Semoball

Upgrade time: SEMO's Houck Stadium approved for first phase of construction

A rendering of the upcoming upgrades coming to Houck Stadium.
SEMO Athletics

Southeast Missouri State fans who can't use Houck Stadium's south grandstands due to recent safety concerns, take solace.

Your stadium is getting a major upgrade.

The 91-year-old venue was approved for construction Friday by the Southeast Missouri State Board of Governors, a pursuit that will be done in three phases.

The first phase will include the demolition of the existing south grandstand and the construction of a new south south seating bowl and concourse and new restrooms and concession areas, SEMO announced Friday. This phase is expected to be complete in time for the 2022 season.

A recent inspection determined the south grandstands weren't safe due to deteriorating conditions.

The other two phases of the South Sideline project will be completed as funding is identified, SEMO said in a news release. Those phases include a football and soccer locker room, athletic training center, centralized ticketing and a two-level press box equipped with a new club level.

"This is a huge step forward for athletics and I'm excited for the rebuild of Houck Field to begin," SEMO athletic director Brady Barke said. "Houck Field not only serves as the front porch of our university, but also the doorstep to downtown Cape Girardeau. Once complete, Houck will create a great place for our student-athletes to train and compete, a first-class venue that will attract quality students and athletes to our university and a unique gameday atmosphere for our fans."

SEMO football (0-3) opens Ohio Valley Conference play on Saturday when it hosts Tennessee State (1-2) at 2 p.m. at Houck Stadium.

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