University of Alabama athletics director Mal Moore will propose an $80.6 million expansion of Bryant-Denny Stadium’s south end zone to the university’s board of trustees this week.

The project, which could begin this spring and be ready for the 2010 season, will add more than 9,000 seats and 36 skyboxes, bringing the stadium’s capacity to around 101,000.

“Interest in our football program is at an all-time high, as reflected in the enormous demand for season tickets and skyboxes,” Moore said. “Our waiting list for football tickets is over 10,000.

“This project also will help support the Tuscaloosa economy now and in the future.”

Talk about economic stimulus. The project also will include new offices for the Crimson Tide Foundation, a food market & merchandise store on street level, and two new video boards on the corners of the upper deck to replace the current south end zone scoreboard.

The board of trustees meets this week. Davis Architects of Birmingham, Ala., in consultation with HOK Sport Architects of Kansas City, Mo., will coordinate design of the project.

“This is yet another very positive sign of the momentum and vision that the entire University of Alabama community shares,” football coach Nick Saban said. “We are very optimistic that this expansion will make Bryant-Denny Stadium one of the finest facilities in the country and give our fans an even greater venue to continue their positive support of our team. The leadership and support of Dr. (Robert) Witt (university president) and Mal
Moore is indicative of the dynamic period of growth and success we are experiencing.”

Bryant-Denny Stadium, which opened in 1929, has sold out every game since 1988. Its most recent expansion in 2006 brought capacity to 92,138, eighth largest in the nation. This proposed expansion would make it the fifth-largest stadium in the country, behind only Penn State (107,282),
Michigan (106,201), Ohio State (102,329) and Tennessee (102,038).

Plans have not been finalized for ticket distribution in the new South End Zone addition. Additional South End Zone upper deck seating will accommodate UA students, faculty/staff, Tide Pride members, and former UA lettermen.

The project’s completion will take place in four phases – utility relocation, demolition of existing structure, audio-visual upgrade and actual stadium expansion.

The expansion breaks down like this:
* 8,500 Upper Deck seats
* 1,700 South Zone Club seats
* Upper concourse with concessions and restrooms
* 36 skyboxes
* Crimson Tide Foundation offices
* Donors Hall of Fame
* Outdoor market for food and merchandise
* Two corner video boards