still being done on the stadium, but Director of Athletics Vince Tyra said everything will be done for Saturday.

The expansion makes an effort to upgrade the fan experience with two new 40- by 80-foot LED video boards in the north end zones. There is also a new 24- by 92-foot video board in the south end zone. And there are four new ribbon boards in the stadium seating bowl.

All seating in the revamped stadium includes chairs with back seats.

Parking lots will open at noon for Saturday's season U of L home opener against the Sycamores of Indiana State. Tyra said gates will also open 30 minutes earlier to allow fans to come in and check out the improvements.

There is a new $3 value menu being rolled out at the game, which includes hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, soft drinks and bottled water. And there will be pregame beer specials on the terrace and in the concourse areas.

Fans can expect a nod to the city of Louisville on this year's uniforms, Tyra said.

"If you look at our uniforms, we're engaging our community with a circle of stars embedded on the uniforms," he said. "It's representing our city flag. And we've got the fleur de lis on the other side that's embedded. Obviously, it goes with the city."

As part of the celebration for U of L's 100th season, expect to see football alumni for the traditional Card March before the game. The team will be dropped off in the Green Lot on the south side of the Denny Crum Overpass on Central Avenue two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff of each game. Saturday's Card March is at 4:45 p.m.

Tyra said 90 percent of the seats in the new section have been sold for Saturday's game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

The clear bag security policy is in place for the stadium.

 

Source: wdrb.com

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