ALLENDALE, Mich. (WZZM)- The relatively mild winter in West Michigan has been welcome for a massive construction project on the Grand Valley State University campus. Lubbers Stadium is undergoing a large-scale dirt removal project to lower the field by eight feet and add new seats near the field.

"Things are on schedule so far," says GVSU athletic director Tim Selgo. "We've actually had a pretty good winter for construction such as this. It was actually too warm for a couple of days. They had to shut down because the clay and mud got too soupy for the equipment. But by and large it's been good weather for us and things are going according to plan."

When the project is finished, about 10,000 cubic yards of dirt will have been removed. Some 2,200 new seats will be in place and a new artificial field will be installed. And the stadium track is now gone. A new track venue is being added on the south end of campus.

Selgo says the additions and changes will make home football games better for fans. "They'll have the opportunity to get closer to the action and I think by lowering the field it will enhance their viewpoints for all the fans throughout the stadium."

The construction means GVSU's annual spring game will be held off campus this year. It will be moved to Houseman Field in Grand Rapids April 14th at 6pm.

By Tom Clyde