Gov. Lingle has released $11 million to replace field lighting transformers and portions of the metal roof deck at the Aloha Stadium as part of ongoing improvements designed to refurbish and modernize the 33-year-old facility.

The project will replace portions of the metal roof deck in sections FF to KK and RR to T, and also cover the replacement and relocation of all roof-mounted, field lighting transformers. The balance of the metal roof deck will be replaced incrementally by sections over the course of several years to work around the stadium's busy seasons.

"This project is critical to ensuring the continued safety of stadium spectators, workers and event participants," said Lingle.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $11 million. Construction is scheduled to be completed in July 2009.

Opened in 1975, Aloha Stadium has a capacity of 50,000. It is home to the University of Hawai'i football team and hosts a variety of other events, including the NFL Pro Bowl, the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, high school sports, concerts, car shows and the swap meet.