About

Identified as the “mixed-use athletics facility” project in the Master Plan 2025 (page 96), or sometimes referred to as the End Zone Project, this initiative has transformed the north end zone of Kidd Brewer Stadium into a facility providing more than 80,000 square feet of space designed to accommodate various athletics, academic and community uses.

The total budget for the end zone project was $50 million, after an additional $5 million was approved by the Board of Trustees Nov. 5, 2019.

This project is part of the Recreational Village (page 93) described in the Master Plan 2025.

Pictured at the Sept. 18, 2021, dedication ceremony for the north end zone facility's Jerry Moore Plaza are, from left to right: Margaret Moore, App State Chancellor Sheri Everts, App State Director of Athletics Doug Gillin and former head App State football coach Jerry Moore. Located in the plaza, the bronze statue of Jerry Moore, crafted by local artist Suzie Hallier, is shown at left. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction progresses on the north end zone facility’s plaza, as shown in this July 28 photo. The plaza, which will feature a bronze statue, honors former head football coach Jerry Moore. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction continues on the north end zone facility’s plaza, as shown in this Aug. 25 photo. The plaza, which will feature a bronze statue, honors former head football coach Jerry Moore. Athletics plans to unveil the plaza at the first home football game Sept. 18. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Progress on the north end zone facility’s plaza as of June 3. Visible at left are Raven Rocks Hall, foreground, and Thunder Hill Hall — both of which opened to students in August 2020. Photo by Marie Freeman

The north end zone facility’s plaza under construction May 19, with Raven Rocks Hall — one of two new residence halls that opened in 2020 — in the background. Photo by Marie Freeman

Brick installation and other construction underway May 13 of the north end zone facility’s plaza that will honor football coach Jerry Moore. Photo by Chase Reynolds

A view of the new end zone facility March 4, from the field of Kidd Brewer Stadium. Athletics staff began moving into the building in early May. Photo by Marie Freeman

A view of the new end zone facility March 4, from the sidelines of Kidd Brewer Stadium. Athletics staff is expected to move into the building later this semester. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Marie Freeman

An aerial view of the end zone facility Feb. 17. Athletics staff is expected to move into the building later this semester. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Marie Freeman

An aerial view of Kidd Brewer Stadium Feb. 17, with the new end zone facility at left. Athletics staff is expected to move into the building later this semester. Photo by Marie Freeman

The end zone facility entrance Jan. 21. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Kidd Brewer Stadium’s end zone, pictured Jan. 21, is prepped and ready for the placement of additional AstroTurf. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone facility entrance Jan. 14. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The fourth-floor balcony Jan. 14. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Sunlight dots Kidd Brewer Stadium and the end zone facility in this image taken Jan. 7. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Marie Freeman

The main entrance of the end zone facility Dec. 9. The building’s exterior, first-floor lobby, fourth floor, plaza and landscaping are complete except for minor punch list items. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The fourth-floor balcony seating Dec. 9. The new end zone facility’s exterior, first-floor lobby, fourth floor, plaza and landscaping are complete except for minor punch list items. Photo by Chase Reynolds

On a snowy Dec. 1, App State’s block “A” marks the pathway toward the new end zone facility. The building features a first-floor weight room with large-pane windows, pictured, and roll-up garage doors to allow fresh air for indoor/outdoor workouts. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The building’s front entrance Dec. 1. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The building’s balcony seating Dec. 1. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The building exterior as of Nov. 25. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone facility’s fourth-floor balcony with App State seats Nov. 25. The building’s fourth floor and main lobby are complete, except minor punch list items. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Chancellor Sheri Everts, center, prepares to cut the ribbon on App State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium north end zone facility Nov. 13. Photo by Chase Reynolds Read the news story

The main entrance of the end zone facility Nov. 17. The building’s main lobby and fourth floor officially opened Nov. 13 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone facility features a first-floor weight room, pictured, with large-pane windows and roll-up garage doors to allow fresh air for indoor/outdoor workouts. A second garage door, not seen from this angle, faces Kidd Brewer Stadium at left. This image was taken Nov. 17. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The view of Kidd Brewer Stadium from the new north end zone facility. Photo by Marie Freeman

The Grandview Ballroom, located on the fourth floor of the Kidd Brewer Stadium north end zone facility, can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and be used for such events as academic conferences, receptions and/or banquets. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Kidd Brewer Stadium and Howard’s Knob. Photo by Marie Freeman

The front of the end zone facility Nov. 11. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The fourth-floor balcony of the end zone facility Nov. 11, with its more than 1,000 seats. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The new west gate entrance as of Nov. 11, with the new residence halls visible at left. On non-game days, the gate area will serve as a parking lot. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone facility as seen from the east-side stands Nov. 11. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The front of the end zone facility Nov. 5, as workers add concrete with the help of a concrete pumping truck. Photo by Chase Reynolds

An aerial photo of the end zone facility Nov. 5. Photo by Marie Freeman

The end zone facility Nov. 5, as seen from the east-side stands of Kidd Brewer Stadium. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The front of the end zone facility as of Oct. 21. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Kidd Brewer Stadium, including the new end zone facility as of Oct. 21. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone balcony with fan seats as of Oct. 21. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The new west gate entrance under construction as of Oct. 21, with Raven Rocks Hall seen across the street. On non-game days, the gate area will serve as a parking lot. The roofs of the ticket booths are seen at far right. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The front of the end zone facility as of Oct. 14. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction Oct. 14 on the facility entrance’s stone façade. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Kidd Brewer Stadium, including the new end zone facility as of Oct. 14. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone balcony with fan seats as of Oct. 14. Photo by Chase Reynolds

In foreground, the new west gate entrance under construction as of Oct. 7. Made from a combination of brick and concrete, the space will serve as a parking lot on non-game days. The two small structures, pictured lower right, will be ticket booths. Raven Rocks Hall is seen across the street. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Fan seats being installed Oct. 1 on the balcony of the end zone facility. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The new west gate entrance under construction as of Oct. 1. Made from a combination of brick and concrete, the space will serve as a parking lot on non-game days. The two small structures, pictured lower right, will be ticket booths. Raven Rocks Hall is seen across the street. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The front of the end zone facility as of Oct. 1. Photo by Chase Reynolds

In this Sept. 23 photo of the end zone facility’s balcony, the concrete steps are complete and workers begin to unpack cardboard boxes containing the fan seats. Photo by Chase Reynolds

A Sept. 16 view of Kidd Brewer Stadium and the new north end zone facility from Miller Hill. Photo by Marie Freeman

In this Sept. 16 image, the orange arm of a concrete pumping truck places concrete in the wooden step forms on the end zone facility’s balcony overlooking the field. Scaffolding remains in place as exterior brickwork continues. Photo by Marie Freeman

The front of the north end zone facility as of Sept. 17. Photo by Marie Freeman

The north end zone facility Sept. 9 as seen from Ravens Rock Hall, the new residence hall that opened in August. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Progress on the field side of the north end zone facility Sept. 9. Photo by Chase Reynolds

An aerial view of the end zone facility and Kidd Brewer Stadium’s new turf as of Sept. 3. Photo by Marie Freeman

An aerial view of Kidd Brewer Stadium’s new turf as of Sept. 3. Football’s first scheduled home game is Sept. 12 against Charlotte but with no fans present. Photo by Marie Freeman

A full view of Kidd Brewer Stadium as of Sept. 3, including the new end zone facility. The two new residence halls, Raven Rocks and Thunder Hill, are visible behind the end zone facility. Photo by Marie Freeman

The end zone facility as of Aug. 20. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The end zone facility as seen from Jack Branch Drive Aug. 20. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction of the new north end zone facility as of Aug. 13, as seen from Jack Branch Drive. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction of the new north end zone facility as of Aug. 13. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Kidd Brewer Stadium as of Aug. 5, with a new turf and continuing work on the north end zone facility. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction of the new end zone facility Aug. 5, as seen from Jack Branch Drive. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction of the new end zone facility Aug. 5, as seen from the east side of the stadium. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Progress on the north end zone facility as of July 22, with Kidd Brewer Stadium and its new turf in the background. Photo by Marie Freeman

Kidd Brewer Stadium, as of July 15, with continued progress on the turf replacement. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Progress on the north end zone facility as of July 15, as seen from the east-side stands of the stadium. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The north end zone facility as of July 15, as seen from Jack Branch Drive. Photo by Chase Reynolds

A close-up image of the end zone facility entrance on Jack Branch Drive, as of July 15. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Kidd Brewer Stadium, as of July 6, with continued progress on the turf replacement and the north end zone facility. Photo by Marie Freeman

Jack Branch Drive with the end zone facility at right and the new Raven Rocks Hall at left, as of July 6. Photo by Marie Freeman

The end zone facility’s entrance at Jack Branch Drive, as of July 6. Photo by Marie Freeman

Turf replacement, as of July 6. Photo by Marie Freeman

Progress on the end zone facility, as of July 6, with the new Raven Rocks Hall in the background. Photo by Marie Freeman

Work on the windows and brick facing of the end zone facility, as of June 25. Photo by Marie Freeman

Removal of the existing turf and track, as of June 25. Photo by Marie Freeman

A close-up of the removal of the existing turf and track, as of June 25. Photo by Marie Freeman

A rendering of the new football stadium turf. Courtesy of CHA Consulting Inc.

Progress on the new end zone facility, as of June 11. Visible in the background is Raven Rocks Hall (Building 200). Photo by Marie Freeman

The existing turf in Kidd Brewer Stadium amid removal, as of June 11. A new synthetic turf that is 20 percent larger than the old turf is needed to cover the track, which was removed to accommodate the new end zone facility. Photo by Marie Freeman

The new end zone facility being encased in colorful exterior siding, over which brick will be laid, as of May 13. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The encasing of exterior siding, over which brick will be laid, nears completion on the new end zone facility as of May 13. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The north end zone facility of Kidd Brewer Stadium, as seen May 6 from the east-side stands. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The north end zone facility of Kidd Brewer Stadium, as of May 6. Pictured center is one of the building’s stairwells. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The north end zone facility of Kidd Brewer Stadium, as of April 28. Photo by Marie Freeman

The north end zone facility of Kidd Brewer Stadium as seen from Stadium Heights Drive, as of April 28. Photo by Marie Freeman

Kidd Brewer Stadium with construction of the north end zone facility, as of April 22. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Construction on the north end zone facility, as of April 15. The front space currently encased in purple siding, over which brick will be laid, is the main training weight room. The openings are for large windows and a roll-up door. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Progress on the end zone facility, as of March 31. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Marie Freeman

Construction of the end zone facility, as of March 17. Photo by Marie Freeman

Construction of the end zone facility, as of Feb. 26. Photo by Marie Freeman

The end zone facility, as seen Feb. 26 from the intersection of Jack Branch Drive and Stadium Heights Drive. Photo by Marie Freeman

The end zone facility, as seen Feb. 26 from Jack Branch Drive. Photo by Marie Freeman

The view down Jack Branch Drive Feb. 26, with the end zone facility at left and the new residence halls on the right. Photo by Marie Freeman

❮ ❯

 

Architectural renderings of the north end zone facility at Appalachian's Kidd Brewer Stadium. Images courtesy of CJMW Architecture.

Interior renderings of the north end zone facility at Appalachian's Kidd Brewer Stadium. Images courtesy of CJMW Architecture.

Status

D.H. Griffin Companies was selected for the demolition of Owens Field House, which began March 25, 2019, and took two days. Prior to demolition, App State’s Facilities Operations salvaged $300,000 worth of materials for reuse in other campus buildings, and Athletics reused most of the furniture. From the debris, all metals were recycled and most of the masonry was used as fill material on another construction site. These actions accrued points toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification of the new, mixed-use athletics facility.

On Nov. 5, 2019, App State’s Board of Trustees approved an additional $5 million in spending due to a tight construction market, as well as expenditures up to $2.5 million to replace Kidd Brewer Stadium’s synthetic turf to fit the layout of the new end zone.

Construction on the building began in September 2019. The new synthetic turf was installed during summer 2020 and is 20% larger than the old turf because of the track’s removal to accommodate the new end zone facility. The track will be relocated to the App 105 property. The project also included changes in the grading and drainage, as well as new emergency vehicle access points and stormwater modifications. The turf designer was CHA Consulting Inc. and the vendor/installer was Astro Turf. Cost: approximately $1.5 million.

The end zone facility is 88,233 square feet and LEED Silver certified. Notable design elements include a glass elevator tower, a top-of-the-line catering kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows in the Grandview Ballroom that feature views of both Howard’s Knob and Kidd Brewer Stadium.

The building opened in phases:

• First phase: A conditional opening of the fourth-floor Grandview Ballroom, the balcony seats and the first-floor lobby took place with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 13, 2020, followed by the Nov. 14, 2020, football game against Georgia State.
• Second phase: The first and second floors were completed during spring 2021. The first floor includes a locker room, strength and conditioning area, team store, hydrotherapy pools, treatment/exam room, a team lounge, Hall of Fame collection, barbershop and catering kitchen. The second floor houses athletics offices, a recruitment room, a classroom and conference rooms. Athletics staff moved into the building in May 2021.
• Third phase: The third floor, which opened in early November 2021, houses medical office space — including a reception area, exam rooms and a gym area — for BreakThrough Physical Therapy and Appalachian Regional Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine (AppOrtho).

On Sept. 18, 2021, hours before the Mountaineers’ first home football game of the 2021 season, App State held a dedication ceremony for the Jerry Moore Plaza located outside the north end zone facility entrance. The plaza commemorates Jerry Moore, who served as head football coach at App State from 1989 to 2012, and includes a bronze statue in Moore’s likeness, which was crafted by local artist Suzie Hallier and unveiled during the ceremony. Construction of the plaza began in April 2021 and was funded by donations.

How is it funded?

The project was funded through donations to Appalachian Athletics’ “A Mountaineer Impact: A Drive for Excellence” fundraising initiative, club seat revenue, Campus Services revenue and debt through Millennial Campus designation, which will be repaid using tenant lease revenue.

Who will benefit?

In addition to providing an enhanced experience for student-athletes and fans, this facility is available for use by the entire campus community. It accommodates various athletics and academic uses, including activities of the athletic training and nutrition science programs. The wider community can also rent the Grandview Ballroom venue for weddings, receptions and other events.

How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?

An enhanced experience for student-athletes and fans can go a long way in recruiting new students. It also can cultivate donors, which in turn supports scholarships for students needing financial assistance to attend college.