Renovations nearing completion as football season approaches

As Liberty football gears up for the 2022 season, its home is going to look a little different.

In the coming weeks, Liberty University plans to finish a series of renovations on Williams Stadium, the official football stadium for the Flames since its opening in 1989. 

The renovations include 23 cabanas, berm seating in the south endzone and chairback seating replacing bleachers on the stadium’s west side.

 Mickey Guridy, the senior associate athletics director, saw the renovations as a chance to enhance the gameday atmosphere for fans. 

“We have an opportunity to host two big-time college football programs in BYU and Virginia Tech along with the rest of the schedule,” Guridy said. “We wanted to capitalize on the crazy schedule we have this year for football.” 

Mike Hagen, associate athletic director and director of the Flames Club, has high hopes for what this new and improved Williams Stadium will look and feel like. 

“Inside and outside with the additions, it’s going to feel more energetic and brighter,” Hagen said. “It’s odd to say we can even do better than we did last year, but I think we will. I think it’s going to be a noticeable increase from what we’ve been able to do in the past.” 

Both Guridy and Hagen emphasized the renovations were made possible with the support of Liberty’s administration. 

“We have a very, supportive administration at Liberty and very supportive faculty staff,” Guridy said. “The whole university has bought into LU athletics. It’s been a good marriage.” 

Liberty students can enjoy the new and improved Williams Stadium when the Flames take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. ET. 

GARRETT is a sports reporter.