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.

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.
See all 12 images.