Happy New Year! Hope all of you enjoyed your holiday break. The NAU football staff was hard at work all through December and is now back on the road recruiting the 2011 class. We have a number of recruits in this weekend in Flagstaff.
Artist render of Sky Dome remodel
Here is a recap of news regarding NAU Football:
- Coach Souers was offered a 3-year contract in December. This promises to give the program continuity and stability and put it on track for continued success on the field and in the classroom. As of now, the entire staff will be back for next season.
- The NAU football offices moved out of the Skydome in December as renovations began last month. Currently, the staff is housed on the north side of campus next to South Beaver School in two module units. We will be located there until the end of July when renovations are scheduled to finish. Come by and visit!
- Many have asked what kind of renovations are going on in the Skydome. While an official release of information is expected in February, we can give a cursory report of what is happening. The Skydome is undergoing a fire, life, and safety remodel. Almost nothing had been upgraded since it was built in 1977. All electrical wiring and plumbing will be replaced. All areas of the dome will become handicap accessible. In addition, the athletic department will receive an upgrade in its facilities. New office/suites are being built on the east and west sides of the dome. The football staff will have new offices, some of which will overlook the field (see picture above) as well as meeting space that can be doubled as club level seating for games. The athletic training room will be moved and remodeled in addition to the equipment room. Locker rooms on the east and west sides will be redone as well. All seating in the Sky Dome will have individual seats with backs. The capacity will be reduced to a little over 10,000 because of the renovations. The project is going to be a great improvement for NAU and its student-athletes! Take a look at this video for a more comprehensive look at the plan.
- We just released our 2011 schedule this week. It’s a great schedule that includes six home games, including showdowns with defending national champion Eastern Washington and perennial power Montana. The Jacks open with Arizona in Tucson on Sept. 3 before returning to Flagstaff to face Ft. Lewis in their home opener.
