-By Adam Figman

Dallas-based HKS, INC., the design and architecture group behind the Dallas Cowboys’ new $1 billion stadium, is kicking off its foray into collegiate football design with a new stadium for the University of North Texas (UNT). As a part of the college’s “We Mean Green” initiative, the design will replace the 57-year-old Fouts Field and aims to become the first Gold LEED certified collegiate football facility.

The construction model used will be the same one generally used for U.S. college athletic facilities: The stadium will hold around 30,000 fans, and include luxury suites, a corporate deck, a “Spirit Store,” tailgate space and a “Touchdown Terrace.” The stadium will also serve as a an entertainment venue for the North Texas area, hosting outdoor concerts, community events, high school games, and band competitions.

“The stadium architecture will respect the tradition of college stadiums with a brick exterior envelope. The unique shape of the north stands will create a powerful iconic image to the juncture of the I-35 merge. Paved walkways and bike paths through the park-like environment will connect back to the main campus. Fans attending the games will be encouraged to walk or ride bikes to the games,” says HKS designer John Brooks in a statement.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the stadium proposal this past September, and a ceremony to celebrate the occasion was held in October. The site is expected to open for UNT’s 2011 season.

The first LEED certified college football stadium, the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium, opened this past September.