University engineer Bob Nestle said the MSU Board of Trustees plans to name an architect for the construction of luxury suites, club seats and a club to Spartan Stadium at its Friday meeting.

HNTB would not start the renovations until further studies assessing the feasibility and costs of making the additions are completed. The group has researched the area's needs regarding the additions for two years and the study will be presented to the board at its Thursday and Friday meetings. The trustees will vote on a group to spearhead the renovations Friday.

Nestle said the project would probably take at least two years and the renovations could cost as much as $50 million, however, the university would probably be able to pay the construction costs within 10 years. He said the athletics department would probably create and pay for bonds to fund the project.

"It's to make money," Nestle said. "It wouldn't be done if it didn't pay for itself."

Plans currently call for gutting the press box and creating a new two-story box above the stands on the west side of the stadium, Nestle said. Luxury suites, club seating and the club would be built in the current press area, but all the plans are still being discussed, he added.

When construction does begin, it would occur during the entire year, however, no seats would be affected by construction and laborers would not work on game days. Administrators are already weighing in on the prospect of adding the amenities to the stadium.

"It's a great idea," Trustee Joel Ferguson said. "If people want them and will pay for them, then the university should build them. It's another source of revenue."

Trustee David Porteous said the money raised would be used to fund other department needs, such as renovating the stadium's bathrooms.

"It looks promising, it looks feasible," Porteous said, adding the new amenities will create a better experience for fans. "It seems to make sense when you look at it. At this point it looks pretty darn attractive."

But Porteous said he needs to hear the architect's presentation before he agrees to let them work on the venue and, if the renovations occur, it wouldn't be the first time that the Spartans' home has been adjusted.

In 1999, trustees approved the replacement of expansion joints and concrete, while adding bench seating in the west end of the 76-year-old stadium.

"The next round of improvements are vitally important," Porteous said.

"Because whether they be club seats or boxes, these are the things that help raise revenue."

Adding luxury suites and club seating is nothing new to MSU. Both were added to Munn Ice Arena during the 1999-2000 season - and all of them were leased before completion.

"If the suites and club seats in Munn are any idea as to how these will sell, then we'll be all right," Nestle said.