TheVoiceKSUMB
Both of you have valid points. This is a multiple layered topic that involves several other interested parties, so it isn't solely a Kennesaw State decision.
That said, we won't enter FBS without some additional seating at 5th/3rds. From what I've been able to gather, the tentative plans is to add removable field level seating on both sidelines and add bleacher seating in the North end zone.
Those 2 additions aren't very expensive and get us to between 12-13k..Then, you can do mental gymnastics with standing room only if needed to pretend 15k can be squeezed inside..
That's the "to get by" plan.. Long-term, it's looking more and more like a new stadium will be built. We have contractual obligations with Atlanta United, which we make good money from, that practically prevents us from making permanent field altering changes to 5th/3rds. Thus, that explains the removable new seating on both sidelines at field level. Cobb County and the Braves both also play a role in long-term . Truist, at Cobb County's insistence, was built to accommodate an occasional football game. It can seat up to around 22/23k for football while maintaining decent site lines. Don't be surprised to see 1 or 2 late season games at Truist until we have a new stadium. But late season only availability isn't great for scheduling purposes. So that's a short-term option at best.
The future very likely brings the long talked about sports complex with a nice 25-30k football stadium that can be used by Cobb County to host events, concerts, a possible bowl game and anything else the county thinks they can make money doing..
To add, the "we can't sell out our tiny stadium" thought process is 100% based on our brief FCS history. However, it leaves out the very pertinent fact that most college football fans in GA wouldn't walk across the street to watch FCS football for free.. I have talked to many people from Marietta, Kennesaw, Woodstock, Canton etc that are just now realizing that KSU plays football and they are just about to join a conference they recognize the name of..I think our attendance will increase nicely.. Hell, a KSU-La Tech matchup is 1000x more interesting than any football game we have ever hosted up until now to most local college football fans.