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SEC Arms Race: Stadium Updates Entering 2015

With the start of the 2015 football around the corner, it's time to take a look at the major expansions or renovations that SEC stadiums have undergone this offseason

By Alex Dusza

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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn

Auburn upped the arms race in college football by grabbing the title as holders of the largest video board in college football with a new display in the south end zone of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Along with the video board, a new sound system and ribbon boards on the upper deck were installed. The total cost of the replacement was approximately $14 million. While the board is functional for Auburn's season opener, the back of the board will not be finished until midseason after quality concerns about the banners on the back.


Kentucky

Old Capacity: 67,942
New Capacity: 62,093
Kentucky's two-year renovation is probably the future of college stadiums; with nearly every game available for live television viewing, teams are looking for ways to maximize the fan experience while not necessarily increasing seating capacity. In the case of Commonwealth Stadium, capacity has been reduced, but luxury seating has been expanded and a new recruiting area will be prominent in the east end zone. The recruiting area will feature a patio available to recruits and their guests before games. Additional amenities include lounge areas on the loge and mezzanine levels and new concourses, restrooms and concession stands to go along with last year's new press box.


Ole Miss

Old Capacity: 60,580
New Capacity: Approximately 58,500
Ole Miss' 2015 renovations are the first step towards next year's expected expansion that will bowl in the north end zone of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This year, the Rebels have renovated the press box and west sideline suites. Additionally, a new field club level and suites have been added to the top and bottom of the south (closed) end zone. With the closure of a concourse at the top of the south end zone for the suites, the mid-level concourse has been expanded with additional concession stands and restrooms.

Texas A&M

Old Capacity: 2013 and Prior -- 82,600; 2014 --- 106,511
New Capacity: 102,512

Texas A&M's two-year, nearly half a billion dollar expansion of Kyle Field is being completed for the 2015 season. After last season, the entire west sideline of the stadium was demolished and in its stead a new, three-tiered stand has finished the renovation.

The new Kyle Field from Kerry Thach on Vimeo.

Along with the finished renovation, the deceased Reveilles were reburied in a new cemetery at the updated stadium after being temporarily moved for the expansion. Since the Reveilles were traditionally buried with a view of the stadium's scoreboard, a small scoreboard was added outside the stadium "just in case" the mascots can not see the score.

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