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A Historic Day
3/24/2005 5:00 AM

stadium graphic

The University and TCF Financial Corporation have agreed upon a $35 million corporate sponsorship that includes naming rights to the proposed football stadium, which would be called TCF Bank Stadium. The agreement was announced Thursday, March 24, at the McNamara Alumni Center.

The University has proposed a partnership with the state in which it will raise 60 percent of the costs and the state will provide 40 percent.  This agreement establishes the foundation for financing the University’s share of the stadium costs. In the coming weeks the University will continue to urge legislators and the governor to support Gopher stadium legislation this session.

Bringing Gopher football back to campus is the right thing to do for the University and for Minnesota.  Building an
Dave Mona emceed the announcement celebration, which featured the U of M band, cheerleaders and Goldy Gopher.
Dave Mona emceed the announcement celebration, which featured the U of M band, cheerleaders and Goldy Gopher.
on-campus stadium will benefit the U of M football program from a recruiting and competitive perspective.  And it is a sound financial decision:  The University estimates that an on campus stadium will generate an additional $3.5 million in revenue, which can be used for scholarships or to support athletic programs.

Most importantly, the stadium will serve as a center for campus life, offering a tremendous environment for recreational sports, graduations and other university-wide events.  This stadium is about much more than football:  It’s about community and school spirit. And, thanks to sponsors like TCF, we will enhance our academic mission in new and creative ways.

To learn more about the proposed stadium, visit www.umn.edu/stadium.

Image Gallery: Stadium Announcement Celebration
Scenes from the March 24, 2005, announcement that the University and TCF Financial Corporation have agreed upon a corporate sponsorship that would include naming rights for the proposed Gopher football stadium.
The celebration featured stadium food -- popcorn, brats and hotdogs. The program began with the band marching in. Goldy Gopher and the cheerleaders added to the excitement. See all 12 images.



Stadium Announcement Event
Watch a slide show of the announcement celebration.
Official Web Site
See the University's Bringing Gopher Football Home Web site for the latest news about the stadium.
Help Bring Gopher Football Home!
The University needs to identify thousands of people who support bringing Gopher football back to campus. Sign up to show your support.
UMAA Support
March 24, 2005, response to stadium announcement:

"Alumni have been anxiously awaiting this day.  Bringing Gopher football back to campus is the right thing to do for the University and for Minnesota."  Andrea Hjelm, National President, UMAA

"Those of us who fondly remember Memorial Stadium know that this stadium will be much more than a place to play football.  It's about community and school spirit."   Margaret Carlson, CEO, UMAA.

At its meeting November 23, 2002, the UMAA national board endorsed the following statement:  “The University of Minnesota Alumni Association believes that it is in the best interest of the University community to bring Gopher football back on campus.” In 2003, the national board unanimously passed a resolution in  to contribute $2 million to scholarships and the new on-campus stadium complex. Click here for more information about the UMAA and the proposed stadium.