Sports
Renovations at Army’s Michie Stadium to begin April 15
Stars and Stripes
April 9, 2024
An artist rendering of the renovation at Army’s Michie Stadium. (Army West Point Athletics)
An upgrade to Army’s historic Michie Stadium, with the goal of improving the experience for fans and the Corps of Cadets, is set to begin Monday.
The groundbreaking will be the beginning of an extensive construction project aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the current East stands, according to a news release from Army’s athletics department. The renovated is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
Army Director of Athletics Mike Buddie emphasized that the renovation, combined with recent enhancements, will distinguish Michie Stadium as a premier venue for sports and special events.
The existing East Stands will be removed, and a new 160,000-square-foot structure will be built in its place. The new premium spaces will include suites, ledge seats, loge boxes and club seats. The seating section for the Corps of Cadets will stretch end zone to end zone, keeping the cadets front and center for football games.
During the renovation, seating capacity will be 30,000, down from the standard 38,000 for football games. Once reopened, the capacity is expected to be 36,000.
(Army West Point Athletics)
Michie Stadium, the home of Army football, opened in 1924. (Army West Point Athletics)
Additionally, according the release, the renovation will:
Capitalize on panoramic views of Lusk Reservoir, Cadet Chapel, Fort Putnam and the scenic Hudson Valley.
Upgrade building systems and operations, including broadcasting, ticketing, lighting, winterization and circulation of fans throughout stadium.
The Athletics Hall of Fame will be relocated to the first level and be accessible to all.
In addition to football, Michie Stadium will continue to host men’s and women’s lacrosse, graduation and other special events during the upgrade.
Fans can expect some adjustments during the renovation, Buddie acknowledged.
The closing of the East Stands also means that the fan amenities in the area, including walkways, concessions and bathrooms, also will be closed. And Mills Road, which runs along the east side of the stadium, will be closed for all vehicular and foot traffic during construction. It will reopen as a pedestrian-only plaza at the conclusion of the project.
This will be the 100th year for Michie Stadium, which opened in 1924. The stadium is named for Dennis Michie, considered the father of Army football. He served as team captain and head coach of the Black Knights’ first football team in 1890.
Army opens the 2024 season on Aug. 30 against Lehigh.
