The Rutgers Board of Governors approved a $102 million expansion plan for Rutgers Stadium.

The improvements will increase the stadium's capacity to nearly 56,000 people and will be funded through private donations and with ticket sale revenue from the new seats. Rutgers students will continue to receive free football tickets, and no public funds will be used to pay for the expansion.

The entire project should be complete by fall 2009.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with 1,000 new seats in the mezzanine area in place for the 2008 season. Another 1,000 seats in the north end zone and 12,000 seats in a new south end zone section will be added later. The expansion will also include a new entrance designed to increase stadium visibility and ease traffic on game days.

The sound system, scoreboard and video screens will be updated; new elevators, concession stands and restrooms will be added and player and spectator support facilities will be improved and added.