Scott Dolson says ‘we need to have a vision for Memorial Stadium’ in midst of historic season for Indiana football

Indiana football is in the midst of a historic season and it has been a major building block for the program, both on and off the field.

Curt Cignetti said he was going to win and win now, when he took over the IU program in December. He’s done just that, leading the Hoosiers to its first-ever 10-win season and an unbeaten record at 10-0. IU’s play has put them in the middle of the National Championship conversation as Indiana moved up to No. 5 overall in the College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Indiana sent out initial information on what tickets would look like for a potential home game in the first round of the playoffs.

Thats where Indiana is at the moment. But, the expectation is that this type of season becomes the norm in Bloomington. If so, Athletic Director Scott Dolson knows exactly what needs to change in order to keep up with the rapid growth of the football program.

“We need to have a vision for Memorial Stadium,” Dolson said on the Hoosiers Connect Podcast.“If you said what’s our biggest need right now, particularly as we’re selling out … the infrastructure at Memorial Stadium isn’t where it needs to be to provide the modern fan experience that we want. We’re looking at that. We had a survey last year. That’s the next big facility need.”

Last year’s survey was the first step. And, over recent years there has been additions to Memorial Stadium that were needed.

But there needs to be more — especially as Dolson said — to keep up with the continued sellout crowds.

In less than three weeks, it’ll be the one-year anniversary of Curt Cignetti’s introductory press conference at Indiana. He’s been open about the financial backing and support that he’s received from the administration since day one.

So what could be on the radar for Memorial Stadium?

“People are wanting to see more modern, premium seating options. That was a big thing,” Dolson said. “As you go around to modern stadiums, you look right up the road to Lucas Oil Stadium, that modernizing the premium seating fan experience — that’s a big, big thing people want, bigger club areas, etc. Certainly the modernized restrooms, concession stands … the overall fan experience.”

Dolson knew — at least certainly hoped — this type of success would happen.

He just didn’t know it would take place less than 12 months into year one with Cignetti on the sidelines.

“I just can’t believe it’s happening this quickly,” Dolson added. “It’s everything we hoped for.”

SEE ALSO: ‘They’ve dominated everyone they’ve played’ — Indiana football continues to impress College Football Playoff committee heading into final stretch

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