Panel approves Coastal Carolina football stadium expansion

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) – A state panel has approved expansion of Coastal Carolina’s football stadium over the objection of Gov. Nikki Haley.

Media outlets reported the South Carolina Fiscal Accountability Authority approved the $32 million upgrade Tuesday.

The approval also came over the objection of a higher education panel that said the project is too expensive.

Coastal plans to add more than 11,000 seats to the stadium that currently has slightly more than 9,000 seats. The project includes additional restrooms, a hospitality suite and concession space.

The move comes as Coastal moves into the Sun Belt Conference, a larger conference than the Big South where Coastal has played for years.

Haley and state Treasurer Curtis Loftis opposed the project, pointing out the Commission on Higher Education four times rejected proposals to expand the stadium.

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