Washington State University Athletics is set to present a proposal for several million dollars in privately funded upgrades to Gesa Field, which will be discussed in an upcoming board meeting of the WSU Regents. According to materials for the regents, Cougar Athletics is seeking $12 million for enhancements to the field located within Martin Stadium. The initial phase of this project is estimated to cost $7 million and aims to install a new videoboard, sound system, and LED field lights that will be compatible with one another. Current infrastructure for the videoboard and stadium lights is reportedly nearing the end of its operational lifespan.

In the past four months, Cougar Athletics has secured $1.3 million in donations, with an additional $4.2 million pledged for the proposed upgrades. However, if the remaining $2.5 million is not raised by December 15, the project will not proceed. The timeline anticipates that the new videoboard, speakers, and lights will be operational by the start of the 2026 Cougar football season. The proposal also includes a request for regents permission to sell up to $5 million in bonds, which would provide temporary financing for construction costs until the pledged funds are received, projected over the next five years.

Additionally, plans for a potential second phase of upgrades at Gesa Field involve installing new turf and enhancing fan experiences, with costs not expected to exceed $5 million. Phase 2 will only be initiated once sufficient funds are raised for its completion. The WSU Regents will review these proposed upgrades in their meeting in Seattle next week.