Those who have been waiting for the cranes to pull up to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium are going to have to wait a while. Not to worry, however: Construction will begin after the final home game this season and the expansion will be completed in time for the 2010 opening kickoff.

That’s what Vice President of Athletics Tom Jurich told approximately 1,200 fans today at the annual Cardinal Kickoff Luncheon at the Downtown Marriott Inn. No need to disrupt the stadium during the season when the project doesn’t require it, he explained.

Jurich also said that United Parcel Service (UPS) had just told him less than an hour before the luncheon that it would make a sizable contribution to the expansion project. No figures were mentioned but it apparently wraps up the fundraising effort (not that he won’t still be accepting donations or ticket purchases).

The architect of the modern athletics program also told the crowd that ticket sales for the expanded stadium went much better than expected. Seating capacity will exceed 60,000 after the project is completed.

The cranes will have the all clear after the West virginia game on Nov. 22, and thanks to “global warming,” should be unencumbered by frigid temperatures.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

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