The Alabama board of trustees on Friday approved Phase I of the athletics facilities rebuild starting with Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The plan with a $75.5 million budget -- which includes $40.5 million in bonds -- was roundly praised by the board members before giving unanimous consent in the Bryant Conference center up the street from the stadium.
The plan remains to begin construction after the 2019 football season, athletics director Greg Byrne said after his time at the podium. During the meeting, Byrne said Alabama's raised $158 million of the $600 million goal in what it's calling "The Crimson Standard" fundraising drive.