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The state would acquire almost 3,000 acres of the Us UMore Park near Rosemount as a nature preserve. The U would receive $9.4 million a year for 25 years to cover U-issued bonds for $124 million, or one-half the estimated stadium cost.

Regent David Metzen, who lives near the park, a 12-square-mile parcel in southern Dakota County on the southern fringe of the Twin Cities, said he has visited it hundreds of times. He believes it is the most beautiful piece of land in the state. I would never swap or trade this land to get a stadium, he said. But, this is what is right for this property. If it makes it easier for [legislators] to vote for a stadium, that's just a plus.

The U retains ownership of about the northern two-thirds of the park, which was deeded to the University in the 1940s by the federal government. While a comprehensive land-use plan for the property has just begun, U vice president Charles Muscoplat said it is likely that this portion of the land would have been set aside as open space anyway. More than one-third of its area has slopes of more than 30 percent, and two endangered species live in the sensitive wetlands and vermillion River Watershed that the land comprises.  

Regent Clyde Allen agreed, saying the U should take the opportunity that has arisen to get some value for land that likely would be set aside.

Regents discussion centered on some language in a resolution making it clear that the University still has rights to conduct research on the land, that the agreement does not affect the remaining almost 5,000 acres of UMore Park, and that the University receive credit for this land set-aside in case it decides to develop the remaining part of the park. There was also concern about setting a precedent of swapping U land in exchange for legitimate capital needs.

President Robert Bruininks first called the deal a win-win for the University and the state. Later he amended that description to multiple wins.

Among the positives:

• The land is protected and the U retains rights to conduct research there.
• The legislature will look more favorably upon voting for a stadium if the state gets something in return.
• The proposed student fee for the stadium would be halved, from $50 a semester to $25.
• Private fundraising effort will get a boost, as the U remains committed to raising half the $248 million price tag from non-state sources.
• The stadium proposal can stay on schedule for a fall 2009 opening.

Regents approved the idea 11-1 on Monday and were quickly followed by the Minnesota Student Association and the Faculty Consultative Committee. Committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate approved the idea by mid-week.

The University has already received $1 million from the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, the money it has been using to conduct reviews and assessments of the land. It has an agreement for $35 million for naming rights from TCF Bank. Best Buy Corporation has also pledged to contribute $2.5 million.

The stadium would be located just east of Williams and Mariucci Arenas, just north east of the site of old Memorial Stadium. It would seat 50,000 but be expandable up to 80,000 capacity and provide a home for the Minnes