March 28, 2006
Associated Press
Not one, but two Gopher football stadium bills advanced Tuesday in the state Senate. The Senate Higher Education Budget Division endorsed a University of Minnesota stadium finance plan as well as another plan the school isn't a fan of.
The university-backed proposal asks the state to come up with 50 percent of the $249 million cost for the 50,000-seat, on-campus stadium. In exchange, the state would acquire 2,840 acres of university-owned land in Rosemount.
The second proposal, sponsored by Sen. Larry Pogemiller, would prevent the university from tapping student fees or selling naming rights to a corporation to pay off its half.
Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said he doesn't want the public asset to be used for corporate advertising. But, he added, "this is not a deal breaker."
University president Robert Bruininks said Monday that the prohibition would hamper fundraising for the stadium. TCF Bank has pledged $35 million but wants naming rights in return.
The university brought in its biggest names to press the committee to approve its bill.
"This is not a want for us. This is a need that we need very badly," Gopher football coach Glen Mason said.
Both bills now move to the Senate Finance Committee. A House panel will debate the university's plan Wednesday.
http://www.startribune.com/587/story/336462.html
Posted by reas0011 at March 28, 2006 6:00 PM