Guiding Principles

The Possible Development of an On-Campus Stadium.

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota will use the following principles to guide any future development of a football stadium on the Minneapolis campus for the use of the Gopher football team, and related athletic and academic purposes of the University.

UNIVERSITY MISSION / We will advance the University's fundamental academic mission. The University of Minnesota's fundamental academic mission in teaching, research and public service is foremost and will be advanced. The mission of the institution will be preserved in all aspects of planning a multipurpose stadium. The future stadium development will not compromise the University’s fundamental academic mission, purpose or programs.

FINANCIAL STRATEGY / We will improve the financial circumstances of the University and avoid financial risk to the academic mission. The primary funding goal will be to build an on-campus University stadium from substantial private contributions and resources. The University will avoid financial risk to the University budget and its academic programs. The University will identify new funding sources to support the implementation of the campus stadium with the expectation that funds will not be diverted from other University purposes and resources. The University, recognizing its position as part of a larger sports market, will assure that its investment has reasonable assurances of adequate return.

UNIVERSITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY / We will promote physical and programmatic integration with the Twin Cities campus community and adjacent neighborhoods. A University on-campus stadium must enhance campus life, while maximizing opportunities to support the University’s teaching, research and public service missions. Any stadium on campus will be designed, constructed and operated in a manner that is compatible with the University campus environment, master plan and the commercial and residential neighborhoods near the stadium site. The University will seek to accommodate and respect the community and neighborhood needs during the planning process.

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT / We will control of all aspects of stadium development and management. The University will control all aspects of the governance, design, development and ongoing management of the stadium.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE AND INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS / We will improve student life, increase community enthusiasm for the University and enhance the Gopher football game-day experience. A University on-campus stadium will enhance student life, create opportunities for University-wide events and celebrations, increase alumni and community support for the University and strengthen the sense of community. The stadium will improve the University and Gopher football experience for students, student-athletes and fans.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT / We will assure that project design and construction meet the highest standards of fairness, integrity and sound business practice. All The Game Plan of the stadium will meet the most stringent requirements and the highest standards of fairness, integrity and sound business practice. The University will draw on research of similar projects across the country to insure that stadium plans and construction are completed to quality standards within reasonable costs.

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