Liberty University Athletic Director Ian McCaw discussed a number of upgrades to Williams Stadium, the home of Liberty Football, in a noon press conference Tuesday, August 28.
The newly-renovated stadium, which has been under construction since late 2017, is set to host its first matchup as the Flames make their FBS debut Saturday, Sept. 1 against Old Dominion. Although construction crews continue work in and around the stadium, McCaw insisted that the stadium will be ready for Saturday’s matchup.
“The renovation expansion of Williams Stadium has gone extremely well,” McCaw said. “The project will be game-ready. The only part of the project that will not be complete will be the East Side press box. That won’t be ready until approximately October.”
“Everything else will be ready to go,” McCaw quipped. “We’re really eager to fill the stadium up and have a great atmosphere.”
McCaw’s casual use of “everything else” hardly does the project justice. The facility’s multi-million dollar overhaul makes Williams Stadium one of the most impressive facilities on the East Coast, especially at the G5 level.
The addition of a second deck on the East Side of the stadium will bring Williams’s capacity to 25,000, up from a previous capacity of 19,200. Additions also include more restrooms, a new entrance gate behind the South end zone, and expanded concessions; which include Domino’s Pizza, two Dunkin’ Donuts, Auntie Annie’s, and a “House of Flames,”: which will serve wings and hand-cut french fries.
McCaw also mentioned the addition of a new, 3,000 square foot video board in the North end zone.
“That’s gonna light up the stadium, all of Candlers Mountain, and most of Lynchburg, I think, when that’s on,” McCaw said. “That just has a really dynamic impact on game-day presentation and the overall atmosphere of the stadium, so we’re excited about that.”
McCaw noted that gates will open two hours before kickoff, a change from the previous year. All fans will go though magnetometers before entering the stadium, and Liberty’s “clear bag” policy will remain in effect.
Game programs will be complimentary this year, courtesy of Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment. Against ODU, Liberty will be giving away 5,000 commemorative coins to mark the school’s first FBS football game. as well as 10,000 schedule magnets.
With a game ticket, fans can access the indoor practice facility for the Flames Fan Fest; which will host Flames Club activities, games, a kids zone, live music, and other entertainment before kickoff at every home game. McCaw also announced a boost in ticket sales, a TV contract with ESPN, a bowl agreement, and increased corporate sponsorship in a brief summary of a busy summer for Liberty Football.
“We’re excited to get the season underway,” McCaw said.
