Seahawks, Huskies May Hook Up Alternate Sites For Nfl Team Include Revamped UW Stadium

Can an NFL team find happiness in a university stadium?

A proposal to renovate the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium for use by the Seattle Seahawks is a bit like bringing two families together under one roof: It might save money, but it can get awfully crowded.

The idea is one of several being considered to get the Seahawks a better place to play, a requirement if billionaire Paul Allen decides to exercise his option to buy the team.

Other possibilities include renovating the Kingdome, where the Seahawks have a 10-year lease; tearing down the 20-year-old Kingdome and building a new stadium in its place; and building a new stadium in Kent.

Currently, only one NFL franchise plays at a university stadium: Arizona State leases its Sun Devil Stadium to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals have been model tenants, and the area would not have gotten an NFL team if the university had not made Sun Devil Stadium available.

“It’s like buying a house and taking a roommate in to help you pay the mortgage,” said Tom Sadler, director of stadium management for ASU.

Would it work for the Seahawks and Huskies?

As proposed, the 86-year-old stadium’s red brick and stone facade would be restored. There would be new locker rooms, 100 luxury suites and 10,000 premium seats that could be sold on a long-term basis, an upgraded press box, more office space, a retail outlet for Husky merchandise and large replay screens at both ends of the stadium.

Any proposal to use the stadium would have to be approved by the university’s Faculty Senate, student leadership groups and regents, said Weldon Ihrig, a UW vice president.

It would also need the approval of the Seattle City Council.

“There are a lot of benefits that can accrue to the Huskies and the university, there are benefits that can accrue to the Seahawks. You get into a chance for a real win-win relationship,” said Bert Kolde, vice chairman for Allen’s Football Northwest.