FIU breaks ground on Phase III: Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium


FIU Executive Director for Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia announced today the start of construction on the third phase of Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium. The third phase will close in the north side of the stadium and is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, 2012.

“The next phase in building Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium into one of the top facilities in college football has begun,” Garcia said. “This phase just further cements our commitment toward the development of the FIU football program. We want to give our team and our fans the best possible game day experience and turn Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium into a benchmark for stadiums across the nation. I am delighted that the university Board of Trustees, FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg and the university administration share our vision about the necessity and value of this facility, and I want to thank them for their support.”

Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium opened its gates on Sept. 20, 2008. The stadium currently has a capacity of 18,000, featuring 1,500 club seats, a 6,438-square-foot Stadium Club, an upper concourse and 19 premium suites. Seating includes both chair back and bench seating with backrests.

“This is a real exciting time for our football program,” said FIU football Head Coach Mario Cristobal. “As you hear the sounds of construction going on and watch this stadium grow as we grow as a program, it truly adds a tremendous amount of incentive each and every day as we step out onto the practice field to become a better program.”

Adjacent to the stadium in the west end zone is the R. Kirk Landon Fieldhouse, which opened in the fall of 2009. The 50,000-square-foot, two-story facility is highlighted by a 14,000-square-foot clear-span weight room that is used by all FIU student-athletes for strength and conditioning.

“Athletics are an important part of the university experience and helps build alumni and community affinity,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “Today marks another step forward in the development of our increasingly competitive athletics program.”

Recognizing the importance of FIU Athletics, the university sought to advance its vision for the expanded stadium through the creation of the Stadium Campaign Task Force (SCTF). Established in the Fall of 2011, the SCTF is led by David Alfonso and R. Kirk Landon, who will spearhead the fundraising efforts for the expansion of the north side of the stadium, while providing oversight on the build-out. The creation of this task force serves as a critical fundraising catalyst.

This year’s FIU Spring Game at Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium is at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30.  FIU’s 2012 home opener will be on Saturday, Sept. 8 when the Panthers host the Akron Zips. For more information, visit www.fiusports.com