Ball State University Athletics
Ball State to Honor Gift by Naming Stadium Communications Center; Stadium Architect Hired
July 22, 2005 | Football
The university's board of trustees approved the naming of the communications center on Friday, in addition to hiring an architectural firm for the project.
"My wife and I are extremely proud to assist in the renovation of Ball State's football stadium," Paul Kozel said. "We firmly believe that improving the stadium will invigorate the athletics program and will also enhance the image of the entire university and the Muncie community. Because the stadium is the first thing you see when you enter the city, the improvements will not only give the stadium a more welcoming façade, but will also allow the stadium to become a greater community asset."
Last month, the Kozels made a $1.25 million gift to "Drive to Distinction: The Ball State Stadium Campaign," which has a goal of raising $12 million to fund the renovation and expansion of the stadium.
The Kozels' gift generated momentum for the stretch drive of the campaign, and since the announcement of their gift, an additional $500,000 has been raised, bringing the campaign's total to $10.8 million.
"We want to acknowledge the Kozels' generosity in a lasting way," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. "Their gift provided a significant boost to the campaign by sparking interest among potential benefactors and by encouraging the campaign's volunteers to make the final push toward reaching our goal that is now clearly in sight.
"I also think it is fitting that the communications center, where media will sit to cover stadium events, file their stories and broadcast games, will bear the Kozels' name, given the family's interest in the communications industry."
Paul Kozel is president and treasurer of Chesterfield Management, a company that owns multiple restaurants in northern Indiana and manages commercial properties. Patricia Kozel has been active with Chesterfield Management since 1980 and now serves as vice president and secretary. The couple, along with their children, also owns a wireless phone and tower company.
For the past several years Ball State has been renovating its football stadium, which opened in 1967, adding additional seating, lights and a training facility. The campaign will fund construction of new concession facilities, the communications center, a brick and wrought iron exterior and new seating in the north end zone that will wrap around the structure to create a 25,400-seat horseshoe stadium.
The Paul and Patricia Kozel Communications Center will have several features and functions, including:
- a larger, improved press box and entertainment center with home and visitor media areas and a state-of-the-art media room
- donor and president's suites
- individual rental suites
The trustees also approved the hiring of the architectural firm Browning, Day, Mullins, Dierdorf Architects of Indianapolis to lead the project. The firm has previously worked on the construction of Worthen Arena, conceptual planning for the football complex, and construction of the football training facility for Ball State. The firm also has extensive experience with other athletic, hospitality and spectator venues.
The university must still obtain final approval for the stadium project from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Committee before construction can begin.
More information about the stadium transformation can be found online at www.bsu.edu/stadium.
