Central Michigan University names Michael Alford its Director of Athletics for moments like this.

Monday morning the CMU AD announced renovations coming to Kelly/Shorts in what will bring some much needed changes for the program. During one of his "Fire Up Chats" Alford said that the university has collectively come up with $2.5 million to begin work on the "Champions Center" renovation at the north end of the stadium.

In the mid-2000's the university made changes to the stadium adding a new video board and new scoreboard above the locker rooms, but even for it's time that was outdated. Head coach John Bonamego has been very vocal about the program needing new facilities at that end of the stadium, and it appears those goals are coming to fruition.

Alford said the university is in talks with an architect to begin designing the new facilities. It will include new locker rooms, which in terms of the football program will be the biggest change and maybe the most important.

This new facility will also do wonders for the program on the recruiting trail. The Chippewas had fallen behind most programs in the conference in terms of facilities around the stadium, but this should boost them right back up to the top.

Before taking the AD job at Arizona, former CMU AD Dave Heeke announced the university was working on a $10-20 million project for the stadium that included new boxes, more seats as well as the locker room facilities and much more. Alford was brought in because of his ability to raise funds for programs and his financial skills, and they are already shining bright in his first year.

Alford said he looks forward to sharing the stories of the donors of this initial breakthrough, and hopes that others will join as they continue to search for funds to make the project the best it can be.