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A few questions and answers on Deacon Tower, the stadium upgrade project for Wake Forest football:

Q: Much has been made of the high-end seats that make up the bulk of the project. What improvements will the rank and file fans notice at BB&T Field?

A: New rest rooms and concession stands on the West (home) side of the stadium are expected to make a difference. In 2009, renovations of existing rest rooms will take place on both sides of the facility.

Q: What's next?

A: Chair-back seats throughout the West side and much of the East side; renovation of Bridger Field House; integration of the stadium and Ernie Shore Field, which the university will purchase next month; and renovation of parking lots adjacent to the R.J. Reynolds complex.

Q: Any timetable on that?

A: Relax. They're just catching their breath.

Q: Are there any premium seats left?

A: Nope. A waiting list has been established.

Q: Is Deacon Tower the direct result of fan excitement from the 2006 ACC championship?

A: Not really. Coming off consecutive 4-7 seasons, Wake announced its fundraising intentions on Aug. 1, 2006. The team was 1-0 in the ACC -- and that win was an unconvincing 14-13 verdict over ultimately winless Duke -- when campaign organizers announced they had enough orders to proceed.

Q: Wake has the smallest alumni base in the ACC. Can they afford this?

A: Apparently so. "If we stopped the renovation of the stadium right now, we'd pay off the bonds very, very quickly," athletics director Ron Wellman said. "That's the strength of our financial position on the project."

Contact Rob Daniels at 373-7028 or rob.daniels@news-record.com