Wake Forest to begin Deacon Tower construction in January

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest will begin the third phase of its renovation of Groves Stadium in January, school officials said Thursday.<br> <br> The centerpiece of the project is Deacon Tower, a seven-story, 123,000-square-foot building with premium seating and an improved press box. Also planned are new concession stands and a signature entrance to the stadium.<br> <br> ``This project is critical to the future of our football program,&#39;&#39; athletic director Ron Wellman said. ``Jim Grobe and his staff have done an excellent job of building our program with the current stadium that was built in 1968. The renovated stadium will give us tremendous opportunities in the future. It will not only be one of the most attractive stadiums anywhere, but also give our fans the amenities that they want and deserve.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 24. The renovations are expected to be finished for the 2008 season.<br> <br> The previous phases included cosmetic and structural improvements to the stadium and the installation of an artificial playing surface earlier this year.<br> <br> The improved facilities will follow the best season in school history. Wake Forest finished the regular season 11-2, is ranked No. 15 and will play No. 5 Louisville in the Orange Bowl the school&#39;s first January bowl game. School officials said they have sold their allotted 17,500 tickets for the bowl game.