Since the Pohlad family’s $2 million May donation brought fundraising up to about $3.5 million, the total has steadily increased to about $4 million, according to booster Bob McNamara.
The athletics department is hoping to raise $7.5 million to cover the first phase of the project. Phase one includes tearing down Siebert Field and building a 3,000-seat grandstand.
The Gophers baseball team will continue to play in the Metrodome until they have a new on-campus facility.
“We’re out there hustling, and we’re hoping to get it done,” McNamara said. “It’s been a long time coming, and we certainly need it.”
After phase one, the University is hoping to raise another $7.5 million for locker rooms and indoor batting cages. In May, athletics director Joel Maturi said he hoped to have the first $7.5 million raised by this spring and have the stadium ready for the 2012 season.