Tempe, AZ – Momentum is picking up with the renovation of Sun Devil Stadium as ASU officials will announce updated plans to the public this week.

After the initial conceptual renderings were presented 21 months ago, the latest announcement will include the fine-tuned design plans and an update on stadium financing.

As reported in earlier updates, renovations will include the removal of a portion of the north end zone upper deck. This will be the first step in the process which was originally scheduled to start in late December but was pushed back to the beginning of February. With this and other modifications throughout the stadium, the reduced seating capacity will be in the 60,000 range.

The rendering below of Amon G. Carter Stadium at TCU shows a good example of where Sun Devil Stadium might be headed as far as removing the upper level of the north end zone. Plans may also include a new, state of the art video board above the section. There is no question that a big part of the improvements will include much needed upgrades to the sound system, video and scoreboards throughout the stadium. More details on all these items will be announced by ASU this week.

Amon G. Carter Stadium at TCU

However, one of the most significant potential changes from the initial plan is the possibility that ASU will scrap the initial canopy concept to cover the entire stadium. The original idea was not only to reduce the temperature inside the stadium, but also to allow ASU to play afternoon games earlier in the season. This would allow the Pac-12 Network and the Sun Devils to get more market exposure back east, increasing revenue for the conference. It sounds like a great idea on paper, but there is a good chance the shade canopy will go away because of design concerns and the multi-million dollar price tag.

Other details that will be announced this week include a revised loge level and enhanced premium seating. There will also be concourse level improvements including long overdue restroom upgrades.

The total cost for the entire project is estimated to be in the $250 million range, so the biggest question is how the project will be financed.

The $600 million Marina Heights project is under construction along Tempe Town Lake

A primary component in plans to recharge Sun Devil Stadium is the University Athletics Facilities District created by ASU. It will help finance athletic projects by waiving property taxes for developers that build projects in the designated areas around Tempe Town Lake. It also allows ASU to impose assessments that generate revenue for the university. Other funds will come from private donations and fundraising from boosters and corporate partnerships such as naming rights.

The first such project is a mixed-use development named Marina Heights bordering Tempe Town Lake. It will become the new regional headquarters of State Farm Insurance and home to 8,000 employees. In all, the 10-acre property will include five office buildings totaling 2 million square feet. Marina Heights will also include 40,000 square feet of retail space. In all, the cost for this development is $600 million.

As reported by Leslie Swift of Phoenix’s ABC 15 News, “Because of its proximity to ASU’s Tempe campus — Marina Heights is adjacent to ASU Sun Devil Stadium and ASU’s Athletic Facility — ASU’s President, Michael Crow, hopes the university will expand its partnership with State Farm in future programs.”

It stands to reason that State Farm would be on the short list of prospects for naming rights to Sun Devil Stadium.

DieHardDevil.com will provide the latest stadium updates when the new information is released this week.