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University of Minnesota Athletics
Athletics Announces $6 Million Stadium Commitment
5/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
T. Denny Sanford takes fund-raising for project over $86-million mark with $6-million commitment
Director of Athletics Joel Maturi announced Thursday that the University of Minnesota has reached its initial $86 million fund-raising goal for TCF Bank Stadium thanks to a $6 million commitment from philanthropist and 1958 alum T. Denny Sanford.
The $6 million package will both support the construction of TCF Bank Stadium and fund an athletics department hall of fame located in the facility.
“I am proud to announce that the University has reached its initial $86 million fund-raising goal for TCF Bank Stadium,” Maturi said. “I cannot think of a better person to put us over the top than T. Denny Sanford. He and I have long shared a vision to bring Gopher football back to campus and I am thrilled that he is going to be part of this outstanding facility. I am also proud to work in a community where people feel so strongly about partnering with our athletics program.”
In recognition of the commitment, which is the largest personal gift to the stadium to date, the hall of fame will be named in honor of Mr. Sanford and his family.
“The U of M and Gopher athletics have been close to my heart since I attended my first Gopher football game with my dad at the age of eight,” Sanford said. “The golden age of Gopher football occurred on this campus and I look forward to seeing this program once again achieve great heights.
“I take great pride topping off the fund-raising for a University that has helped me so much. Having the hall of fame named for me and my family is also very special and we are very appreciative.”
Maturi said that design and programming efforts for the hall are beginning immediately. The official name of the hall will be announced at a later time.
“Reaching this goal is a significant achievement, especially in the current economy,” said University President Robert Bruininks. “The new stadium has inspired strong support from alumni and friends around the state and across the country. To date, some 2,100 donors have given to this project, including 500 first-time University donorsand they’ve given not only to support athletics, but the University’s academic mission, as well.
“I want to personally thank T. Denny Sanford for his strong support of this magnificent new facility. It is indeed fitting that the generosity of one of our owna St. Paul native, a Central High graduate, and a successful University of Minnesota alumnushas put us over the top on our initial fundraising goal.”
TCF Bank Stadium, which is nearing substantial completion, will officially open its doors on Sept. 12, when the Golden Gophers host the U.S. Air Force Academy in the 2009 home season opener. The game will mark the first college football contest on the University of Minnesota campus since the Gophers played their final home game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 21, 1981.
More about TCF Bank Stadium can be found at www.tcfbankstadium.com.
