Those chomping at the bit to find out about the University’s thoughts on the capacity, cost and design of an on-campus stadium will have to wait a little longer.
The predesign and feasibility study for an on-campus football stadium, scheduled to be released in the middle of the month, will be delayed for an undisclosed amount of time, University chief financial officer Richard Pfutzenreuter said.
“It’s a case that we’re writing it, and we want to talk with many parts of the University before we publish it,” Pfutzenreuter said.
As the study nears completion, University officials plan to discuss it with the Athletics Department, football team, Facilities Management and other University departments, Pftuzenreuter said.
The University hired stadium consultants late in the summer to analyze how a stadium would affect campus. Four consulting firms have analyzed the costs and effects of building a stadium on campus.
Although University officials have been busy with a labor strike and other administrative affairs, Pfutzenreuter said the distractions have not affected the project’s progress.
University officials continue to negotiate with T. Denny Sanford about the conditions of his proposed $35 million stadium gift
announced in September.
Pawlenty wants stadium ideas
Hoping to cultivate ideas for new Vikings and Twins stadiums, Gov. Tim Pawlenty asked local communities Tuesday at the Capitol to submit stadium proposals.
While the governor hopes his plan encourages people to devise design and funding ideas for a new professional sports facility, he mentioned the University’s stadium plans in response to a question.
Pawlenty has repeatedly said he hopes that the Vikings and Gophers could share a new facility in the event the teams leave the Metrodome.
Stadium-related submissions are due by mid-January when a 19-member commission of legislators and citizens will decide which proposals to pass on to the governor.
A representative from Finance Commissioner Dan McElroy’s office said the governor’s office is accepting submissions for professional stadiums but can include the Gophers in a joint-use stadium plan.