Salukis schedule grand opening of new stadium

CARBONDALE -- Southern Illinois University's new football stadium in Carbondale will make its public debut later this month.

The school has announced an Aug. 24 reception and grand opening for the 15,000-seat Saluki Stadium.

Associate Athletic Director Chet Savage says fans until now have only been able to see the stadium take shape from the outside during construction that began in March 2009. Now, he says, they'll get their chance to peek inside.

The stadium's name is just a placeholder until actual naming rights are sold.

The site replaces McAndrew Stadium, which was the team's home the past 73 seasons.

The Salukis' first game in their new digs will be Sept. 2.