A study commissioned by the state in preparation for new management of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium concludes building another stadium is the best option.
The 67-year-old stadium needs $42 million in immediate repairs “to remain operational and provide a safe environment” and $108 million for a major renovation, according to the study. The study does not say where the money to pay for renovations would come from and points out that a $30 million renovation that began in 2000 hasn’t been completed because of a lack of funds.
With a major renovation, the current stadium would be useful for 15-20 years, while a new stadium could be useful for more than 40 years, the study said. Comparatively, the price tag for a new, 25,000- to 30,000-seat stadium could cost about $73 million to $156 million, depending on the number of seats and other factors.