Georgia Tech has finalized plans for a $70 million renovation of Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field, with construction set to begin immediately after the 2026 football season and conclude before the 2027 one begins.
The project marks the first major overhaul of the 113-year-old stadium since 2003 and is a key component of Georgia Tech athletics’ Full Steam Ahead initiative, launched in 2024 to modernize facilities and enhance the fan experience.
According to a press release, the renovation will include the installation of 12,500 chairback seats, a new videoboard, an upgraded sound system, wider aisles, and additional handrails in designated seating sections.
Premium areas also will undergo significant improvements, including remodeled suites, a new Founders Club on the west side of the stadium, and upgrades to East Club seating and indoor spaces, highlighted by a new VIP Members Club.
Initial plans called for chairback seating throughout the stadium, but engineering studies found that modern flip-up chairback systems could not be installed because of the stadium’s narrow row depths.
University officials said the alternatives, including removing every other row of seating or rebuilding major portions of the stadium, would have dramatically reduced capacity and significantly increased project costs.
Instead, Georgia Tech selected fixed, bleacher-mounted mesh chairback seats after testing several options. Fans were invited to try the seats during the football program’s spring game in April, and the feedback helped inform the final decision.
Georgia Tech said the stadium will hold approximately 50,000 spectators after construction, compared with an earlier estimate of about 42,000. The current configuration seats more than 55,000.
“We remain committed to delivering a renovation that positively impacts all fans, preserves capacity at a level to meet demand and maintains the tradition of our historic home,” athletic director Ryan Alpert said in a statement.
Because of the seating changes, Georgia Tech plans a full reseating process before the 2027 season. Additional gameday improvements scheduled for 2026 are expected to be announced later this summer.
