Washington State University has selected Graham Construction & Management Inc., of Spokane, to oversee an estimated $39 million worth of design and construction for the third phase of its Martin Stadium expansion. ALSC Architects PS, of Spokane, will work as a subcontractor to Graham for the design work.


Larry Harris, a WSU project manager for capital planning and development, says he expects the contract with Graham to be finalized soon, though he declines to disclose the exact contract amount.


Though a schedule hasnt been set yet, its hoped that construction on the third phase of the stadium expansion can begin early next year, and its expected to be completed within 16 months, Harris says.


In that phase of work, a total of about 2,000 additional seats will be added to the 39,000-seat venue. The addition will be constructed above the current student seating, on the north side of the stadium, Harris says. The new section of seating will include 16 indoor seating suites, each of which will seat up to 24 people; an indoor athletic directors suite that will accommodate up to 36 people; an indoor presidents suite for up to 85 people; outdoor club seating for 1,100 spectators; an indoor club lounge that will accommodate up to 145 people; and 30 covered outdoor seating areas, called loge boxes, that each will hold six to eight seats.


Each indoor suite will be outfitted with a stand-up drink rail, seating, a food service area, and a sink. Harris says it hasnt been determined yet whether the suites will have restrooms or if several suites will share common restrooms out in the concourse space. The club lounge will have televisions and food and beverage services, he says.


Graham also has been the contractor on the first two phases of the stadium expansion, under a $17 million contract for both phases. In that work, the company is enlarging the concourse space around the grandstands and is constructing additional restrooms and concession space.


Later, a fourth and final phase will be undertaken to add 5,200 additional seats above the east side of the stadium, closest to Stadium Way. Altogether, the two phases will add about 7,200 seats to what currently is the smallest football venue in the Pacific 10 Conference.


Harris says its not known yet how much the fourth phase will cost or when it will be done.


Contact Jeanne Gustafson at (509) 344-1264 or via e-mail at jeanneg@spokanejournal.com.