The University of Louisville is looking to encourage more fan participation during the 2020 football season.
The university’s athletic department announced Monday that a Fan Zone will be built for tailgating, while there will be parking improvements around Cardinal Stadium, better WiFi access and recoated seats.
“This is another major step forward in our fan engagement strategy,” Louisville Vice-President/Director of Athletics Vince Tyra said in the press release. “The partnership established with Tailgate Guys last season was a great starting point, but this is an investment in every fan, not just those with premium seats, and this will help create more of a tradition around our football program. We’re excited to create this family environment that is missing around our stadium today.”
The Fan Zone will be constructed in the Purple Lot, which is located on the south side of the Central Avenue tunnel and will become a pass-required speed parking lot as part of a parking reshuffle. The goal of the Fan Zone is to improve fans’ pre-game experience with a music stage, beer garden, food trucks and a Family Fun Zone that includes a miniature turf football field.
The improved WiFi and cellular access is aimed at improving fan connectivity before eventually moving Louisville football games to strictly mobile ticketing in 2021.
When the seat-restoration process, which started last summer, is completed, 37,800 seats in the lower bowl at Cardinal Stadium will be refurbished, strengthened and restored to their red color.
