Huntington Times

The Marshall University Board of Governors has given the green light for an expansion to the Shewey Building, situated on Third Avenue. This addition aims to enhance the fan experience at the Joan C. Edwards Stadium during football and other events. The project will also serve as a revenue stream for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, specifically supporting Marshall student-athletes.

Athletic Advantage, Marshall’s NIL vendor, is set to fund the $1.8 million construction through a $1 million naming rights gift and by selling memberships for the new two-tiered club and deck. This development includes a new field-level seating configuration along with changes in stadium seating directly adjacent to it on both sides.

Christian Spears, Marshall's athletic director, emphasized that securing the naming rights gift is crucial before moving forward with the project. He noted that "fans will have a next-level experience with access to food and drink," describing it as "incredible."

Construction is scheduled to commence this spring with a planned opening in September.

In addition to approving the stadium project, the board has agreed on a 2.5 percent increase in housing costs at The Landing—Marshall’s graduate student housing facility located on the health sciences campus—for the summer term. There will also be a minor increase in rates for campus summer meal plans.

University President Brad D. Smith addressed financial considerations, athletics and NCAA dynamics, as well as new political leadership in his report to the board. He highlighted that Marshall must remain adaptable amidst these changes.

Smith assured that recent executive orders at federal and state levels are under careful review by Marshall University officials who are engaging with key stakeholders. “Our responsibility is to honor ongoing commitments to our students while ensuring we adhere to executive orders,” he stated.

Additionally, four individuals were appointed by the board to serve on the West Virginia Autism Training Center (ATC) Advisory Board housed at Marshall University.