WCU breaks ground on massive stadium project
Trustees break ground on the new project. Ashley Evans, WCU, photo
Leaders from Western Carolina University kicked off a massive $37 million renovation to the school’s E.J. Whitmire Stadium last Thursday.
The event, which brought in a large and energetic crowd, severed as a groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which will include a new press box, coaches’ offices, player study areas and a hospitality center which will be known as the “Western Skybox.” The stadium, which is over 50 years old, will now feature over 10,000 square feet of new space.
The project is just one part of a larger campaign to upgrade facilities funded partially by $30 million raised from student athletics fees, which were increased following approval from student government in 2021. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Student Government Association President Grady Jones spoke about the fee increase and why it is important to make these renovations a reality.
“When I think back to the roar of a packed stadium, classmates united in purple and gold and the memories we carry long after the final whistle, I’m reminded college is more than coursework,” Jones said. “It’s a community, and today we invest in a stronger more spirited future for that community.”
The money also came from donations collected as part of the “Fill the Western Sky” campaign, which is nearing its goal of raising $100 million. Randy White, a co-chair of the campaign steering committee, noted that previous fundraising campaigns were more focused on providing scholarships for students, but this was the first time that the money would go toward improving athletic facilities.
“Those campaigns have resulted in robust academic offerings and a higher level of support for student scholarships,” he said. “Now, it’s past time that we turn our attention toward improvements for athletics programs and facilities and increase scholarship support for student-athletes. Our facilities have grown long in the tooth and are in need of much attention.”
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Board of Trustees Chair Casey Cooper thanked the folks that have given.
WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown addresses the large crowd. Ashley Evans, WCU, photo
“Donors, your commitment is making a real difference in the lives of our students, from scholarships to academic excellence endowments,” he said. “From student engagement and experiential learning to critical investments in campus infrastructure, your contributions are at the heart of WSU continued success.”
Likewise, Cooper also thanked the students for the added contributions that came from those athletic fees.
“Simply put, we would not be able to meet our goal without them,” he said. “Thanks to incredible advocacy on behalf of members of the Student Government Association and other student leaders, our students agreed to an increase in their athletic fees that will result in $30 million in funding … funding that is being matched by you, our wonderful donors,” he added. “It’s an incredible partnership between students; past, present and future alumni and friends; community members; and fans of the Catamount sports teams. As we look ahead, the Fill the Western Sky Campaign will allow us to continue this momentum and elevate WCU to new heights.”
Chancellor Kelli R. Brown noted that the progress won’t stop here.
“This is just one piece of our broader vision to create opportunities for students to build a legacy and ensure the success of our athletics program,” she said. “We are taking a phased approach in much needed and long overdue upgrades to our athletics facilities, starting with these upgrades and featuring the flexibility for additional enhancements, not just here at Whitmire stadium, but across all our athletic programs.”
Brown also specifically discussed the renovations to the stadium, which she said will transform it “into a modern, dynamic facility that enhances the game day experience for our students and fans.”
“It will provide cutting edge amenities for our student athletes, coaches and staff, helping WCU to continue to attract top-tier talent and compete at the highest levels,” she said.
Athletic Director Kyle Pifer, who was named to that role last month, offered the closing remarks, during which he thanked people for the contributions that made these renovations possible while also calling for more support as the school continues to improve facilities that will be enjoyed by generation after generation of students.
“We know that this renovation is just the beginning of many more to come,” he said. “Together, we’re ready to continue to build a legacy of Fill the Western Sky, supporting our students, programs and our athletics achievements. As we look ahead, we invite you to deepen your connection with us and Catamount athletics by joining Catamount club and getting your season tickets.”
