Jordan-Hare North Project – design description

How can the Jordan-Hare North Project be briefly described?

The modernization of Jordan-Hare Stadium is set to become the largest investment in the venue’s history. However, the project does not foresee any major changes to the seating bowl layout – its main element will be a new, seven-story building attached to the north end zone stand.

With the new structure, the north stand will gain more than 3,000 premium seats. At the same time, the stadium’s overall capacity will remain at over 88,000 spectators.

The new development will include, among others, a modern food hall, a large multi-purpose space, a ballroom, and various commercial areas. The stand will also be equipped with new elevators, concession points and restrooms, while a wide terrace will be added at the top level.

The project will significantly transform the exterior appearance of the north stand, which until now has lacked a proper facade and has mainly exposed its structural framework. It will be replaced by a representative facade reflecting the style of the Auburn University campus and local architecture.

The plan also includes the creation of a new plaza in front of the north stand (North Plaza).

Thanks to the expansion, the stadium is expected to be used beyond game days as well, generating additional revenue for the university. It is also intended to become a new hub for student gatherings and activities.

The investment is scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2029, with construction works expected to have only a limited impact on stadium operations. The project will be largely funded through donations, supported by a dedicated fundraising campaign, Ever Auburn.

What is Jordan-Hare Stadium like?

Jordan-Hare Stadium opened in 1939 and primarily serves as the home of the Auburn Tigers college football team, representing Auburn University and competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The stadium is located on the Auburn University campus in central Auburn, eastern Alabama.

Originally built with a capacity of only several thousand seats, the stadium has grown significantly over the decades, now exceeding 88,000 spectators, making it one of the largest venues in college football and in the world. Its last major expansions took place in the 1980s, when upper decks were constructed on the west side (1980) and the east side (1987).

How did the Jordan-Hare North Project come about?

Plans to expand the north end zone stand first emerged in 2015, but were not implemented at the time. The concept of developing the northern part of the stadium returned nearly a decade later, and in September 2024 the Auburn University Board of Trustees granted initial approval for the project.

In February 2025, the project’s architects and general contractor were selected. The design was assigned to HOK Architects (in collaboration with CDFL Architects + Engineers and Workshop Architects), while Robins & Morton was appointed as the general contractor.

Between 2024 and 2025, a new videoboard was also installed at the north end zone. It was built on a reinforced concrete structure designed to be integrated into the future development of the northern part of the stadium. The cost of this phase, considered the first stage of the overall project, amounted to $25.7 million.

On April 17, 2026, the Board of Trustees granted final approval for the full project.

What are the key assumptions of the Jordan-Hare North Project?

The main element of the project is the expansion of the north end zone stand with a new seven-story building attached to its rear side. The development will include additional premium spaces, with an important focus also placed on areas dedicated to student activities.

The largest interior spaces will include a modern food hall (Shug’s Food Hall), a large multi-purpose area, and a ballroom. The north stand will also be equipped with new elevators, concession points, commercial spaces, and restrooms.

The development will create 3,350 new premium seats, including more than 50 suites distributed across three levels on the north side. Despite this, overall stadium capacity will remain at over 88,000 spectators.

A large rooftop terrace will connect the upper levels of the east and west stands. The north end zone will be visually dominated by the new videoboard, already completed in 2025.

The new building will also give the north stand a striking façade. Its central section, defined by a curved profile, will feature extensive glazing, while brick walls will frame the sides. The overall design is intended to reflect both the architectural language of the Auburn University campus and the characteristic style of the region.

The plan also includes the revitalization of the space between the north stand and the historic Petrie Hall, where a new public plaza (North Plaza) will be created. Petrie Hall itself is also set to be restored. In addition, the project includes the construction of five new stadium gates.

What will be the impact of the Jordan-Hare North Project?

The project responds to the growing demand for premium seating. Increasing their number is also expected to boost stadium-generated revenues, as the venue is intended to operate beyond game days.

Student-focused spaces, together with a new plaza in front of the north stand, are set to transform the stadium into an important hub for student gatherings and activities on campus.

The modernization will enhance spectator comfort and the overall standard of the facility. Despite no significant changes to the seating bowl layout, its scale makes it the largest investment in the stadium’s history.

When will the Jordan-Hare North Project be carried out?

Preliminary works are scheduled to begin in May 2026, with full-scale construction expected to start in summer 2026. The project is due for completion in spring 2029, allowing the stadium to be fully operational for the start of the 2029 season. Some areas of the new building (levels 0–3) are expected to be available already during the 2028 season.

The modernization is not expected to significantly disrupt stadium operations, although parts of the north stand will be closed during the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

How much will the Jordan-Hare North Project cost?

The total cost of the project is estimated at $323 million, of which $305 million is allocated to the stadium expansion and $18 million to the creation of the North Plaza.

A significant portion of the funding is expected to come from donations, supported by a dedicated fundraising campaign called Ever Auburn. The remaining funds will be provided from the university’s operating revenues.