Jan 3, 2007 2:04 pm US/Central
'U' Regents Approve Stadium Design, More Money
by Karla Hult
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
-
-
The University plans to open the new stadium in the fall of 2009.
CBS
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a design and a price increase for a new on-campus Gophers football stadium Wednesday.
The stadium will be on the University's Minneapolis campus and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009.
The Board got its first look at the design by HOK Sport Wednesday morning. Key characteristics of the design include 50,000 seats and that it is user-friendly to the team, fans and marching band.
The design firm said it emphasized a collegiate look and feel, from a horseshoe shape to archway entrances.
There will also be a view of the Minneapolis skyline, a side view of the St. Paul skyline and 50 percent more toilets for women than men.
The cost of the stadium also increased nearly $40 million to $288 million. The increase was because of project improvement, challenges of the site and inflation.
The increased cost will be covered by strategic money moves, including debt financing.
"I think we have absolute confidence we can raise this money," said University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks. "It will probably take the entire duration of the development of this project to do so, but there is great goodwill behind this project."
"I personally believe the schematic plans, I love it," said David Metzen, a regent. "It rocks. I think this thing is absolutely awesome. It is unbelievable."
Other regents were not so happy with the price increase.
"I am not going to be rushed," said Regent Frank Berman. "This is a $288 million proposal. I have tried to study what has been given to me and I want to be heard of it and I want some answers."
The schematics will be on display to the public at the McNamara Center Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
