Jackson Free Press

Jackson State University will soon officially unveil plans for a new stadium. The university recently made a presentation to policymakers about a new multi-purpose athletic facility.

State Sen. Kenneth Wayne Jones, D-Canton, attended the meeting and told the Jackson Free Press that preliminary plans include a 50,000-seat state-of-the-art domed stadium that can accommodate football and basketball games as well as serve as a concert venue.

Jones said that he would work to secure JSU's request for $75 million from the state to help pay for the $200 million stadium, which would sit on one of four sites JSU is considering.

"I think the presentation was excellent. I commend them on their forward thinking," Jones said.

Eric Stringfellow, JSU's communications director, declined to comment about the stadium proposal when contacted this morning, but said the university plans to hold a news conference Feb. 27 to make a major announcement.

In 2011, the Legislature transferred control of 60,000-seat Veteran's Memorial Stadium to Jackson State on the condition that ownership would transfer the land to University of Mississippi Medical Center when JSU builds a new stadium.

JSU's isn't the capital city's only stadium idea in the works, however. In late January, the city of Jackson released the results of a $109,000 feasibility study for a new downtown arena. The proposed arena could hold between 9,000 and 12,000 people, depending on the event, with the possibility of future expansion for up to 15,000. The arena could also serve as a venue for multiple entertainment events, including sporting events, concerts, ice shows and others.

The big question mark is whether Jackson needs, or can support, two brand new sports arenas.

Jackson City Council President and Ward 6 Councilman Tony Yarber also saw JSU's presentation and said the city is ready to help the university however it can. So far, JSU has not requested assistance.

Yarber was dubious whether Jackson needs dual arenas, and the findings of the city-commissioned study could help justify the need—and economic benefits—of a Jackson State arena. He said a new stadium would enhance JSU's west Jackson campus and add jobs to the area.

"I think it becomes a win-win," Yarber said of the Jackson State proposal. "It helps us become a destination."