Wallace Wade press box demolished as renovation continues

DURHAM, N.C. -

Demolition began Monday on the Finch-Yeager Building at Wallace Wade Stadium as construction continued on the $100 million renovation project.

Construction crews began ripping down the building, which had served as the press box for Duke University football games and housed the offices of Duke Sports Medicine. It is expected to be rebuilt over a roughly 18-month period to include luxury suites and club seating.

As part of Wallace Wade's facelift, the track will be removed, the playing field will be lowered and the stands will be extended closer to the field. The open end of the stadium's horseshoe will also be bowled in to bring capacity to just under 44,000.

The project broke ground in November 2014 after Duke's 41-21 win at home over Wake Forest. The university said construction is expected to be completed by the start of the 2016 football season.

Mike Cragg, the university's deputy athletic director, explained the improvements to Wallace Wade are the start of a larger revamp of the school's athletics facilities.

"It's part of a visionary strategic plan for whole athletics department, including basketball, football and Olympic sports," Cragg said. "The upgrade of the football stadium is right at the front of it. We're really excited."

Planned improvements at Cameron Indoor Stadium over the next couple of years include a new lobby, renovated locker rooms and facilities for players and coaches, plus a plaza to connect it with the football stadium and the Yoh Center, which houses the football offices.

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Wallace Wade press box demolished as renovation continues