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From: Office of the Vice President for University Relations and Marketing

Dear OSU Employees and Students,

We are writing to share that work to complete Reser Stadium is underway along with a permitting process to include the implosion of the existing westside stadium between 7 and 8 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2022.

Instead of using a traditional demolition process to take apart such a large structure and tall roof canopy in pieces, implosion of the stadium by a licensed contractor will contribute to OSU community, worker and public safety during the stadium’s demolition. As implosion occurs, a series of explosive-like popping sounds will take place over approximately two seconds. Following these popping sounds, the stadium structure will safely fall vertically to the parking lot level around the stadium.

To provide for safety during the time of implosion, residential, commercial and campus structures within 500 feet of the westside stadium must be unoccupied. Out of an abundance of caution, residents and occupants of households, apartments, businesses and campus buildings within 1,000 feet of the westside stadium – but outside the 500-foot evacuation zone – will be asked to stay indoors and away from windows and balconies in their buildings while the implosion takes place. Attached is a map showing implosion-affected zones around Reser Stadium. OSU and Hoffman Construction – the project’s general contractor – will provide repeated notice to affected parties, and property owners and managers in the weeks ahead.

Immediately prior to the implosion, parking lots, streets and designated areas around Reser Stadium will be closed for safety. Beginning at 6 p.m. the evening of Jan. 6, the Reser Stadium parking lot will be closed to all vehicles until noon on Jan. 7. Those who typically park around Reser Stadium with a C Zone parking permit may park on Jan. 7 in any other campus C, B1, B2, or B3 parking lot. To contribute to safety, Southwest 26th, Southwest 30th and Southwest Grove streets, and Southwest Western Boulevard will be closed to vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic immediately before and after implosion activities for approximately 10 minutes. In the weeks ahead, we will announce protected viewing areas where the implosion can be watched.

Completing Reser Stadium is an exciting Oregon State University project that will transform the stadium into a national best-in-class football facility with year-round programs and facilities for all OSU students, faculty and staff.

When completed, Reser Stadium will include a new student welcome center to introduce prospective new students and their families to OSU, and a new wellness clinic to provide students, faculty, staff and community members with year-round access to expanded health care and wellness services.

The $153 million project is being funded by more than $85 million in philanthropy – including an anonymous $50 million philanthropic gift – and by revenues from football stadium premium seating sales, sponsorships and other game-day activities. Various revenue sources will fund the wellness center, and new revenues from enrollment growth will fund the student welcome center.

Construction activities to complete Reser Stadium will continue into the summer of 2023 and be finished in time for the 2023 football season. Home 2022 Beaver football games will be played in Reser Stadium with seating provided in the east, south and north stadium areas during construction.

Please visit this website for more information about Completing Reser Stadium.

In the weeks ahead, we will provide additional information about the implosion and demolition of the westside stadium. Thank you in advance for your cooperation during this important project.

Sincerely,

Steve Clark, Vice President - University Relations and Marketing

[email protected]

Libby Ramirez, Project Manager - Completing Reser Stadium

University Architect and Director of Capital Resources

[email protected]

Send Date: 
Thursday, December 2, 2021