Newly approved University Athletes Village resonates well with students

Story and video report by MARIA WINGERT/Murphy News Service

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents last week approved the financing for a new athletics facility, allowing construction of the $166-million of what will called Athletes Village to commence before the ground freezes this fall.

University of Minnesota student Josiah McFadden said he was upbeat about the opportunities the facilities can bring. “As a sports fan, I am excited because I know this is something that will draw recruits,” McFadden said.

The Regents approved the building plan knowing it would make recruitment for U athletics easier. In an article by the Associated Press the regents said the upgrade of facilities at Athletes Village will help recruiting and that they “owe it” to the 725 University of Minnesota student athletes.

In a preview of what was to be discussed at the Regent’s October meeting, a board report said, “The $166 million, 320,000 square foot Athletics Village includes three new buildings: The Center for Excellence/Basketball Development Center, The Indoor Football Practice Facility and the Football Performance Center,” it said, adding, “The Center for Excellence will provide facilities and programming that focus on the academic, nutritional, and leadership needs…”

Student feedback around campus has been mostly positive, but a new food court for athletes does draw some jealousy.

“As a normal, non-athlete guy, of course there is some envy involved,” McFadden said. University of Minnesota senior Kyle Sainio said, “If they were to put some of that money toward bettering the cafeterias (around campus), that would be a lot cooler.”

The board gave a unanimous decision Friday, approving a ground-breaking before winter. With plans to be finished building in January 2018, the multi-building construction project (and some renovation of current facilities) will be monitored closely until its completion.

“They obviously are spending a lot of money on this, so obviously it’s a huge priority of theirs and will probably be very closely watched,” Board of Regents student board Chair Callie Livengood said.

The Nothing Short of Greatness campaign that has led project development so far has raised through grants and donations $76 of the $166 million dollars  needed to construct the facilities. The university will be borrowing the remaining $90 million from the athletic department while the Nothing Short of Greatness campaign continues to seek further donations.

U senior Mike Heifner doesn’t mind such a large capital outlay as long as it isn’t coming out of students’ pockets.

“If tuition isn’t paying for it and it can attract better athletics here, then it’s fine,” Heifner said.

Heifner, who will graduate this fall, won’t be around to see the facility as a student, but nonetheless acknowledged the value it will bring to campus.

“If they have funding for it, go for it,” Heifner said, “No skin off my nose.”

Anticipation about the project and what it could mean for U sports teams seems positive.

“It’s a mixture of excitement and envy,” McFadden said.

Maria Wingert is a senior studying agriculture education and journalism at the University of Minnesota.

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