In 1963 , school administrator Stuart K. Cassell , namesake of Cassell Coliseum , proposed building a larger stadium to replace the 17,000 - seat Miles Stadium .
Construction began on April 1 , 1964 .
In 1963 , school administrator Stuart K. Cassell , namesake of Cassell Coliseum , proposed building a larger stadium to replace the 17,000 - seat Miles Stadium , and construction began on April 1 , 1964 .