Rice University has built its reputation on investments in research and academics rather than athletics and aesthetics, but the $120 million Gateway Project, announced Thursday, has almost everyone on campus excited about change.
The initiative, slated for completion in 2028, will connect the west side of campus with Rice Village, creating opportunities for retail, restaurants, multifamily housing and a grocery store. The greenspace-lined corridor offers a straight shot from the high-end neighborhood to the 75-year-old iconic Rice Stadium, home to John F. Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the moon” speech in 1962 and Super Bowl VIII in 1974.
Upgrades to the athletic complex include a three-level concourse with premium club seating, a shade canopy extending over portions of the lower bowl, a patio for alumni gatherings, an east-side upper deck, expanded amenities, and a new covered practice pavilion.
“Athletics can and should be integrated with every aspect of campus life, and this project is a powerful expression of that goal,” said Leo Costello, speaker of the Rice University faculty senate.
Campus leaders and dignitaries held a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday, even though construction is already underway. The initiative is designed to strengthen ties between Rice and the surrounding community through thoughtful design, accessibility and shared spaces, officials said.
University president Reginald DesRoches called the project a transformative initiative that would create a seamless pedestrian-friendly corridor linking the Rice campus to the heart of Rice Village and reimagine the historic athletic stadium.
“We are honoring the university’s legacy while paving a way for future growth in connectivity and impact,” he said.
Rice has grown from 59 students in 1912 to more than 9,000 today, DesRoches said, noting that it’s about time for an update.
“Rice Village and Rice Stadium have long been beloved destinations,” he said. “By connecting our campus directly to the Village, we are strengthening our ties to Houston while enriching the student experience, advancing our growth and reinforcing Rice’s commitment to innovation and community.”
“And as we reimagine, upgrade and renovate Rice Stadium to match today’s Division 1 football program and fan experience, we are providing an environment and infrastructure to allow our students to thrive and shine while creating an experience for our fans and visitors that is second to none.”
Now, about that stadium. Andrew Awe, a senior linebacker for the Rice Owls, said the project would transform the athletic department and provide students with an “incredible space to highlight the university and the city.” Awe won’t get to play in the new stadium, slated to open ahead of the fall 2028 football season, but bet he’ll be back for alumni events.
Athletic Director Tommy McClelland showed a three-dimensional rendered video depicting the walk from Rice Village to the new stadium, which was met with excitement from the crowd at Thursday’s event. People who arrived at the gathering saying, “You’re still going to have to drive to Rice Village,” changed their tune as the pep rally for the Gateway Project went on.
“This is going to be awesome,” guests said as they exited.
McClelland agreed.
“It’s a great day to be an Owl,” he said. “Today is a defining moment for Rice University and Rice athletics, a day that marks a new era for our students, athletes, fans, alums and our entire community. When you watched that video a few moments ago, you saw more than renderings and a plan. You saw a glimpse of the future.”
“For the first time, you can envision a Rice Stadium that reflects the innovation and the excellence that defines Rice University,” he added. “Rice is serious and intentional about athletics. We are investing in a future where our programs can and will compete at the highest levels.”
McClelland also noted that the new stadium will honor the past but look boldly to the future.
“This is not just a renovation. This is a statement of who we are and where we are going,” he said. “In the spirit of John F. Kennedy, today at Rice University, we choose to move forward. We choose to invest. We choose to compete, and most importantly, we choose to win.”
Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, called the Gateway Project “a deliberate effort to remove the boundary” between Rice Village and the university. Amherst Avenue will be extended two blocks east from Morningside through Chaucer to a new campus entrance near Greenbriar.
Demolition is planned for the Greenbriar building, now used for storage, and portions of the athletic stadium, but officials said there would be minimal traffic interruption while construction is underway.
Emily Oppold, a doctoral student from North Carolina studying statistics, said she was excited about the project.
“Graduate student life at Rice University is profoundly demanding and stimulating, but what makes our experience so exciting is the community, activities and beauty of life on campus,” she said.
The post “It’s a Great Day to Be an Owl” appeared first on Houston Press.
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