One word can describe my tour: Wow

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On Jan. 23, fellow reporter Mike Blasky and I were fortunate enough to take a tour of the Skandalaris Football Center.

Throughout the tour, John Lewandowski, associate athletics director for media relations, repeatedly brought up the “wow” factor the MSU football program was hoping to achieve with the building. Lewandowski’s sentiment also was echoed in a statement from head football coach Mark Dantonio.

After seeing the building first hand, I don’t think Lewandowski and Dantonio need to worry about turning heads, because I think “wow” will be a common word associated with the Duffy Daugherty Football Building.

Although I haven’t seen any other big-time football program’s facilities, I can’t imagine a more visually appealing building in the Big Ten than the completed Duffy Daugherty building. Aside from the 21st century look of the front of the building — which will be made entirely of glass windows — the public portion of the center will be extremely fan-friendly, as well.

The outside of the building will feature an area known as George and Sally Perles Plaza, named in honor of former head coach and current MSU Trustee George Perles, where students and fans can meet on game days and throughout the year. On the inside, as soon as fans walk into the building they will be immersed by the tradition Dantonio has been instilling in the team, with the Hall of History.

While Perles Plaza and the Hall of History will be constantly viewed by fans, the most impressive thing I came away with during the tour is the view that Dantonio, and his recruits, will have in his office.

From his office, Dantonio can not only look down and see the Hall of History, but also the panoramic view of Spartan Stadium, Ralph Young Field, Munn Ice Arena, Munn field and Breslin Center — the picture-perfect view of MSU athletics.

Also, following in the footsteps of basketball head coach Tom Izzo’s office in the Berkowitz Basketball Complex, Dantonio’s office will be complete with an outdoor patio. During game days, Dantonio, along with recruits and their families, will have a front-row seat to Munn Field tailgaters shouting “Go Green!”

I’ve often heard fans complain after a university or professional sports team adds a new building or renovates an existing one, and I must admit that when I first heard of the renovation early last year I was a bit skeptical. However, with the Skandalaris Football Center now nearing completion — and with the football program on its way up — I can’t wait to see the finished product when I come back to campus next fall.

The reason for my excitement is simple.

While the building has the latest state-of-the-art equipment for the football team, it also offers myself and other fans a chance to experience the building, too.

That open-arms type of feel will make the Duffy Daugherty building a go-to place for all players, fans and alumni who are passionate about MSU football.

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