Agreement brings green light for Yulman Stadium construction

Debbie Grant dgrant@tulane.edu
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Late Friday afternoon (Jan. 25), New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu signed the agreement with Tulane University that outlines the use and operation of Yulman Stadium, the university's new on-campus stadium slated to open in the fall of 2014.

Rendering of Yulman Stadium

Yulman Stadium will mark the return of Green Wave football to the Tulane uptown campus. (Rendering by Gould Evans)


“This has been a long process, which involved compromise and patience among all the parties concerned. We thank and appreciate the work of Mayor Mitch Landrieu and his staff to bring the process to closure," said Tulane President Scott Cowen.

“We now begin an exciting era for Tulane, and for the City of New Orleans as well. All of us will enjoy a beautiful football and recreational facility, plus our city will have the economic benefit that comes from the construction and operation of a $60 million stadium,” Cowen added.

Tulane Athletics Director Rick Dickson echoes Cowen's enthusiasm. “The Green Wave will have the home field advantage that we have missed for the last 35 years and our friends, fans and neighbors will have the chance to experience a first-class collegiate football experience on Tulane's beautiful campus,” he said.

With the signed agreement came the green light for construction of the new facility. Soon after the signing, Tulane got its first permits, which will allow the start of demolition today.

Stadium contractor Woodward Design Build will begin taking down the practice field bleachers, the scoreboard and the tennis court stands, and will remove the turf and track around the existing practice field.

Woodward may also begin the removal and relocation of underground utilities and sidewalks in the stadium footprint this week.
Groundbreaking and pile driving are set to start in late February.

For more information on Yulman Stadium, visit tulanestadium.com.