FSU Boosters get inside look at football stadium renovations during beam signing ceremony
As Doak Campbell Stadium remains under construction for its renovation project, Florida State's Seminole Boosters visited on Saturday for a special beam-signing ceremony.
FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford expressed his appreciation for the donors who signed the beam and contributed to the renovation project.
After the signing, the beam was lifted and stacked on top of the other beams on the far right of the constructed stands.
"For them to have an opportunity to come and sign that beam and be a piece of history forever in historic Doak Campbell Stadium really means a lot," Alford said. "They really get a lot out of it, and it's just the fellowship and socialship. Watching this event take place is really something special."
Jeri Damasiewicz was one of the donors who signed the beam. She is a longtime FSU Booster and third-generation Seminoles fan. Her father graduated from FSU.
Damasiewicz is thrilled to join her other Booster friends and to be part of Doak Campbell Stadium's future.
"It's really exciting," Damasiewicz said.
"Even though you may not see those signatures again, being a part of everybody down there, signing it, seeing the people that you have known for years that have been Florida State fans, seeing where they sign it, trying to put your signature next to friends so that for eternity those friends are kind of connected. It's kind of fun and very exciting.
"And then watching it go into place, you know that's your spot."
West side of Doak Campbell Stadium is ahead of schedule
Alford said that he receives daily updates on the stadium and confirmed that the project is ahead of schedule and will be ready for its 2025 season opener against Alabama.
"They are on time and making sure that we are doing everything possible that I can do to make sure that the stadium will be ready in July 2025," Alford said.
Stands have been removed, and temporary bleachers will be installed in August. The project is run by both Manhattan, a national firm, and Culpepper Construction, a local firm.
"A lot of our fanbase has been investing in Doak for many, many years, and to see their excitement toward the renovation and the future of what Doak Campbell Stadium is going to be means a lot because they are invested," Alford said.
FSU has sold out four home games.
The Seminoles will open the season against Georgia Tech for the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug 24 at noon on ESPN. Its first home game will be on Labor Day against Boston College at 7:30 p.m.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU AD Alford says Doak Campbell Stadium renovation ahead of schedule