Fox Cities Stadium expansion continues

GRAND CHUTE - Construction is coming along at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' stadium, but will the upgrades be complete in time for the April 8 home opener?

Construction started at Fox Cities Stadium last September and it's getting close to the deadline.

"Roughly 95 percent complete, just a couple weeks to go, it's a lot of fine-tuning," explained Timber Rattlers president Rob Zerjav during a sneak peek Tuesday.

He told FOX 11 work is on schedule to finish April 1 and he said the cost should come in at about its $6 million budget.

But winter construction has been challenging at times.

"It was a little bit more difficult, because we got some odd rains in the middle of January," explained Nick Mueller, the project manager with the Boldt Company.

Mueller told FOX 11 the stadium provided difficulties too. The 75-95 workers on a daily basis can only access it from one direction.

"It's been a challenge getting everybody in through one major artery," said Mueller.

Zerjav told us some of the highlights for fans are expanded concession areas and restrooms. He said that will cut down wait times.

"Being able to spend more time like you should, with your family, watching the game," he explained.

The team also added a new level with suites and club seating.

"We have those upscale experiences as well," said Zerjav.

One of the most important additions is a banquet hall on the club level, which will enable the Timber Rattlers to do year-round business.

"The west side of Appleton, there's not a whole lot out here, from a banquet standpoint, so we kind of fill that niche," explained Zerjav.

The venue has already booked about a dozen weddings. Zerjav told us the area also has seating during games and will stay open as a sports bar two hours after the games end.

• Photos: Fox Cities Stadium expansion update