Auburn University's Board of Trustees has approved a large scale redevelopment of the north end of Jordan Hare Stadium, setting up what officials describe as one of the most complex construction projects ever undertaken on campus.
Known as the Jordan Hare North Project, the work will feature a roughly 300,000 sq. ft., 7 story structure along the stadium's north side. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with completion targeted for spring 2029.
The project is designed for year round use and will combine premium seating with retail, food service, event and student spaces, pushing construction well beyond a traditional stadium expansion.
"We are building with purpose," Christopher B. Roberts, president of Auburn said. "This project is about creating spaces that serve Auburn well into the future."
From a construction standpoint, the scope presents several challenges. Crews will be working within an active campus environment and directly adjacent to an operating football stadium. The project calls for significant vertical construction, structural integration with existing stadium elements and phased scheduling to limit disruptions during athletic seasons and major campus events.
Plans include more than 3,000 new premium seating and club spaces while maintaining the stadium's overall seating capacity. Interior construction will feature commercial kitchens, food hall areas, conference and event space and retail components, requiring durable finishes and flexible layouts designed to handle daily use and game day surges.
Trustees also approved construction of an elevated North Plaza above Heisman Drive. The plaza will serve as a pedestrian connector between Jordan Hare Stadium and nearby academic buildings, with service and operational areas located beneath the elevated deck.
The plaza adds another layer of complexity, introducing elevated structural work, utility relocation, traffic control and civil coordination in a high visibility area of campus.
In addition to the new structure, the project includes major infrastructure improvements throughout the stadium. Plans call for five new entry gates, expanded restroom capacity, more than 60 additional concession points of sale and multiple new elevators to improve vertical circulation.
A sixth floor terrace also will be constructed to connect the east and west upper decks for the first time. That work will require careful sequencing around existing concrete, steel and concourse systems while maintaining stadium operations.
John Cohen, Auburn athletic director, said the project is tied closely to Auburn's long term funding plans.
"This project will benefit Auburn for generations," Cohen said. "We encourage Auburn people to support the Ever Auburn campaign as we move forward."
University officials said private fundraising through the Ever Auburn campaign will play a key role in supporting the project, which is designed to maximize use beyond football Saturdays. The multipurpose layout is intended to serve students, faculty, alumni and visitors year round.
Head football coach Alex Golesh called the approval a milestone.
"This will be an elite space that serves Auburn 365 days a year," Golesh said. "Jordan-Hare is the best gameday environment in the country, and this project is going to take that experience to a completely different level."
Once complete, the Jordan Hare North Project will represent a multiyear construction effort involving heavy equipment, constrained site logistics and extensive coordination among specialty trades — a high profile build that will reshape one of the SEC's most recognizable stadium environments.
