The new Martin Stadium up close

JOHN JOHNSON, the associate athletic director at Washington State in charge of every detail of the nearly finished $65 million construction of the new press box and premium seating at Martin Stadium, was succinct on Friday as he gave reporters a tour of the sparkling new facility: "This stadium takes branding to the next level," he said.

The reminder of the great players and moments in Cougar history are all around. There are huge photo murals, chronicling the history of Cougar football and Martin Stadium.

Johnson and athletic director Bill Moos said they went to Florida, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and several others schools to find the best aspects of each for design ideas.

The back of the club-level bar will have the fight song in raised letters. Behind that will be embossed lettering of every letterman to ever play for WSU. It will be updated yearly.

All windows open to ensure every level of the renovations can "feel, smell, and experience college football at it's finest," Moos said.

Here are a few shots from today ...