Contact: Maridith Geuder
Mississippi State's Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, the nation's second-oldest campus football stadium, soon will undergo a three-to-four-year phased painting upgrade.
"We're in the process of developing a maintenance painting program designed to preserve the stadium," said Jim Jones, executive director of facilities.
The more-than 90-year-old facility, which has undergone four major renovations and expansions, dates back to 1914 (it was named Scott Field in 1920). Current seating capacity is 55,082.
"Parts of the stadium painted as recently as four years ago by an independent contractor have not performed as well as originally hoped," Jones explained, adding that there were compatibility issues with the paint, primer and metals in areas that have caused flaking, rusting and other corrosive effects.
"We're now finding rust issues, especially on the ramps and metal railings," he said. "These rust spots have also migrated down the concrete in areas that have left permanent stains."
During the first phase of the project, which will begin this spring, these areas will be repainted in the same neutral color.
The first priority will be to paint areas that need protection from the elements and will focus on preventing future rust issues. Additional phases will address and paint areas that are stained, with priorities determined by critical needs, Jones said. Future phases will be determined and incorporated into the plan to coincide with the stadium schedule and weather.
"We will be working with Facilities Management to ensure as little disruption as possible for our fans," said Bobby Tomlinson, associate athletic director for game-day operations. "We want a facility that reflects the pride of our university."
Jones said the timing of the later phases, as well as colors, have yet to be determined.