College football team announce $500m renovations to 75,000-seat stadium that hosted ‘Game of the Century’
Get ready for a new look Sparty.
Newly released documents from Michigan State University reveal that upgrades to Spartan Stadium are projected to total $500 million.
With Northwestern unveiling its $800 million cutting-edge stadium, the entire college football world is taking notice, and Michigan State is aiming to stay competitive.
Michigan State reveal $500m renovations to Spartan Stadium
Earlier this month, the university unveiled a proposal outlining its renovation and construction plans for Spartan Stadium, developed from a 2022 facilities study.
According to the university, the plans aim to, “boost future revenue and enhance the fan experience” and include concourse and concession upgrades, improved bowl seating and accessibility, building repairs, system enhancements, and strengthened security measures.
The renovation’s initial phase will target the stadium’s east side, adding premium seating, a corporate sponsorship area, and a new welcome center.
Subsequent work will upgrade the concourse and concession areas, followed by improvements to bowl seating and a refreshed stadium exterior and facade.
Spartan Stadium opened 102 years ago in 1923 and has been home to the Spartans ever since.
Spartan Stadium, opening in 1923, has served as the Spartans’ home for 102 years. Over its century-plus history, the stadium has seen multiple renovations and expansions.
Spartan Stadium originally opened with a capacity of just 14,000 and has since grown to seat 75,005, with a record attendance of 80,401.
Construction is scheduled to start in November 2027 and is expected to be completed by summer 2029.
After the Jonathan Smith experiment fell short in just two seasons, the Spartans hired Pat Fitzgerald, ironically Northwestern’s former longtime head coach.
Fitzgerald is set to lead the new era of Spartan football.
And while the program and stadium turn a new page, it’s a perfect time to reflect on one of the most memorable games in Spartan Stadium history.
In fact, it wasn’t just any memorable game; it was famously known as ‘The Game of the Century.’
The 1966 matchup between No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Michigan State was billed as the most anticipated college football game in two decades—and it delivered.
Between them, the teams boasted 11 first-team All-Americans, five second-team honorees, and eight future Hall of Famers.
The Spartans struck first with a touchdown and a 46-yard field goal by barefoot kicker Dick Kenny, but Notre Dame answered with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Bob Gladieux, making it 10-7 at halftime.
The second half featured turnovers and big plays from both teams, but scoring was scarce. Only three points were scored in the final two quarters, coming on a game-tying 27-yard field goal by Notre Dame’s Joe Azzaro.
The game ended in a 10-10 stalemate. A dramatic final drive by the Fighting Irish, as they pushed for the win, was stopped by Michigan State’s Bubba Smith.
Ties were a common outcome in that era, and the 10-10 final score reflected just how evenly matched the two teams were.
Ultimately, Notre Dame edged Michigan State by three points in the final AP poll and capped the season with a 51-0 win over USC, securing the national championship.
Michigan State, barred from the Rose Bowl by Big Ten rules, saw its historic season end in East Lansing.
The Spartans hope to compete in monumental games like that one 66 years ago, and they’ll have the chance to do so in their soon-to-be newly renovated stadium.
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