Sept. 29, 2010

GREENVILLE, N.C. (ECU News Services) - East Carolina University officials are continuing to evaluate options for the reinstallation of bleacher benches in the east end zone of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Because of the time required for the design, approval and production process for the bleachers, plans now call for beginning the installation immediately after the close of the current season.

Several bleacher benches in the new end zone section of the stadium failed during the opening home game of the season against the University of Tulsa on Sept. 5. The problem was caused when anchors that attached brackets to the concrete risers pulled loose. Six students were injured and treated at the first-aid tent in the stadium.

Bill Bagnell, associate vice chancellor for campus operations, said the North Carolina State Construction Office will review and approve the university's final plans before construction begins to reinstall the bleachers.

The most likely option will include a bracket change that will allow for both vertical and horizontal concrete anchor attachments to assure that failures will not recur, Bagnell said. The installation will also include additional testing of the anchors before installing brackets or seats, he said.

For the remainder of the home games this season, students will be free to sit or stand on the concrete risers as they did at the game against Memphis on Sept. 11, Bagnell said.

The Pirates have four home games remaining this year. The end zone can accommodate about 7,000 fans.