West Point fans get first look at $170M transformation of Michie Stadium
The two-year project adds 8,000 new seats, luxury suites, upgraded food and fan spaces ahead of Army’s season opener Saturday.
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After two years of construction, Army fans are about to experience a much different Michie Stadium.
West Point gave News 12 a behind-the-scenes look Tuesday at the newly rebuilt East Stands and other additions that are part of the $170 million, privately funded Michie Stadium Preservation Project.
The overhaul includes 8,000 new seats in the East Stands, ranging from seating for the Corps of Cadets to new premium club areas.
“When Michie was built 100 years ago, [it] didn’t have a lot of premium seating options,” said Phil Buttafuoco, deputy athletic director for business development and fan experience.
That has changed dramatically.
The top level now includes 18 luxury suites with 16 seats each. Army West Point Director of Athletics Tom Theodorakis said all 18 suites are already sold out for the season.
The changes extend well beyond the seats.
A new Army West Point Athletics Hall of Fame is now much more accessible to fans and visitors. The collection was previously housed on the third floor of the Kimsey Athletic Center, where Theodorakis said relatively few people had the opportunity to see it.
Fans will also find new lounges and club spaces, an expanded gift shop, upgraded concessions and food offered in suites and premium seating.
The newly built kitchen represents a major change in how food can be prepared and served during games. Previously, Buttafuoco said, much of the food arrived at the stadium already cooked and was delivered in hot boxes.
“The quality of the food service will just be escalated as we enter this season,” Buttafuoco said.
The project also changes one of the most recognizable parts of an Army football game: where the Corps of Cadets sits.
Cadets were previously concentrated more toward a corner of the stadium. Their new seating stretches from end zone to end zone along the lower section of the rebuilt East Stands.
“What makes us special is the cadets that are at every single game,” Theodorakis said. “They’ll be on display and cheering loudly, which will be exciting for people to watch.”
The project also includes new locker rooms, improved accessibility and infrastructure, and spaces that could allow Michie Stadium to host more events outside of football.
For Army fans, Saturday will mark the payoff after two seasons of attending games alongside an active construction site.
Army opens its 2026 home schedule against Bryant at noon Saturday, when fans will get their first chance to experience the completed East Stands.
