Georgia Southern University’s graduating class of 2014 will be the first to look at the nearly completed Paulson Stadium as they walk across the stage next Saturday.

The $10 million construction project that began in the summer of 2013 was scheduled to be completed in May 2014.

“It is technically two different construction projects. We had the Football Operations Center, which is going in the east end zone and will not be complete by graduation, but it was not scheduled to be complete by graduation. Everything will be complete by June,” Brandon Cox, director for the Athletic Facilities, said.

Cox said by the end of next week most of the glass for the outside of the Football Operations Center will be put in place.

“The added seating will be available for commencement,” Marvin Millis, associate vice president, said. “The north stands expansion of the mid-deck is complete and students’ friends and family will be able to sit and use the area. Through the expansion more seating than previous years is available for use.”

“I was nervous about graduation. Every time I drove past the stadium this semester, it didn’t seem to be getting closer to being complete. Where would my family sit and watch me walk across the stadium on the most important day of my life?” Caroline Fletcher, senior public relations major, said.

The biggest difference for those attending gradation this year will be entering the stadium. Due to construction, students and families must enter Paulson from the gates near Parker’s Gas Station.

“It’s a relief knowing even if the construction is not complete at least they made an effort to make it look pretty for graduation,” Christina McKelvey, senior communications major, said.

The stadium expansion project will be completed by the end of June.