Social distancing and quarantine efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic have called into question the immediate future of construction projects across the country, but for now, renovations to the University of Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium are proceeding unabated.
"The construction continues," Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said during a conference call Thursday afternoon, as reported by ABC 33/40 in Birmingham. “We’re on schedule. It’s been a wet spring, but I can tell you we’ve had a regular conversation with our general contractor to make sure they’re taking necessary steps during this new reality we’re in.”
When asked if the nationwide virus spread jeopardizes the renovation process, Byrne added, “Obviously, the health and wellness has been a driver here. And as you can imagine, we work within the university system and then with the contractors. We’re in constant communication about that and we’ll continue to. That’s what our focus will be.”
A week ago, Alabama suspended spring football practice, but Byrne remains optimistic about that, too. He says that he and head coach Nick Saban have been in constant communication and that spring practice could potentially be pushed into the summer. "Obviously you can't just go out and play games without any practice and development time before hand," Byrne said in the teleconference. "We've talked about what different scenarios look like, so I can have his thoughts. You all know he's always very well thought out on different possibilities and scenarios, so it's been very helpful. But because of where we are in the process right now, we haven't gotten more specific than just looking at potential scenarios."
Alabama opens its season Sept. 12, at which time the stadium project is expected to be completed.
