Kansas State Univ. is ready to unveil plans for a $50M "overhaul to the north end of its football stadium with hopes that construction can begin at the conclusion of the upcoming season and be completed" in time for the '15 home opener, according to sources cited by Kellis Robinett of the K.C. STAR. But KSU AD John Currie earlier this week "stopped short of confirming those details." Currie said, "We will be in a position to make some announcements later this spring or this summer." The improvements will serve as the "third major facelift to Snyder Family Stadium" since Currie has been at KSU. The school's "next wave of renovations will significantly upgrade the football team’s operational space," as players will get a "new locker room, weight room, video room and meeting areas." Sources said that the plans "feature an enclosed stadium, allowing fans to walk between the northwest and northeast ends for the first time and two new video boards." Other amenities, such as a "fan deck, new restrooms and a wider concourse, will add to the stadium’s existing atmosphere." KSU also has plans for $12M in "facility upgrades to other areas, including a new video board behind the south end zone of the football stadium, new video boards at Bramlage Coliseum and improvements at its baseball stadium." K.C.-based Populous will "design both projects." Thanks in large part to a record $20M donation from booster Jack Vanier and his family, KSU "is closing in" on its $50M fundraising target (K.C. STAR, 3/27).
DIGGING FOR GOLD: In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman reports the Univ. of Minnesota in December will break ground on a $70M football facility that will "include not only a modern indoor practice facility but coaching offices and other amenities for the program." The current facility, the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex, was built in '85 for $5.5M, but the building "simply can no longer serve the needs of the team." The current practice facility is "12,000 square feet and was recently renovated" for $1M. It "includes a practice field, along with the football offices, training/treatment areas and student tutor centers." Meanwhile, the "word is there will be a basketball practice facility built in the near future as well, with more facilities to be built as fundraising progresses" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/27).
