The University of Mississippi Vaught-Hemingway Stadium East Grandstand Expansion

This expansion to historic Vaught-Hemingway Stadium added 7,024 seats to the football home of the Ole Miss Rebels and was completed in 2000. The addition began with 20 rows of bench seating atop the existing 45-row vast grandstand. Public access to both the new and existing grandstand seats was enhanced by new ramps at both ends of the stadium, and two new public concourses, each equipped with restrooms and concessions facilities.

A new upper deck accommodates a 290-foot long enclosed Rebel Club fronted by 1,204 exterior chair-type seats. The fully furnished club features closed circuit TV, lounge and café style seating, catering facilities, private elevator access, and an unparalleled view of the action below. The flexibility of its wide-open floor plan is beneficial not only for various game-day activities, but also for other University banquet and meeting needs.

This solution for the new elements of the Stadium is very much in keeping with the drama and excitement of the events that take place here. The expressive canopy and the clear strategies of circulation are properly scaled to both spectator and stadium. The sculptural use of steel and the introduction of light-filtering louvers give the structure presence and energy as well as the benefits of shelter and protection from the elements.