Revenue from the 10-year agreements with suite holders are funding the project. The tower enhances the look of the stadium and the additional space improves our game-day operations and allows more members of the news media to cover our games. Additional space for the news media is needed because coverage of Cyclones games has increased with the formation of the Big 12 Conference, Smith said. Increased media coverage meant cramped quarters in the old press area, built in 1975 when the stadium opened. Members of the print media and ISU staff occupy the press box's second level, and radio and television crews and football coaches have booths on the third level.
Access is provided by an elevator.
The press tower is the newest of three major projects that dramatically have changed Jack Trice Stadium. Last year, the athletic department moved into the Jacobson Building, which overlooks the north end zone. Also in 1996, a grass playing surface was installed, replacing artificial turf. In addition, a new practice facility west of the stadium is planned. Private gifts funded most of the Jacobson Building construction and the entire grass turf project.