Future projects include repairing eroded concrete; resurfacing concourse walkways and stadium ramps; replacing and repairing stadium stairs; repainting stands (including rust abatement); installing new stadium field lighting; refurbishing a visiting locker room; creating a visiting-team press area; and constructing west-stadium hosting facilities.

The athletic department and the Special Events office are responsible for ongoing stadium maintenance. Both Edwards Stadium and the Marriott Center are run by Special Events, which is not an athletic department entity. "We rent those facilities when we play and practice there," Holmoe said.

Edwards Stadium — known then as Cougar Stadium — was built at a price tag of $1.5 million. It opened in 1964 with 26,812 seats and was expanded in 1982 to 65,000 seats.

"Some people think the stadium was built in 1982," Holmoe said. "It's pretty old."

Holmoe understands that price hikes aren't popular.

"We need to meet our goals for what we need to do ... and try to keep a good relationship and communication with our season-ticket holders," he said. "We know some people are going to go, 'Oh, no, here we go.' But we have to do what we have to do ... We realize some people may not like it, but we want to be able to convey to them this is why we're doing it."

Season-ticket renewals will be sent out in mid-March, with season tickets going on sale on April 2. BYU opens the 2007 campaign on Sept. 1 at home against Arizona. Other teams that will visit Edwards Stadium in 2007 are Eastern Washington, TCU, Air Force, Colorado State and Utah.

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Price hike

BYU football season-ticket prices are increasing for 2007. Below is a rundown on how much season-ticket holders paid last year and what they'll pay this year:

                                                                                                                    Seat Location          06      07     Diff.
                                                                                                                    Prices  Prices
                                                                                                                    End zone              $90     96        6
                                                                                                                    Staff sideline       $100    120       20
                                                                                                                    Sideline bleacher    $160    180       20
                                                                                                                    West Chair           $275    330       55
                                                                                                                    East Club            $500    550       50
                                                                                                                    East Legacy        $1,000  1,100      100
                                                                                                                    Loge (Donor)         $390    500      110

                                                                                                                    

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com