The north stair tower of the Hancock Stadium renovation is being constructed. (Photo By Paul Morello/WJBC)

By Paul Morello

NORMAL - After underground work for the past few months, the structure of the new Hancock Stadium is starting to reach skyward.

About half the brick for the north stair tower has been laid and the steel for the frame will be delivered in the next few weeks.

"They're going to start putting the steel up as it's delivered, so you'll start to see the bones of the building go up," Executive Associate Athletics Director Larry Lyons said. "They were able to start on the stair tower early so it's good to get that going and give a little 3D to the project, which is kind of exciting to see."

Once the steel is up, work will start on the concessions and bathrooms on the first floor, followed by the club level on the second floor and the press box on the third level. Lyons said construction on the grandstand will start sometime in January.

ISU broke ground on the $25 million project this summer.

"We're still on schedule for opening day (next year). We actually hope to have it done a month or so early," Lyons said.

Lyons said private fundraising for the project is also going well, with commitments for 350 of the 500 club seats.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.