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Huntington Bank Stadium

2010-02-11T06:06:02Z

WxGopher: /* First game */ season

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened = September 12, 2009
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]], Architectural Alliance, Studio Hive
| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805 (constructed for future expansion to 80,000 seats.)
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' (also known as '''The Bank''') is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three spectator sports stadiums that either have been built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. The Twins' [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open, in April of [[2010 in baseball|2010]].

==History==
TCF Bank is the third on-campus stadium and fourth stadium used for University of Minnesota football. Previous fields have been [[Northrop Field]], [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]], and [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]].

===Stadium proposal===
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back on campus.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium opener.jpg|thumb|The opening game at TCF Bank Stadium; September 12, 2009 vs. Air Force.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

===Legislative approval 2006===
Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

===First season===
The stadium opened with a game against the [[2009 Air Force Falcons football team|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009, with the Gophers winning 20–13.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The Gophers lost their first Big Ten game at the stadium, falling to the [[2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team|Wisconsin Badgers]], 31–28,<ref>{{cite web | title = Feet of Clay propel Badgers to victory over host Minnesota | url = http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gamecenter/recap/NCAAF_20091003_WI@MN | date = October 3, 2009 | accessdate=2009-10-31}}</ref> and went on to finish 4-3 in their inaugural season at "The Bank".

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address is 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium is a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers said would have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction includes approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There are 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field would be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, provides a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium was designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard is the [[Largest Scoreboards in NCAA College Football|third largest in college football stadiums]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium also incorporates a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

On September 17, 2009, the University of Minnesota announced that TCF Bank Stadium was awarded [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] Silver Certification, the first college or professional football stadium to achieve LEED certification.<ref name=LEED>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium achieves LEED Certification | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204796278 | accessdate = 2009-09-17}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm that worked on the project was Minneapolis-based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' was the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in limited areas of the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have been available only to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues, such as Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' subsequent proposal to ban alcohol entirely at campus athletic events (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas), which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium is the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the stadium will also provide the University with several other uses. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

In November 2009, it was announced that the [[U2 360° Tour]] will be the first concert performance in the stadium on June 27, 2010.<ref>{{cite news | last = Riemenschneider | first = Chris | title = U2 to Rock TCF in June | publisher = Star Tribune | date = November 16, 2009 | url = http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/70181872.html | accessdate = 2009-12-22 }}</ref> Other potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> If the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium was evaluated as a potential venue for a [[United States 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bid|bid by the United States]] to host the [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|2018 or 2022]] [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Announces List of 27 Cities Still in Contention For Inclusion in U.S. Bid to Host FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = August 20, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Federation-Services/2009/08/27-Cities-Chosen-For-World-Cup-Bid.aspx | accessdate = 2009-08-22 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football venues]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis – Saint Paul]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2010-01-18T04:31:04Z

WxGopher: /* Stadium proposal */ new image

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened = September 12, 2009
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]], Architectural Alliance, Studio Hive

| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' (also known as '''The Bank''') is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three spectator sports stadiums that either have been built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. The Twins' [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open, in April of [[2010 in baseball|2010]].

==History==
TCF Bank is the third on-campus stadium and fourth stadium used for University of Minnesota football. Previous fields have been [[Northrop Field]], [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]], and [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]].

===Stadium proposal===
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back on campus.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium opener.jpg|thumb|The opening game at TCF Bank Stadium; September 12, 2009 vs. Air Force.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

===Legislative approval 2006===
Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

===First game===
The stadium opened with a game against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009, with the Gophers winning 20-13.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The first conference game at "The Bank" did not turn out as well for the Gophers, as they fell to arch-rival Wisconsin for the sixth straight year, 31-28.<ref>{{cite web | title = Feet of Clay propel Badgers to victory over host Minnesota | url = http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gamecenter/recap/NCAAF_20091003_WI@MN | date = October 3, 2009 | accessdate=2009-10-31}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address is 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium is a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers said would have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction includes approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There are 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field would be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, provides a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium was designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard is the [[Largest_Scoreboards_in_NCAA_College_Football|third largest in college football stadiums]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium also incorporates a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

On September 17, 2009, the University of Minnesota announced that TCF Bank Stadium was awarded [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] Silver Certification, the first college or professional football stadium to achieve LEED certification.<ref name=LEED>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium achieves LEED® Certification | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204796278 | accessdate = 2009-09-17}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm that worked on the project was Minneapolis-based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' was the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in limited areas of the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have been available only to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues, such as Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' subsequent proposal to ban alcohol entirely at campus athletic events (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas), which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium is the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the stadium will also provide the University with several other uses. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

In November 2009, it was announced that the [[U2 360° Tour]] will be the first concert performance in the stadium on June 27, 2010.<ref>{{cite news | last = Riemenschneider | first = Chris | title = U2 to Rock TCF in June | publisher = Star Tribune | date = November 16, 2009 | url = http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/70181872.html | accessdate = 2009-12-22 }}</ref> Other potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> If the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium was evaluated as a potential venue for a [[United States 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bid|bid by the United States]] to host the [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|2018 or 2022]] [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Announces List of 27 Cities Still in Contention For Inclusion in U.S. Bid to Host FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = August 20, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Federation-Services/2009/08/27-Cities-Chosen-For-World-Cup-Bid.aspx | accessdate = 2009-08-22 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football venues]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis – Saint Paul]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-10-02T15:28:38Z

WxGopher: Chicago eliminated

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened = September 12, 2009
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]], Architectural Alliance, Studio Hive

| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' (also known as '''The Bank''') is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium opened with a game against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009, with the Gophers winning 20-13.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three spectator sports stadiums that have been either built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. The Twins' [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open, in April of [[2010 in baseball|2010]].

==History==
TCF Bank is the third on-campus stadium and fourth stadium used for University of Minnesota football. Previous fields have been [[Northrop Field]], [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]], and [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]].

===Stadium proposal===
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back on campus.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

===Legislative approval 2006===
Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address is 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium is a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers said would have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction includes approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There are 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field would be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, provides a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium was designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard is the [[Largest_Scoreboards_in_NCAA_College_Football|third largest in college football stadiums]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium also incorporates a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

On [[September 17]], [[2009]], the University of Minnesota announced that TCF Bank Stadium was awarded [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] Silver Certification, the first college or professional football stadium to achieve LEED certification.<ref name=LEED>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium achieves LEED® Certification | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204796278 | accessdate = 2009-09-17}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm that worked on the project was Minneapolis-based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' was the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in limited areas of the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have been available only to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues, such as Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' subsequent proposal to ban alcohol entirely at campus athletic events (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas), which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium is the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the stadium will also provide the University with several other uses. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium was evaluated as a potential venue for a [[United States 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bid|bid by the United States]] to host the [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|2018 or 2022]] [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Announces List of 27 Cities Still in Contention For Inclusion in U.S. Bid to Host FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = August 20, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Federation-Services/2009/08/27-Cities-Chosen-For-World-Cup-Bid.aspx | accessdate = 2009-08-22 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-08-11T14:11:11Z

WxGopher: /* Other uses */ update

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened =
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]]
| nickname = 
| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the United States, and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is scheduled to open with a game against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums that have been either built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open in April of [[2010 in sports|2010]].

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address is 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the fourth largest in college football stadiums.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm that worked on the project was Minneapolis-based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' was the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have only been available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues like Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' new proposal to ban alcohol entirely (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas) which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium is the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the stadium will also provide the University with several other uses. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as one of six possible locations to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = January 10, 2007 | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Because of a ban on commercial advertising at Olympic venues, the stadium would be temporarily renamed ''Minneapolis Stadium'' while hosting Olympic events.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Olympic Charter | place = Lausanne, Switzerland| publisher = International Olympic Committee | year = 2007 | url = http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = Chicago 2016 Candidature File | place = Chicago, Illinois | publisher = Chicago 2016 | year = 2009 | volume = 3 | format= PDF | edition = | url = http://documents.chicago2016.org/pdf/bidbook/VOLUME_3.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium, along with the Golden Gophers' former venue the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]], is among 45 venues in 37 cities currently being considered as part of a [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|bid]] by the United States to host the 2018 or 2022 [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-08-11T14:09:00Z

WxGopher: /* Construction */ update

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened =
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]]
| nickname = 
| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the United States, and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is scheduled to open with a game against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums that have been either built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open in April of [[2010 in sports|2010]].

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address is 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the fourth largest in college football stadiums.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm that worked on the project was Minneapolis-based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' was the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have only been available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues like Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' new proposal to ban alcohol entirely (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas) which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as one of six possible locations to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = January 10, 2007 | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Because of a ban on commercial advertising at Olympic venues, the stadium would be temporarily renamed ''Minneapolis Stadium'' while hosting Olympic events.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Olympic Charter | place = Lausanne, Switzerland| publisher = International Olympic Committee | year = 2007 | url = http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = Chicago 2016 Candidature File | place = Chicago, Illinois | publisher = Chicago 2016 | year = 2009 | volume = 3 | format= PDF | edition = | url = http://documents.chicago2016.org/pdf/bidbook/VOLUME_3.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium, along with the Golden Gophers' former venue the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]], is among 45 venues in 37 cities currently being considered as part of a [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|bid]] by the United States to host the 2018 or 2022 [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-08-11T14:07:13Z

WxGopher: /* Location */ tense

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened =
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]]
| nickname = 
| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the United States, and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is scheduled to open with a game against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums that have been either built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open in April of [[2010 in sports|2010]].

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address is 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the fourth largest in college football stadiums.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, less than three months remain to complete internal and external finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting on schedule.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have only been available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues like Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' new proposal to ban alcohol entirely (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas) which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as one of six possible locations to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = January 10, 2007 | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Because of a ban on commercial advertising at Olympic venues, the stadium would be temporarily renamed ''Minneapolis Stadium'' while hosting Olympic events.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Olympic Charter | place = Lausanne, Switzerland| publisher = International Olympic Committee | year = 2007 | url = http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = Chicago 2016 Candidature File | place = Chicago, Illinois | publisher = Chicago 2016 | year = 2009 | volume = 3 | format= PDF | edition = | url = http://documents.chicago2016.org/pdf/bidbook/VOLUME_3.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium, along with the Golden Gophers' former venue the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]], is among 45 venues in 37 cities currently being considered as part of a [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|bid]] by the United States to host the 2018 or 2022 [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-08-11T14:04:29Z

WxGopher: removing future tag

{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened =
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]]
| nickname = 
| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the United States, and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is scheduled to open with a game against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium is [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums that have been either built or are being considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] – the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis. [[Target Field]] will be the next facility to open in April of [[2010 in sports|2010]].

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the fourth largest in college football stadiums.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (then known as HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, less than three months remain to complete internal and external finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting on schedule.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have only been available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues like Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' new proposal to ban alcohol entirely (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas) which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as one of six possible locations to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = January 10, 2007 | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Because of a ban on commercial advertising at Olympic venues, the stadium would be temporarily renamed ''Minneapolis Stadium'' while hosting Olympic events.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Olympic Charter | place = Lausanne, Switzerland| publisher = International Olympic Committee | year = 2007 | url = http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = Chicago 2016 Candidature File | place = Chicago, Illinois | publisher = Chicago 2016 | year = 2009 | volume = 3 | format= PDF | edition = | url = http://documents.chicago2016.org/pdf/bidbook/VOLUME_3.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium, along with the Golden Gophers' former venue the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]], is among 45 venues in 37 cities currently being considered as part of a [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|bid]] by the United States to host the 2018 or 2022 [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-08-05T02:37:58Z

WxGopher: update attendance #

{{future sports venue}}
{{Infobox_Stadium
| stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium
| image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]]<br>[[File:2009-0603-MN-TCFStadium-construc.jpg|325px|center]]
| location = 2009 University Ave S.E., [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|35|N|93|13|28|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground = September 30, 2006
| opened =
| owner = [[University of Minnesota]]
| operator = University of Minnesota
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| construction_cost = US$288.5 million
| architect = [[Populous (architects)|Populous]]
| nickname = 
| tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009- )
| seating_capacity = 50,805
}}
'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the United States, and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,805 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on September 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2-km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=May 25, 2006|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = Student senate minutes | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = April 19, 2001 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = December 13, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be designed and managed, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = February 18, 2002 | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily via Internet Archive | date = October 19, 2004 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20080211104334/http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. On March 24, 2005, the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = March 24, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of December 31, 2005; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = December 28, 2005 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<<ref name="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070109075654/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to June 30, 2006.<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On April 6, 2006, the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = April 6, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = March 29, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on May 9, 2006, the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | page = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 9, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the House and Senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on May 19, in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on May 20, and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 24.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = May 20, 2006 | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre (.3 km²) research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and as of April 2009, work on the exterior of biosciences was nearing completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Status Progress Reports for Medical BioSciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/med_biosciences/medbiosciences_pr.html|publisher=University of Minnesota, Capital Planning and Project Management|accessdate=2009-06-18}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of Minnesota the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for 25 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2,840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over 25 years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=7 June 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=15 June 2007|pages=5|publisher= United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=16 October 2006|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025060117/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over 25 years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = July 6, 2006 | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|7 April 2005|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 28, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = October 12, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 14, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 9, 2007 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]], and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = September 30, 2006 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for Native American and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "... celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Native American tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=19 October 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = June 3, 2008 | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071213204852/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U's stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune via Internet Archive | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070713223410/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> On May 21, 2009, the University announced they had received a $6 million donation from [[T. Denny Sanford]], meaning the university had achieved its goal of $86 million in private fund raising.<ref>{{cite news | title = Sanford pledges $6M to Gophers football stadium | publisher = La Crosse Tribune | date = May 21, 2009 | url = http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/05/21/sportsupdate/08gophers.txt | accessdate = 2009-05-21}}</ref>
The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | date = July 18, 2006 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060502063337/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = July 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75-acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University of Minnesota#West Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as ten new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Stadium Village Station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on March 27, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070807144513/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2009-06-19 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,805 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes, and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071025005557/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On December 7, 2006, the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = December 7, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the fourth largest in college football stadiums.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium: About the Stadium: Design | url = http://stadium.gophersports.com/about_design.html | accessdate = 2009-06-18}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = November 15, 2006 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
[[File:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, May 2008]]
[[File:2009-05-07 TCF Bank Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|TCF Bank Stadium under construction, one year later, May 2009]]
On June 8, 2006, the university announced that it had selected [[Populous (architects)|Populous]] (formerly HOK Sport Venue Event) to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = June 8, 2006 | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB| HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on May 24, 2006. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20071227043330/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = February 15, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on January 3, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 3, 2007 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on September 30, 2006. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on July 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota via Internet Archive | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070118193153/http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that make up the stadium's skeleton was put in place between January 28, 2007–June 28, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = January 25, 2008 | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | agancy = Associated Press | date = June 27, 2008 | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, less than three months remain to complete internal and external finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting on schedule.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have only been available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is consistent with the University's alcohol policy at other athletic venues like Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref> In May 2009, the Minnesota legislature passed a law that states that no alcohol may be served or sold anywhere in the stadium, including in suites and premium boxes, unless all ticketholders 21 or older in the stadium can buy alcohol at a game.<ref>[https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=120&doctype=chapter&year=2009&type=0 Minnesota Laws, 2009, Chapter 120, section 8]</ref> The University of Minnesota regents voted on June 24, 2009, on Bruininks' new proposal to ban alcohol entirely (and also ban it in Mariucci and Williams arenas) which passed 10–2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ebert, Alex|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/49012236.html|title=No booze for U sports fans
|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=Avista Capital Partners|work=Star Tribune|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium replaced [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = February 28, 2006 | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> University officials have also suggested that the stadium could be used to host outdoor hockey games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Katzenstein | first = Josh | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = March 10, 2009 | url = http://www.mndaily.com/2009/03/10/tcf-bank-stadium-will-see-widespread-use | accessdate = 2009-03-17 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as one of six possible locations to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = January 10, 2007 | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Because of a ban on commercial advertising at Olympic venues, the stadium would be temporarily renamed ''Minneapolis Stadium'' while hosting Olympic events.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Olympic Charter | place = Lausanne, Switzerland| publisher = International Olympic Committee | year = 2007 | url = http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = Chicago 2016 Candidature File | place = Chicago, Illinois | publisher = Chicago 2016 | year = 2009 | volume = 3 | format= PDF | edition = | url = http://documents.chicago2016.org/pdf/bidbook/VOLUME_3.pdf | accessdate = 2009-05-03}}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | author = Associated Press (via WCCO via Internet Archive) | date = January 19, 2007 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927004809/http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium, along with the Golden Gophers' former venue the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]], is among 45 venues in 37 cities currently being considered as part of a [[2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bids|bid]] by the United States to host the 2018 or 2022 [[FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news | title = TCF Bank Stadium, Metrodome in Running to Host World Cup Soccer Games in 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] | date = April 9, 2009 | url = http://www.twincities.com/ci_12107921?IADID | accessdate = 2009-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = USA Bid Committee Issues Requests For Proposals to 37 Potential FIFA World Cup Host Cities For 2018 or 2022 | publishers = [[US Soccer]] | date = June 16, 2009 | url = http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_14876672.html | accessdate = 2009-06-16 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://stadium.gophersports.com/ TCF Bank Stadium webpage]


{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of <br />[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
| years = 2009 – present
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Current
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tcf Bank Stadium}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-02-13T05:57:45Z

WxGopher: Undid revision 270379708 by Manjoonga - There needs to be a good source for this.

{{future sports venue}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]] <br> [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
nickname = |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]], and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with [[HNTB | HNTB Architects]] and [[Crawford Architects]], that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, less than one year remains to complete internal and external finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks plans to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would only be available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. Most students would therefore not have access, leading to discrimination charges by some over-21 students.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2009-02-05T02:39:22Z

WxGopher: Reverted 1 edit by 24.118.128.189; Unreferenced. using TW

{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]] <br> [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
nickname = |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]], and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromise bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, less than one year remains to complete internal and external finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks plans to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would only be available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. Most students would therefore not have access, leading to discrimination charges by some over-21 students.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

[[fr:TCF Bank Stadium]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-12-03T15:07:42Z

WxGopher: Undid revision 255296061 - a blog is not a reliable source

{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|center|125px]] <br> [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
nickname = |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]], and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, less than one year remains to complete internal and external finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Alcohol controversy==
University of Minnesota President Roberts Bruininks plans to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve [[beer]] and [[wine]] in the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would only be available to occupants of premium [[season ticket]] seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. Most students would therefore not have access, leading to discrimination charges by some over-21 students.<ref>{{cite web| last = Post| first = Tim| title = U of M wants to sell beer at football games, if you can afford it| publisher = Minnesota Public Radio| date = 2008-11-13| url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/u_of_m_wants_to_sell_beer_at_football_games_if_you_can_afford_it/| accessdate =2008-11-13}}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Big Ten Football Venues}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota, Twin Cities sports venues]]
[[Category:Stadiums under construction in the United States]]

Great Lakes Storm of 1913

2008-11-10T18:56:13Z

WxGopher: /* Background */ defining continent

{{featured article}}
{{Infobox winter storm
|name=Great Lakes Storm of 1913
|image location=November gale.png
|image name=Convergence of systems to form the November gale.
|stormtype=[[Cyclonic]] [[blizzard]]
|date formed=November 6, 1913
|date dissipated=November 11, 1913
|maximum amount=24 inches of snow recorded in some areas
|pressure= 968.5 mb (28.60 inches)
|wind speed=90 mph (145 km/h) winds
|total damages (USD)='''vessels:'''
* $2,332,000 (1913) for vessels totally lost
* $830,900 (1913) for vessels that became constructive total losses
* $620,000 (1913) for vessels stranded but returned to service
* $1,000,000 in lost cargoes
'''shore damage:'''
Complete cost not available.
|total fatalities=over 250
|areas affected=The [[Great Lakes Basin]] in the [[Midwestern United States]] and the [[Canada|Canadian]] province of [[Ontario]].
}}

The '''Great Lakes Storm of 1913''', historically referred to as the "Big Blow", the "Freshwater Fury" or the "White Hurricane", was a [[blizzard]] with [[hurricane]]-force winds that devastated the [[Great Lakes Basin]] in the [[Midwestern United States]] and the [[Canada|Canadian]] province of [[Ontario]] from November 7 through November 10, 1913. The storm was most powerful on November 9, battering and overturning ships on four of the five [[Great Lakes]], particularly [[Lake Huron]]. Deceptive lulls in the storm and the slow pace of weather reports contributed to the storm's destructiveness.

The deadliest and most destructive [[natural disaster]] ever to hit the lakes,<ref>Brown, 2002, pp 208, 222.</ref> the Great Lakes Storm killed more than 250 people, destroyed 19 ships and stranded 19 other ships. The financial loss in vessels alone was nearly [[United States dollar|US]] $5 million, or about $100 million at current value.<ref>Brown, 2002, p 245. Conversion from 1913 to 2006 U.S. dollars assumes a conversion factor of 0.049, according to Robert Sahr, [http://oregonstate.edu/cla/polisci/faculty/sahr/sahr.htm Consumer Price Index], Oregon State University. Retrieved 2007-04-10.</ref> This included about $1 million at current value in lost cargo totalling about 68,300 [[tonnage|tons]], such as coal, iron ore, and grain.<ref>Brown, 2002, pp 203, 225.</ref>

The storm originated as the convergence of two major [[Weather front|storm front]]s, fueled by the lakes' relatively warm waters—a seasonal process called a "November [[gale]]". It produced 90 mph (145 km/h) winds, [[ocean surface wave|waves]] over 35 feet (11 m) high, and [[whiteout (weather)|whiteout]] [[snowsquall]]s. Analysis of the storm and its impact on humans, engineering structures and the landscape led to better forecasting and faster responses to storm warnings, stronger and more construction (especially of marine vessels), and improved preparedness.

==Background==

During autumn, cold, dry air moving south from northern Canada converges with warm, moist air moving north from the [[Gulf of Mexico]], forming large storm systems in the middle of the North American continent. Several of these systems move along preferred paths toward the Great Lakes. When the cold air from these storms moves over the lakes, it is warmed by the waters below. This added heat postpones the Arctic spread in the region, allowing the lakes to remain relatively warm for much longer than otherwise.<ref name="weatherdoctor">Heidorn, Keith C. (2001). [http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:-NwDUs6b1IAJ:www.suite101.com/article.cfm/science_sky/84988+%22The+Great+Lakes:+Storm+Breeding+Ground "The Great Lakes: Storm Breeding Ground"]. ''Science of the Sky''. Published online 16 Nov 2001, Suite101. Retrieved 5 Feb 2005.</ref><ref name="weatherwise">Bentley, Mace and Steve Horstmeyer. "[http://www.johnsdesign.net/1999/novwitch.html The witch of November]". ''Weatherwise Magazine''. Nov/Dec 1998.</ref>

In November, two storm tracks converge over the Great Lakes. One travels southeastward from the province of [[Alberta]]; the other brings storms from the [[leeward|lee]] of the central [[Rocky Mountains]] northeast toward the Great Lakes. This convergence is commonly referred to as a "November gale" or "[[Witch of November|November witch]]". When a [[cyclone|cyclonic]] system moves over the lakes, its power is intensified by the [[jet stream]] above and the warm waters below. This allows the storm to maintain hurricane-force winds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), produce waves over 50 feet (15 m) high, and dump several feet of snow or inches of rain. Fuelled by the warm lake water, these powerful storms may remain over the Great Lakes for days. Intense winds then ravage the lakes and surrounding shores, severely eroding the shoreline, and flooding the coasts.<ref name="weatherdoctor"/><ref name="weatherwise"/>

November gales have been a bane of the Great Lakes, with at least 25 killer storms striking the region since 1847. During the [[Big Blow of 1905]], twenty-seven wooden vessels were lost. During a November gale of 1975, the giant [[ore]] bulk carrier [[SS Edmund Fitzgerald|SS ''Edmund Fitzgerald'']] sank suddenly, without a [[distress signal]].<ref>Brown, 2002, p 246.</ref><ref name="weatherwise"/>

==Prelude to the storm==
[[Image:DetroitNews-11-13-1913.png|right|thumb|''[[The Detroit News]]'', November 13, 1913, page 1]]
{{Further|US weather maps for [[:Image:US weather map, 5 Nov 1913.png|November 5]] and [[:Image:US weather map, 6 Nov 1913.png|November 6]] (images)}}

The storm was first noticed on Thursday, November 6, on the western side of [[Lake Superior]], moving rapidly toward northern [[Lake Michigan]]. The [[Weather forecasting|weather forecast]] in ''[[The Detroit News]]'' called for "moderate to brisk" winds for the Great Lakes, with occasional rains Thursday night or Friday for the upper lakes (except on southern [[Lake Huron]]), and fair to unsettled conditions for the lower lakes.<ref>Weather forecast, ''The Detroit News'', Detroit, Michigan, 5 Nov 1913.</ref>

Around midnight, the [[steamboat|steamer]] ''Cornell'', while 50 miles (80 km) west of [[Whitefish Point]] in Lake Superior, ran into a sudden northerly gale and was badly damaged. This gale lasted until late Monday, November 10, almost forcing ''Cornell'' ashore.

==Storm==
===November 7===
[[Image:Storm-Warning-NW-Winds-Flags.png|thumb|right|Storm warning with northwesterly winds]]
{{Further|[[:Image:US weather map, 7 Nov 1913.png|US weather map for November 7]] (image)}}

On Friday, the weather forecast in the ''Port Huron Times-Herald'' of [[Port Huron, Michigan]], described the storm as "moderately severe."<ref>Front page, ''Port Huron Times-Herald'', Port Huron, Michigan. 7 November 1913.</ref> By then, the storm was centered over the upper [[Mississippi River|Mississippi Valley]] and had caused moderate to brisk southerly winds with warmer weather over the lakes. The forecast predicted increased winds and falling temperatures over the next 24 hours.

At 10:00 a.m., [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] stations and [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) Weather Bureau offices at Lake Superior ports raised white [[maritime flags|pennant]]s above square red flags with black centers, indicating a storm warning with northwesterly winds. By late afternoon, the storm signal flags were replaced with a vertical sequence of red, white, and red lanterns, indicating that a hurricane with winds over 74 mph (119 km/h) was coming. The winds on Lake Superior had already reached 50 mph (80 km/h), and an accompanying blizzard was moving toward Lake Huron.<ref>See Brown, 2002, pp 28–44, for wind speeds and other figures for November 7.</ref>

===November 8===
{{Further|[[:Image:US weather map, 8 Nov 1913.png|US weather map for November 8]] (image)}}

By Saturday, the storm's status had been upgraded to "[[Severe weather|severe]]". The storm was centered over eastern Lake Superior, covering the entire lake [[drainage basin|basin]]. The weather forecast of the ''Port Huron Times-Herald'' stated that southerly winds had remained "moderate to brisk".<ref>Front page, ''Port Huron Times-Herald'', Port Huron, Michigan, 8 November 1913.</ref> Northwesterly winds had reached gale strength on northern Lake Michigan and western Lake Superior, with winds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h) at [[Duluth, Minnesota]].


There was a false lull in the storm, called a ''[[sucker hole]]'', allowing traffic to begin flowing again, both down the [[St. Marys River (Michigan-Ontario)|St. Marys River]] and up [[Lake Erie]], and the [[Detroit River|Detroit]] and [[St. Clair River|St. Clair]] rivers, into Lake Huron. Ignored were the gale wind flags raised at more than a hundred ports. Long ships traveled all that day through the [[St. Marys River (Michigan-Ontario)|St. Marys River]], all night through the [[Straits of Mackinac]], and early Sunday morning up the Detroit and St. Clair rivers.<ref>See Brown, 2002, pp 44–67, for wind speeds and other figures for November 8.</ref>

[[Image:1913 Great Lakes storm wave.jpg|thumb|left|A wave breaking on the shore of [[Lake Michigan]] while a man watches from a bridge.]]
===November 9===

By noon on Sunday, weather conditions on lower Lake Huron were close to normal for a November gale. [[Barometric pressure]]s in some areas actually began to rise, bringing hope of an end to the storm. The [[low pressure area]] that had moved across Lake Superior was moving northeast, away from the lakes.

The Weather Bureau had issued the first of its twice-daily reports at approximately 8:00 a.m.; it did not send another report to [[Washington, D.C.]] until 8:00 p.m. This proved to be a serious problem: the storm would have the better part of a day to build up hurricane forces before the Bureau headquarters in Washington, D.C., would have detailed information.<ref>Brown, 2002, p 12.</ref>

Along southeastern [[Lake Erie]], near the city of [[Erie, Pennsylvania]], a southern low-pressure area was moving toward the lake. This low had formed overnight, so was absent from Friday's weather map. It had been traveling northward and began moving northwestward after passing over Washington, D.C.

The intense [[clockwise and counterclockwise|counterclockwise]] rotation of the low was made apparent by the changing wind directions around its center. In [[Buffalo, New York]], morning northwest winds had shifted to northeast by noon and were blowing southeast by 5:00 p.m., with the fastest gusts, 80 mph (130 km/h), occurring between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Just 180 miles (290 km) to the southwest, in Cleveland, winds remained northwest during the day, shifting to the west by 5:00 p.m., and maintaining speeds of more than 50 mph (80 km/h). The fastest gust in Cleveland, 79 mph (127 km/h), occurred at 4:40 p.m. There was a dramatic drop in [[barometric pressure]] at Buffalo, from 29.52 [[Pressure|inHg]] (999.7 [[hPa]]) at 8:00 a.m. to 28.77 inHg (974.3 hPa) at 8:00 p.m.

The rotating low continued along its northward path into the evening, bringing its counterclockwise winds in phase with the northwesterly winds already hitting Lakes Superior and Huron. This resulted in an explosive increase in northerly wind speeds and swirling snow. Ships on Lake Huron that were south of [[Alpena, Michigan]]—especially around [[Harbor Beach, Michigan|Harbor Beach]] and [[Port Huron, Michigan|Port Huron]] in [[Michigan]] and [[Goderich, Ontario|Goderich]] and [[Sarnia, Ontario|Sarnia]] in Ontario—were battered with huge waves moving southward toward St. Clair River.

From 8:00 p.m. to midnight, the storm became what modern [[meteorology|meteorologists]] call a "[[weather bomb]]". Sustained hurricane-speed winds of more than 70 mph (110 km/h) ravaged the four western lakes. The worst damage was done on Lake Huron as numerous ships scrambled for shelter along its southern end. Gusts of 90 mph (140 km/h) were reported off Harbor Beach, Michigan. The lake's shape allowed northerly winds to increase unchecked, because of the lower surface friction of water compared to land, and the wind following the lake's long axis.<ref>See Brown, 2002, pp 68–127, for wind speeds and other figures for November 9.</ref>

In retrospect, weather forecasters of the time did not have enough data or understanding of atmospheric [[dynamics (mechanics)|dynamics]] to predict or comprehend the events of Sunday, November 9. [[Weather front|Frontal]] mechanisms, referred to then as "[[squall]] lines", were not yet understood. Surface observations were collected only twice daily at stations around the country, and by the time these data were collected and hand-drawn maps created, the information lagged actual weather conditions by hours.<ref>Brown, 2002, pp 13, 19, 68.</ref>

===November 10 and 11===
{{Further|[[:Image:US weather map, 10 Nov 1913.png|US weather map for November 10]] (image)}}
[[Image:Cleveland streetcar after blizzard of 1913.jpg|thumb|right|Cleveland streetcar stranded in the snow]]

On Monday morning, the storm had moved northeast of [[London, Ontario]], dragging [[lake effect snow|lake effect blizzard]]s in its wake. An additional 17 inches (43 cm) of snow were dumped on Cleveland, Ohio that day, filling the streets with snowdrifts 6 feet (2 m) high. Streetcar operators stayed with their stranded, powerless vehicles for two nights, eating whatever food was provided by local residents. Travelers were forced to take shelter and wait for things to clear.

By Tuesday, the storm was rapidly moving across eastern Canada. Without the warm lake waters, it lost power quickly. This also meant less snowfall, both because of the fast motion of the storm and the lack of lake effect snow. All shipping was halted on Monday and part of Tuesday along the [[St. Lawrence River]] around [[Montreal, Quebec]].<ref>See Brown, 2002, pp 127–142, 163–180, for wind speeds and other figures for November 10 and November 11.</ref>

==Aftermath==
[[Image:Cleveland after blizzard of 1913.jpg|thumb|left|Cleveland after the blizzard]]

Historically, storms of such magnitude and with such high wind velocities have not lasted more than four or five hours. The Great Lakes storm, however, raged for more than 16 hours, with an average speed of 60 mph (100 km/h), and frequent bursts of more than 70 mph (110 km/h). It crippled traffic on the lakes and throughout the Great Lakes basin region.

===Surrounding shoreline===
[[Image:Cleveland blizzard 1913, poles down.png|thumb|right|East 105th Street, [[Cleveland, Ohio]], November 11.]]
Along the shoreline, blizzards shut down traffic and communication, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. A 22-inch (56 cm) snowfall in Cleveland, Ohio, put stores out of business for two days. There were four-foot (122 cm) [[snowdrift]]s around Lake Huron. Power was out for several days across Michigan and Ontario, cutting off telephone and [[telegraphy|telegraph]] communications. A recently-completed US$100,000 [[Chicago]] [[Breakwater (structure)|breakwater]], intended to protect the [[Lincoln Park, Chicago|Lincoln Park]] basin from storms, was swept away in a few hours.<ref>Brown, 2002, p 94.</ref> The Milwaukee harbor lost its entire south breakwater and much of the surrounding South Park area that had been recently renovated.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=GGOxIAzg-m0C&pg=PA6&lpg=PA6&dq=Barcus+Milwaukee+harbor+lost+its+entire+south+breakwater&source=web&ots=bBl6n_hPn8&sig=r6RBTz0U6m_V6yBy7CeaSKz1zk4&hl=en] Barcus, 1986, p 6.</ref>

After the final blizzards hit Cleveland, the city was paralyzed under feet of ice and snow and was without power for days. Telephone poles had been broken, and power cables lay in tangled masses. The November 11 ''[[Cleveland Plain Dealer]]'' described the aftermath:

:"Cleveland lay in white and mighty solitude, mute and deaf to the outside world, a city of lonesome snowiness, storm-swept from end to end, when the violence of the two-day blizzard lessened late yesterday afternoon."<ref>Reprinted in Brown, 2002, p 162.</ref>

William H. Alexander, Cleveland's chief weather forecaster, observed:

:"Take it all in all—the depth of the snowfall, the tremendous wind, the amount of damage done and the total unpreparedness of the people—I think it is safe to say that the present storm is the worst experienced in Cleveland during the whole forty-three years the Weather Bureau has been established in the city."<ref>Reprinted in Brown, 2002, p 163.</ref>

===On the lakes===
[[Image:Charles S Price upside down, 1913.png|thumb|right|The 504-ft (154 m) ''Charles S. Price'', upside down on the southern end of Lake Huron.]]

The greatest damage was done on the lakes. Major [[shipwreck]]s occurred on all but Lake Ontario, with most happening on southern and western Lake Huron. Lake masters recounted that waves reached at least 35 feet (11 m) in height. Being shorter in length than waves ordinarily formed by gales, they occurred in rapid succession, with three waves frequently striking in succession. Masters also stated that the wind often blew in directions opposite to the waves below. This was the result of the storm's cyclonic motion, a phenomenon rarely seen on the Great Lakes.

[[Image:Charles S Price, upside down illustration.jpg|thumb|left|Artist's rendition of ''Price'''s position before finally sinking to the bottom.]]

In the late afternoon of November 10, an unknown vessel was spotted floating upside-down in about {{convert|60|ft|m}} of water on the eastern coast of Michigan, within sight of [[Huronia Beach]] and the mouth of the St. Clair River. Determining the identity of this "mystery ship" became of regional interest, resulting in daily front-page newspaper articles. The ship eventually sank, and it was not until early Saturday morning, November 15, that it was finally identified as the ''Charles S. Price''. The front page of that day's ''Port Huron Times-Herald'' extra edition read, "BOAT IS PRICE — DIVER IS BAKER — SECRET KNOWN".<ref>Front page, ''Port Huron Times-Herald'' EXTRA edition, Port Huron, Michigan, 15 November 1913.</ref> Milton Smith, the assistant engineer who decided at the last moment not to join his crew on premonition of disaster, aided in identifying any bodies that were found.

The final tally of financial loss included [[United States dollar|US$]]2,332,000 for vessels totally lost, $830,900 for vessels that became constructive total losses, $620,000 for vessels stranded but returned to service, and approximately $1,000,000 in lost cargoes. This figure did not include financial losses in coastal cities.<ref>Brown, 2002, p 245.</ref>

The storm had several long-term consequences. Complaints against the USDA Weather Bureau of alleged unpreparedness resulted in increased efforts to achieve more accurate [[weather forecasting]] and faster realization and communication of proper storm warnings. Criticism of the shipping companies and shipbuilders led to a series of conferences with insurers and mariners to seek safer designs for vessels. This resulted in the construction of ships with greater stability and more longitudinal strength. Immediately following the blizzard of Cleveland, Ohio, the city began a campaign to move all utility cables underground, in tubes beneath major streets. The project took half a decade.

==Ships foundered==
{{main|Shipwrecks of the 1913 Great Lakes storm|List of victims of the 1913 Great Lakes storm}}
[[Image:Great Lakes 1913 Storm Shipwrecks.png|thumb|right|Geographical diagram of ships wrecked during the storm.]]
[[Image:Wexford victims ashore, 1913.png|thumb|right|Bodies from ''Wexford'' washed ashore near [[Goderich, Ontario]].]]

The following list includes ships that sank during the storm, killing their entire crews. It does not include the three victims from the freighter ''William Nottingham'', who volunteered to leave the ship on a [[Lifeboat (shipboard)|lifeboat]] in search of assistance. While the boat was being lowered into the water, a breaking wave smashed it into the side of the ship. The men disappeared into the near-freezing waters below. The following shipwreck casualties have been documented:<ref>Brown, 2002, p 223.</ref>

*[[Lake Superior]]
**''Leafield:'' 18 victims
**''[[SS Henry B. Smith|Henry B. Smith]]:'' 25 victims
*[[Lake Michigan]]
**''Plymouth'' ([[barge]]): 7 victims
*[[Lake Huron]]
**''Argus:'' 28 victims
**''[[SS James Carruthers|James Carruthers]]:'' 22 victims
**''Hydrus:'' 25 victims
**''John A. McGean:'' 28 victims
**''Charles S. Price:'' 28 victims
**''[[CSL Regina|Regina]]:'' 20 victims
**''Isaac M. Scott:'' 28 victims
**''[[SS Wexford|Wexford]]:'' 20 victims
*[[Lake Erie]]
**''[[Lightvessel|Lightship]] [[Lightship 82, Buffalo|LV 82, Buffalo]]:'' 6 victims<ref>[http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/light/light-vessel.htm Vogel, Michael N. and Paul F. Redding, ''Maritime Buffalo'', Buffalo History, Lightship LV 82.]</ref>

Of the twelve ships that sank in the storm, five have never been found: ''Henry B. Smith'', ''Leafield'', ''James C. Carruthers'', ''Hydrus'', and the barge ''Plymouth''. The most recent discovery was that of ''Wexford'' in the summer of 2000.

==See also==
*[[Forty Mile Point Light]]
*[[Gallery of 1913 Great Lakes storm images]]
*[[Shipwrecks of the 1913 Great Lakes storm]]

==Notes==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"><references /></div>

==References==
*Barcus, Frank, ''Freshwater Fury: Yarns and Reminiscences of the Greatest Storm in Inland Navigation'', (1986: Wayne State University Press) 166 pages. ISBN 0-8143-1828-2.
*Brown, David G. (2002). ''White Hurricane: A Great Lakes November Gale and America's Deadliest Maritime Disaster''. International Marine / McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138037-X.
*Hemming, Robert J. (1992). ''Ships Gone Missing: The Great Lakes Storm of 1913''. Chicago: Contemporary Books, Inc. ISBN 0-8092-3909-4.
*Ratigan, William (1987). ''Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals''. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN 0-8028-7010-4.
*Shipley, Robert and Fred Addis (1992). ''Wrecks and Disasters: Great Lakes Album Series''. St. Catharines, Ontario: Vanwell Publishing Limited. ISBN 0-920277-77-2.
*Articles in ''The Port Huron Times-Herald''. Port Huron, Michigan. (Nov. 10–15, 1913). various authors and pages. Transcripts of relevant articles are [http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Campus/2712/ available online].

==External links==
{{commonscat}}
{{wikiquote}}
*{{cite web |title= Isaac M. Scott|publisher= Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve |url= http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/shipwrecks/scott.html|accessdate= February 10| accessyear= 2005}}
*[http://www.wmhs.org/html/storm.html A first-person account of the storm, from a 1914 article in the ''Marine Review''.]
*[http://www.pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org/preserve/shipwrecks/1913storm.cfm Article from the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Society.]
*[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/stm_1913.php Deedler William R., NOAA Weather Historian, ''Hell Hath' No Fury Like a Great Lakes Fall Storm''.]
*[http://greatlakeshistory.homestead.com/home.html Great Lakes History and Shipwreck Directory.]
*[http://www.ship-wrecks.net/ Great Lakes Shipwreck Research.]
*[http://www.shipwreckwexford.ca/ The Wexford: Elusive Shipwreck of the 1913 Great Storm.]
*[http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/hcgl/hcgl.html Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, BGSU.]
*[http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.shipwrecks/175.1/mb.ashx List of victims of the 1913 Great Lakes storm.]
*[http://www.hhpl.on.ca/GreatLakes/documents/1913Storm/ Personal experiences of Captains of the Lake Fleet.]
*[http://wrecksandreefs.com/index.htm Photos of various discovered shipwrecks.]
*[http://talesofriverside.blogspot.com/2007/12/great-lakes-storms.html Tales of sea and riverside, Great Storm of 1913 (pictures of all the ships lost.)]
*[http://www.detnews.com/history/storm/storm.htm ''The night 12 ships vanished on the Great Lakes''], article in the ''[[Detroit News]]''.
*[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/?page=stories/blizzard1978 The Great Blizzard of 1978], details the cause of the November gale.

{{Greatlakes}}

[[Category:Great Lakes]]
[[Category:Blizzards in the United States]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Ontario]]
[[Category:History of Cleveland, Ohio]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes|1913]]
[[Category:1913 natural disasters]]

[[fr:Tempête de 1913 sur les Grands Lacs]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-10-24T13:05:30Z

WxGopher: there is not a nickname

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
nickname = |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, just over a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-09-30T16:10:02Z

WxGopher: rv unsourced claim on nickname

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, just over a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-09-19T13:43:37Z

WxGopher: fix

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, just over a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-09-19T13:42:40Z

WxGopher: removing nickname for now, there isn't a clear consensus

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname =
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| year= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | month = December | year = 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December 2004 and March 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} wide, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, just over a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Target Field]] the new Minnesota Twins stadium
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-08-26T03:02:17Z

WxGopher: Undid revision 234251275 by 67.165.24.255 (talk)

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,300 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,300 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,300 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} high, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeleton complete, just over a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.tcfbankstadium.com TCF Bank Stadium. com]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-07-21T14:51:28Z

WxGopher: /* Construction */ reword

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,200 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} high, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007. More than 8,800 tons of steel that makes up the stadiums' skeleton was put in place between [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref> With the steel skeletong complete, just over a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-07-21T14:43:10Z

WxGopher: update

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = 50,200 |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780–5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium.]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion of up to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} high, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the nation for all college and professional sports venues.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton taking place from [[January 28]], [[2008]] – [[June 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref>{{cite news | title = U of M to finish stadium's steel structure Friday | publisher = Associated Press | date = [[June 27]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/sports/21985884.html?location_refer=Error | accessdate = 2008-07-21}}</ref>
With the steel skeletong complete, just under a year remains to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-27T16:37:12Z

WxGopher: add cost

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people, and will cost $288.5 million to build.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} high, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the national for all college and professional sports.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-27T16:13:39Z

WxGopher: /* Design */ add scoreboard info

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The scoreboard for the stadium is being designed and built by [[Daktronics]] at a cost of $9 million. At {{convert|48|ft|m|1}} high by {{convert|108|ft|m|1}} high, the HD-X [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) video display technology scoreboard will be the second largest in college football, and the fifth largest in the national for all college and professional sports.<ref>{{cite web | title = University of Minnesota to Enhance New TCF Bank Stadium with Daktronics HD-X Video Display Technology | publisher = Daktronics | date = [[March 4]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=729 | accessdate = 2008-06-27}}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-27T15:27:48Z

WxGopher: /* Funding */ update $

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 52 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-27T15:19:36Z

WxGopher: Undid revision 222093682 by 216.114.206.18 (talk) no, it's turf

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-24T21:14:38Z

WxGopher: date, move info

{{Stadium under construction}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = "The ''New'' Brick House" |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]] and is a member of the [[Big Ten Conference]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]] on [[September 12]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will pay 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Wallingford-Tornado

2008-06-08T21:07:29Z

WxGopher: cleanup using AWB

{{Infobox tornado outbreak
| name = Wallingford Tornado
| image location = Wallingford, Connecticut tornado damage picture.jpg
| image name = Picture of a destroyed house in Wallingford.
| date = [[1878-08-09]]
| duration = ~3 hours
| fujitascale = possibly F4
| tornadoes = ≥3
| total damages (USD) = ≥$250,000 ($4.8 million 2007 [[United States dollar|USD]])
| total fatalities = 34
| areas affected = Southern [[Connecticut]]
}}
The '''Wallingford Tornado''' struck the town of [[Wallingford, Connecticut]] on [[August 9]], [[1878]]. The violent [[tornado]] destroyed most of the town, killing 34 people and injuring at least 70, many severely.<ref>[http://www.tornadoproject.com/alltorns/worstts.htm#CT CONNECTICUT: Tornadoes causing a death or more than five injuries] Accessed May 14, 2008.</ref> This was the deadliest tornado ever to strike the state of [[Connecticut]], and the second deadliest ever in [[New England]], behind the [[Flint-Worcester tornado outbreak sequence|Worcester tornado of 1953]].<ref name="significant tornadoes">{{cite book | last = Grazulis | first = Thomas P | title = Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991 | year = July | month = 1993 | publisher = The Tornado Project of Environmental Films | location = St. Johnsbury, VT | isbn = 1-879362-03-1 }}</ref>

==Before the storm==
The storm system which eventually produced the destructive Wallingford tornado produced damaging winds and at least one tornado far before it reached the doomed town. The first tornado from this storm system touched down in [[South Kent]], unroofing houses, blowing down barns, and uprooting and tossing trees into the air. It moved steadily southeast for 12 miles, moving just south of [[New Preston, Connecticut|New Preston]], then through [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]], before turning north and dissipating. The next path of damage was further north along the [[Shepaug River]], but still traveling southeast, for three miles before disappearing again. More damage was reported near [[Waterbury, Connecticut|Waterbury]], where a house was unroofed two miles west of the town. In the town itself, branches and chimneys were damaged.<ref>
{{cite news | title = MORE ABOUT THE TORNADO | url = http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=837114282&SrchMode=2&sid=3&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1210846487&clientId=61720 | format = PDF | publisher = [[Hartford Courant]] | location = [[Hartford, Connecticut]] | page = 2 | date = [[1878-08-16]] | accessdate = 2008-05-15 }}</ref><ref name=report>
{{cite book|title=Annual Report of the Chief Signal-Officer|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=oL0tAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA654&lpg=RA1-PA654&dq=Wallingford+tornado+of+1878&source=web&ots=vkwrjr5NbM&sig=k7TweLaX6_jqna_GOLgRghilXLs&hl=en#PRA2-PA656,M1|format=PDF
|accessdate=2008-05-14|year=1878|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=654-661}}</ref>

Observers of the storm as it approached the town described a black, rolling funnel cloud, with clouds blowing in from all directions. This cloud passed directly over [[Cheshire, Connecticut|Cheshire]], producing a "heavy wind" at the surface which caused some minor damage. The storm then moved directly towards Wallingford.<ref name=report/>

==The Wallingford tornado==
[[Image:Wallingford tornado illustration.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Artist's conception of the tornado destroying a house.]]
[[Image:Wallingford tornado track.PNG|right|250px|thumb|Map of the tornado's path through the town.]]
In Wallingford, the day prior to the tornado was clear, said to be "one of the loveliest [days] of the season".<ref name=NYT2>*{{cite news | author = Special Correspondant | title = WALLINGFORD'S TORNADO | url = http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D0CEEDB143EE63BBC4952DFBE668383669FDE | format = PDF | publisher = [[New York Times]] | page = 1 | date = [[1878-08-11]] | accessdate = 2008-05-14 }}</ref> At around 5 PM the sky began to get dark, and by 5:30 PM the air was very black. At around 6 PM, the air at the surface was calm, but lightning began to fill the sky, and the clouds began moving at a very rapid pace, frightening some residents into shelter.

The [[tornado]] started as a [[waterspout]] over Community Lake, just west of town. It then moved through town, damaging almost every structure as it went. The tornado tore houses from their foundations, throwing some more than 600 feet (180 meters). A receipt from the town was later found 65 miles (105 km) east in [[Wakefield-Peacedale, Rhode Island|Peacedale, Rhode Island]].<ref name=report/> Large trees were uprooted and snapped; those that were still standing were stripped of small limbs and leaves. The [[Catholic]] [[church]] was blown to bits, and heavy [[tombstone]]s in the nearby [[cemetery]] were tossed around. The brand-new brick [[high school]] building was almost completely destroyed; luckily school was not in session.<ref name=gendisasters>[http://www3.gendisasters.com/connecticut/874/wallingford,-ct-tornado,-aug-1878 Wallingford, CT Tornado, Aug 1878] Accessed May 14, 2008.</ref> The tornado's path was only two miles long, but the damage path was up to 600 feet (180 meters) wide.<ref>[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ddc/wxtrivia/wxtrvAug.php Today's Weather Trivia] Accessed May 14, 2008.</ref>

After this tornado lifted, yet another touched down to the southeast, causing major damage in southern [[Durham, Connecticut|Durham]] and [[Killingly, Connecticut|Killingly]], but no known injuries. The parent storm finally moved out over the ocean around 8 PM, ending the path of destruction.<ref name=report/>

==Aftermath==
[[Image:Wallingford, Connecticut school tornado damage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Artist's drawing of damage to the grade school.]]

A district schoolhouse was converted into a temporary morgue immediately after the storm, 21 bodies were discovered and placed there that night. The tornado brought down telegraph lines and poles around the area, so assistance from physicians in nearby towns took more than an hour.<ref name=NYT1/> More than 50 special police were sworn in to prevent looting, and to control the crowds of curious onlookers who had come by train from surrounding cities.<ref>{{cite news | title = LATEST FROM THE TORNADO | url = http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=4&did=823502852&SrchMode=2&sid=1&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1210830166&clientId=61720 | format = PDF | publisher = [[Hartford Courant]] | location = [[Hartford, Connecticut]] | page = 2 | date = [[1878-08-14]] | accessdate = 2008-05-15 }}</ref>

Damage estimates were around $150,000 ($2.9 million [[United States dollar|2007 USD]]) from buildings alone; utilities and railway facilities received a lot of damage as well.<ref name=NYT1>{{cite news | title = FURIOUS NORTHERN STORMS | url = http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E0DE4DD1038EE3BBC4852DFBE668383669FDE | format = PDF | publisher = [[New York Times]] | page = 1 | date = [[1878-08-10]] | accessdate = 2008-05-14 }}</ref> Final estimates were around $250,000 ($4.8 million 2007 USD).<ref name=report/>

==Conclusion==
Tornadoes are not uncommon in the state of [[Connecticut]], but tornadoes of this power are rare. Thirty five homes were completely destroyed, with many more being unroofed or receiving some sort of damage. One person was found dead 3300 feet (1 km) from where he had been standing.

Thirty four people were killed by the tornado, and many more narrowly avoided death.<ref name=NYT1/>

==See also==
*[[List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks]]
*[[List of Connecticut tornadoes]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/brs/nwind34.htm Illustrations of tornado damage (at bottom of page)]
*[http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital_dev/dgkeysearchdetail.cfm?trg=1&strucID=731833&imageID=G90F062_003F&total=5&num=0&word=French%2C%20D%2E%20%28David%29&s=3&notword=&d=&c=&f=4&k=0&lWord=&lField=&sScope=&sLevel=&sLabel=&imgs=20&pos=1&e=w Pictures of tornado damage]

[[Category:F4 tornadoes]]
[[Category:Tornadoes of 1878]]
[[Category:Connecticut tornadoes]]
[[Category:1878 in the United States]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-03T17:31:22Z

WxGopher: /* Funding */ typo

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will play 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations were only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), but in June 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations as well.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-06-03T17:30:48Z

WxGopher: /* Funding */ add new info

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will play 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Initially donations werew only being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), bit in June, 2008 the university expanded the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite news | title = New Gophers stadium starts search for more cash | publisher = KARE11.com | date = [[June 3]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513105 | accessdate = 2008-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been pledged.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Wallingford-Tornado

2008-06-01T14:22:03Z

WxGopher: Remove Words to avoid, Replaced: actually → using AWB

{{Infobox tornado outbreak
| name = Wallingford Tornado
| image location = Wallingford, Connecticut tornado damage picture.jpg
| image name = Picture of a destroyed house in Wallingford.
| date = [[1878-08-09]]
| duration = ~3 hours
| fujitascale = possibly F4
| tornadoes = ≥3
| total damages (USD) = ≥$250,000 ($4.8 million 2007 [[United States dollar|USD]])
| total fatalities = 34
| areas affected = Southern [[Connecticut]]
}}
The '''Wallingford Tornado''' struck the town of [[Wallingford, Connecticut]] on [[August 9]], [[1878]]. The violent [[tornado]] destroyed most of the town, killing 34 people and injuring at least 70, many severely.<ref>[http://www.tornadoproject.com/alltorns/worstts.htm#CT CONNECTICUT: Tornadoes causing a death or more than five injuries] Accessed May 14, 2008.</ref> This was the deadliest tornado ever to strike the state of [[Connecticut]], and the second deadliest ever in [[New England]], behind the [[Flint-Worcester tornado outbreak sequence|Worcester tornado of 1953]].<ref name="significant tornadoes">{{cite book | last = Grazulis | first = Thomas P | title = Significant Tornadoes 1680–1991 | year = July | month = 1993 | publisher = The Tornado Project of Environmental Films | location = St. Johnsbury, VT | isbn = 1-879362-03-1 }}</ref>

==Before the storm==
The storm system which eventually produced the destructive Wallingford tornado produced damaging winds and at least one tornado far before it reached the doomed town. The first tornado from this storm system touched down in [[South Kent]], unroofing houses, blowing down barns, and uprooting and tossing trees into the air. It moved steadily southeast for 12 miles, moving just south of [[New Preston, Connecticut|New Preston]], then through [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]], before turning north and dissipating. The next path of damage was further north along the [[Shepaug River]], but still traveling southeast, for three miles before disappearing again. More damage was reported near [[Waterbury, Connecticut|Waterbury]], where a house was unroofed two miles west of the town. In the town itself, branches and chimneys were damaged.<ref>
{{cite news | title = MORE ABOUT THE TORNADO | url = http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=837114282&SrchMode=2&sid=3&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1210846487&clientId=61720 | format = PDF | publisher = [[Hartford Courant]] | location = [[Hartford, Connecticut]] | page = 2 | date = [[1878-08-16]] | accessdate = 2008-05-15 }}</ref><ref name=report>
{{cite book|title=Annual Report of the Chief Signal-Officer|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=oL0tAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA654&lpg=RA1-PA654&dq=Wallingford+tornado+of+1878&source=web&ots=vkwrjr5NbM&sig=k7TweLaX6_jqna_GOLgRghilXLs&hl=en#PRA2-PA656,M1|format=PDF
|accessdate=2008-05-14|year=1878|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=654-661}}</ref>

Observers of the storm as it approached the town described a black, rolling funnel cloud, with clouds blowing in from all directions. This cloud passed directly over [[Cheshire, Connecticut|Cheshire]], producing a "heavy wind" at the surface which caused some minor damage. The storm then moved directly towards Wallingford.<ref name=report/>

==The Wallingford Tornado==
[[Image:Wallingford tornado illustration.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Artist's conception of the tornado destroying a house.]]
[[Image:Wallingford tornado track.PNG|right|250px|thumb|Map of the tornado's path through the town.]]
In Wallingford, the day prior to the tornado was clear, said to be "one of the loveliest [days] of the season".<ref name=NYT2>*{{cite news | author = Special Correspondant | title = WALLINGFORD'S TORNADO | url = http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D0CEEDB143EE63BBC4952DFBE668383669FDE | format = PDF | publisher = [[New York Times]] | page = 1 | date = [[1878-08-11]] | accessdate = 2008-05-14 }}</ref> At around 5 PM the sky began to get dark, and by 5:30 PM the air was very black. At around 6 PM, the air at the surface was calm, but lightning began to fill the sky, and the clouds began moving at a very rapid pace, frightening some residents into shelter.

The [[tornado]] started as a [[waterspout]] over Community Lake, just west of town. It then moved through town, damaging almost every structure as it went. The tornado tore houses from their foundations, throwing some more than 600 feet (180 meters). A receipt from the town was later found 65 miles (105 km) east in [[Wakefield-Peacedale, Rhode Island|Peacedale, Rhode Island]].<ref name=report/> Large trees were uprooted and snapped; those that were still standing were stripped of small limbs and leaves. The [[Catholic]] [[church]] was blown to bits, and heavy [[tombstone]]s in the nearby [[cemetery]] were tossed around. The brand-new brick [[high school]] building was almost completely destroyed; luckily school was not in session.<ref name=gendisasters>[http://www3.gendisasters.com/connecticut/874/wallingford,-ct-tornado,-aug-1878 Wallingford, CT Tornado, Aug 1878] Accessed May 14, 2008.</ref> The tornado's path was only two miles long, but the damage path was up to 600 feet (180 meters) wide.<ref>[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ddc/wxtrivia/wxtrvAug.php Today's Weather Trivia] Accessed May 14, 2008.</ref>

After this tornado lifted, yet another touched down to the southeast, causing major damage in southern [[Durham, Connecticut|Durham]] and [[Killingly, Connecticut|Killingly]], but no known injuries. The parent storm finally moved out over the ocean around 8 PM, ending the path of destruction.<ref name=report/>

==Aftermath==
[[Image:Wallingford, Connecticut school tornado damage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Artist's drawing of damage to the grade school.]]

A district schoolhouse was converted into a temporary morgue immediately after the storm, 21 bodies were discovered and placed there that night. The tornado brought down telegraph lines and poles around the area, so assistance from physicians in nearby towns took more than an hour.<ref name=NYT1/> More than 50 special police were sworn in to prevent looting, and to control the crowds of curious onlookers who had come by train from surrounding cities.<ref>{{cite news | title = LATEST FROM THE TORNADO | url = http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=4&did=823502852&SrchMode=2&sid=1&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1210830166&clientId=61720 | format = PDF | publisher = [[Hartford Courant]] | location = [[Hartford, Connecticut]] | page = 2 | date = [[1878-08-14]] | accessdate = 2008-05-15 }}</ref>

Damage estimates were around $150,000 ($2.9 million [[United States dollar|2007 USD]]) from buildings alone; utilities and railway facilities received a lot of damage as well.<ref name=NYT1>{{cite news | title = FURIOUS NORTHERN STORMS | url = http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E0DE4DD1038EE3BBC4852DFBE668383669FDE | format = PDF | publisher = [[New York Times]] | page = 1 | date = [[1878-08-10]] | accessdate = 2008-05-14 }}</ref> Final estimates were around $250,000 ($4.8 million 2007 USD).<ref name=report/>

==Conclusion==
Tornadoes are not uncommon in the state of [[Connecticut]], but tornadoes of this power are rare. Thirty five homes were completely destroyed, with many more being unroofed or receiving some sort of damage. One person was found dead 3300 feet (1 km) from where he had been standing.

Thirty four people were killed by the tornado, and many more narrowly avoided death.<ref name=NYT1/>

==See also==
*[[List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks]]
*[[List of Connecticut tornadoes]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/brs/nwind34.htm Illustrations of tornado damage (at bottom of page)]
*[http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital_dev/dgkeysearchdetail.cfm?trg=1&strucID=731833&imageID=G90F062_003F&total=5&num=0&word=French%2C%20D%2E%20%28David%29&s=3&notword=&d=&c=&f=4&k=0&lWord=&lField=&sScope=&sLevel=&sLabel=&imgs=20&pos=1&e=w Pictures of tornado damage]

[[Category:F4 tornadoes]]
[[Category:Tornadoes of 1878]]
[[Category:Connecticut tornadoes]]
[[Category:1878 in the United States]]

Blizzard of ’77

2008-05-22T00:30:57Z

WxGopher: /* Trivia */ rm trivia section

{{Cleanup|date=September 2006}}
[[Image:Blizzard of 1977.jpg|thumb|right|Snow drifts made travel difficult. This photo was taken [[February 7]], [[1977]] in Buffalo.]]
[[Image:30 Jan 1977 Tonawanda, NY (Parker Blvd between Brompton Rd and Ellicott Creek Rd).jpg|thumb|A house almost completely buried in snow in Tonawanda, New York. Photo taken [[30 January]], [[1977]].]]
The '''Blizzard of ‘77''' was a deadly [[blizzard]] that hit the city of [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], [[New York]] and the area around it in [[New York]] and [[Ontario]] (and to a lesser extent, surrounding regions) from [[January 28]] to [[February 1]], [[1977]]. Daily peak gusts of 69, 51, 52, 58 and 46 [[miles per hour]] (111, 82, 84, 93, and 74 [[kilometers per hour|km/h]]) were recorded during this period at the Buffalo National Weather Service office (National Weather Service Buffalo Office 2006a).

In the hardest struck areas [[snowmobile]]s became the only viable method of transportation. In Western New York and Southern Ontario, [[snow]] built up on frozen [[Lake Erie]] and the snow cover on the ground over land at the start of the blizzard provided ample material for the high winds to blow around into huge drifts. The combination of bitter cold, high winds, and blowing snow paralyzed the areas most strongly affected by the storm. [[Lake Ontario]] was not frozen, which meant that Northern New York did not have to deal with previously accumulated snow blowing off the lake’s surface. This did allow for considerable [[lake effect snow]] to occur, that when coupled with the existing snow cover and wind also created paralysis.

==Winter of 1976-1977==
During the months leading up to the blizzard, weather conditions occurred that allowed the blizzard to have the impacts that it did. In fall 1976 through January 1977, a high-amplitude [[planetary wave]] pattern set up (Wagner 1978), that was very persistent from October through January and involved a [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] over western North America and a [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]] over eastern North America (Wagner 1977a). In January 1977, this pattern persisted with the strong ridge over western North America being more than two [[standard deviation]]s from the [[mean]], while the strong trough centered over eastern North America was 3+ standard deviations from the mean (Wagner 1977a). A strong [[blocking high]] developed over the [[Arctic Ocean]] during January and this moved the [[polar vortex]] to southern [[Canada]], south from where it normally is located (Wagner 1977b). Strong northwest flow between the ridge over western North America and the trough over eastern North America resulted in strong northwest flow in between, which ushered in Arctic air to the central and eastern United States (Wagner 1977b). The circulation helped cause record cold for the winter over many portions of the eastern United States with the [[Ohio Valley]] averaging more than 8 degrees Fahrenheit below normal (Wagner 1978). The severe winter was not limited to the Northeastern [[United States]] with snow observed in [[Miami]], Florida on [[January 20]] and snow mixed with rain in the [[Bahamas]] (Schwartz 1977).

==In western New York==
===Antecedent weather===
During the June through September period, the Buffalo [[National Weather Service]] (NWS) office recorded 16.05 [[inch]]es (408 [[millimeter|mm]]) of rain, (NWS Buffalo Office 2006c) which is wetter than the 1961-1990 normal of 14.29 inches (363 mm) (Northeast Regional Climate Center 2006). In [[Western New York]] the previously described pattern resulted in snowy and cold weather in the months leading up to the blizzard. Buffalo, at this time, was a city of about 463,000 people with about 2 million people in the metropolitan area, the second largest city in New York State (Bahr 1980, p. 5). The first trace of snow of the winter, at the Buffalo NWS weather station, in [[Cheektowaga]], NY, occurred on [[October 9]], while the first accumulating snow was on [[October 21]] (NWS Buffalo Office 2006c). Elsewhere in Western New York, lake effect snow was observed in two periods with up to 4 inches (10 [[centimeter|cm]]) on October 17-18 and up to 12 inches (30 cm) on October 21-22 (O’Connell 1977). By the last day of October, Lake Erie was 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9[[Celsius|°C]]), the coldest it had been on that date (NWS Buffalo Office 2006b). November’s air temperature in Buffalo was the coldest in nearly 100 years (since 1880), with an average temperature of 34.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 °C), 5.7 degrees Fahrenheit (3.2 °C) below normal (O’Connell 1977). The first three weeks of November were quite dry in Buffalo (only 0.30 inches, 7.6 mm of precipitation), and November as a whole was dryer than normal. During late November some heavy snow occurred, including 19 inches (48 cm) on the 30th (up to 4 feet, 1.2 [[Metre|m]] in southern [[Erie County, New York|Erie County]], the county in which Buffalo sits) (O’Connell 1977). The total November snowfall was recorded at 31.3 inches (79.5 cm) at the NWS office in Buffalo (NWS Buffalo Office 2006b).

December was cold and snowy with an average temperature of 22.0 degrees Fahrenheit (-5.6 °C) (NWS Buffalo Office 2006b), about 6 degrees Fahrenheit (3 °C) below normal, and a record (for any month) snowfall of 60.7 inches (154.2 cm) (O’Connell 1977). Daily snow depth readings varied from 2 to 26 inches (5 to 66 cm) (NWS Buffalo Office 2006c), with a maximum measured snow depth of 31 inches (79 cm) (3:40 p.m. [[December 2]]; O’Connell 1977). The cold weather led to the Lake Erie temperature reaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 °C) on [[December 14]], which is the earliest on record it had reached this temperature (Bahr 1980, p. 35; O’Connell 1977). By the end of the month, Lake Erie “was ice covered beyond vision” (O’Connell 1977).

The wintry weather continued in January with the monthly average temperature being 13.8 degrees Fahrenheit (-10.1 °C), the coldest on record (records began in 1870 in Buffalo), and about 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 °C) below normal (O’Connell 1977). It never rose to freezing in Buffalo that month, the first January that had occurred (O’Connell 1977). On [[January 10]] over a foot (30 cm) of snow fell and combined with winds gusting to 59 miles per hour (95 km/h) to result in blizzard conditions (U. S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE] 1977, p. 2).

Prior to the day the blizzard started ([[January 28]]), at least a trace of snow had occurred every day since [[December 20]], and measurable snow had occurred on all but 3 days since that date. There was continuous snow cover from [[November 29]] until the day of the blizzard, and 151.3 inches (384.3 cm) of snow had fallen that winter prior to the blizzard (59.1 inches (150.1 cm) in January alone) (NWS Buffalo Office 2006b), well-above normal even for a city that averages about 100 inches (250 cm) of snowfall per year. This all led to a snow depth of 33 inches (84 cm) on the day the blizzard started, on [[January 28]] (NWS Buffalo Office 2006b).

===Prelude===
Even before the blizzard hit, the [[Niagara Mohawk|Niagara Mohawk Power Company]] had warned that snow was reaching to the power lines in some areas of Western New York (Bahr 1980, p. 25). Early in the week of the blizzard, James Lindner, Commissioner of Street Sanitation for the city of Buffalo, estimated that approximately 20% of cars in the city of Buffalo were illegally parked or abandoned, limiting the ability for snowplows to clear side streets and making many of them impassable (Bahr 1980, p. 26). A concentrated effort to plow (and tow as necessary), called the “Snow Blitz” by the press, managed to make significant progress on Tuesday ([[January 25]]) and Wednesday ([[January 26]]) with the help of 960 tickets and 140 tows (Bahr 1980, 26-27). Even so, one source notes that side streets in the city of Buffalo were “practically impassable” on Wednesday ([[January 26]]) (USACE 1977, p. 2). On Wednesday evening snow squalls and high winds hit [[Wyoming County, New York|Wyoming]], [[Cattaraugus County, New York|Cattaraugus]], [[Allegany County, New York|Allegany]], and Erie counties in Western New York (USACE 1977, p. 2). This snowstorm closed the [[Buffalo Skyway]], Fuhrmann Boulevard (a major route to the suburbs south of the city), (Bahr 1980, 18-19; USACE 1977, p. 2) and many other roads (USACE 1977, p. 2) and forced snow removal crews to focus on the major and secondary roads Wednesday night and Thursday (Bahr 1980, p. 28). Multiple motorists were stranded on Fuhrmann Blvd. and rescued by police and firefighters overnight Wednesday (USACE 1977, p. 2). The clearing of snow from this storm was made difficult by winds, which in one case on Thursday ([[January 27]]) transformed a clear road to one with 6 foot drifts in less than an hour (Bahr 1980, p. 30). Some schools and factories, as well as the [[Buffalo Niagara International Airport|Greater Buffalo International Airport]], closed Thursday ([[January 27]]) (USACE 1977, p. 2).

On the afternoon of Thursday ([[January 27]]), Buffalo mayor Stanley Makowski announced that New York governor [[Hugh Carey]] was sending the [[United States National Guard|National Guard]] and the [[New York State Department of Transportation]] with equipment to help with snow clearing efforts (Bahr 1980, p. 29). Also, on this day, severe [[natural gas]] shortages caused Governor Carey to declare a fuel emergency for New York State, resulting in the National Fuel Gas Company severely limiting the natural gas available to non-residential customers (Bahr 1980, p. 31). The governors of [[Minnesota]], [[Tennessee]], [[Ohio]], [[Pennsylvania]], and [[New Jersey]] had also declared energy emergencies (Bahr 1980, p. 37).

===Onset===
On Thursday, [[January 27]], an Arctic [[surface weather analysis|front]] swept southward through the northern [[Great Plains]] to the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] (Bahr 1980, p. 36). Between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday, [[January 28]], a wall of snow accompanied the cold front passage through [[Indianapolis, Indiana|Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]] along with a temperature drop of almost 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], [[Ohio]], reported similar situations (Rossi 1999, 237-238). [[Toledo, Ohio|Toledo]] and [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]], [[Ohio]], as well as [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], [[Pennsylvania]], were also hit strongly by the cold front. The NWS office in Erie, Pennsylvania, warned that “travel might be disastrous”, and there were greater than 500 accidents in Erie that morning (Bahr 1980, p. 41).

Friday morning, between midnight and 11 a.m., the temperature at the Buffalo airport rose from 5 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 °C to -3 °C) (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a). Snow began around 5 a.m. with about 2 inches (5 cm) of new snow prior to the beginning of the blizzard conditions (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a). At 4 a.m., the Buffalo NWS office indicated that “very strong winds will once again produce near blizzard conditions beginning late this afternoon and continuing tonight” (Bahr 1980, p. 40). At 11 a.m. a blizzard warning was issued, which was the first time the Buffalo NWS office had done this (Bahr 1980, p. 42). That morning, observers on the 16th floor of the M&T Building in Buffalo watched as a gray wall covered the city and appeared white as it came closer. A blast of wind hit the building that caused the floor to move and the glass window to creak, and then the wall of white enveloped the building. It was 11:10 a.m. (Bahr 1980, p. 46). As noted earlier, on the previous day the governor of New York had decided to use the National Guard and the New York State Department of Transportation to help clean up snow in the city of Buffalo, not knowing that a blizzard would hit. Some New York State Department of Transportation equipment had arrived in Buffalo while the National Guard was not yet mobilized, but a meeting was being held at the Buffalo city garage that morning to coordinate the efforts. Before the meeting finished, Buffalo city plows started to return to the garage due to a lack of visibility, as they reported that they were unable to even see their own plow blades (Bahr 1980, 46-47). By 11:30 a.m., most workers in the city of Buffalo had been released early, but few made it home (Bahr 1980, p. 50).

The white wall of snow reached the airport around 11:30 a.m. (Bahr 1980, 52-53, NWS Buffalo Office 2006a)  associated with the cold front (Dewey 1977). Winds increased to 29 miles per hour (47 km/h), gusting to 49 miles per hour (79 km/h), with visibility dropping from 3/4 mile (1.2 km) to 0 (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a) where it stayed until 12:50 a.m. the next day (USACE 1977, p. 3). In the four hours after the blizzard hit, the temperature at the Buffalo airport fell from 26 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (from −3 to −18 °C) (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a).

Snow built up rapidly with “bumper-high” snow being reported by 1 p.m. (Bahr 1980, p. 55) and 15 feet (5 m) high drifts by nightfall, in the city of Buffalo (Bahr 1980, p. 60). The depth of snow quickly caused many roads to become impassable (within 30 minutes in the part of Buffalo nearest Lake Erie; Rossi 1999, p. 270), and the blowing snow caused extremely low visibilities that combined to make travel nearly impossible. In addition to the roads becoming impassable, motorists also had to deal with vehicles breaking down due to the combination of very cold temperatures, very high winds, and blowing snow. For example, a maintenance pickup truck at the Buffalo airport had snow blasted into the engine block, that then melted, saturated the spark plugs, and stalled the engine (Bahr 1980, p. 54). A report from the Canadian town of [[Welland, Ontario|Welland]], [[Ontario]], (see section below for a description of the blizzard in Canada) indicated that many cars there overheated when snow got under the radiator, melted, and then refroze, interfering with the fan (Rossi 1999, p. 55). Those attempting to travel by foot also found travel very difficult with the high winds, low visibility, deep snow, and very low [[wind chill]]s. Pedestrians got knocked down by the wind in city streets and struggled to regain footing, so pairs of policemen pulled them into buildings (Rossi 1999, p. 280). People formed human chains from the [[Buffalo Memorial Auditorium|Memorial Auditorium]] to people stranded in cars so the motorists would not get lost trying to find shelter (Rossi 1999, p. 291).

Locations west of Buffalo that were hit by the cold front only were affected for 2 to 3 hours (Bahr 1980, p. 59), and it was thought that in Western New York it would be the same (Bahr 1980, 52-53). By 1:30 p.m., however, Buffalo radar indicated almost no snow and it became clear that snow was being blown off of frozen Lake Erie (Bahr 1980, p. 59-60). Since the lake had frozen in December, the snow that fell had built up on the lake (recall the Buffalo airport reported 59.1 inches (150.1 cm) of snow in January prior to the blizzard). Lake Erie was reported to be covered by “deep, powdery snow” at the beginning of the blizzard (Wrightson 1977). During January the unusually cold conditions limited thawing and freezing and thus the snow on the ground (and frozen lake) did not consolidate into a form that would limit drifting (USACE 1977, p. 4). The new snow associated with the cold front along with the snow that had previously accumulated on land and on frozen Lake Erie, was all blown by the strong winds and created drifts of over 25 feet (8 m) in metro Buffalo (Dewey 1977). During the days in which the blizzard occurred only around 12 inches (30 cm) of “new” snow fell and much of this is thought to be from snow that previously was in the snowpack on Lake Erie (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a). The drifted snow from the blizzard was difficult to clear for reasons illuminated by NWS meteorologist Ben Kolker: “The wind was so strong that it packed the snow. It broke the snow crystals up so they really packed in solidly, almost like a form of cement” (Rossi 1999, p. 286). As discussed later in this article, normal snow clearing methods could not be used in many cases due to the height of the drifts and the tight packing of the snow (USACE 1977, p. 4).

The worst conditions, of the blizzard in Buffalo, occurred during the late afternoon of Friday, [[January 28]], as winds averaged 40 knots (46 [[miles per hour|mph]], 74 km/h) and gusted to 60 knots (69 mph, 111 km/h) with wind chills of -60 to -70 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 °C to -55 °C) (NWS pre-2001 wind chill calculation method; NWS Buffalo Office 2006a). That night people stayed in whatever shelter they could find, with 700 people staying in the Donovan State Office Building, 200 in the Rath Building, 300 in the Memorial Auditorium, etc. (Bahr 1980, 67-68). Authorities estimated 13,000 people were stranded Friday night in downtown Buffalo and that many in the surrounding areas as well (ex. 1,700 at [[Bell Aircraft|Bell Aerosystems]] in [[Wheatfield, New York|Wheatfield]], 2,500 at Harrison Radiator Company in [[Lockport (city), New York|Lockport]]; Bahr 1980, p. 93).

With many roads becoming impassable, the city of Buffalo police were almost immobile by Friday evening (Bahr 1980, p. 70). Through radio and television, citizens were asked to loan [[snowmobile|snowmobiles]] and [[four-wheel drive]] vehicles to the Buffalo police (Bahr 1980, p. 70), and thus police used the snowmobiles (Rossi 1999, p. 272) and four wheel drive vehicles to answer calls. Looting broke out and items stolen included radios and firefighters' clothing from fire trucks (Bahr 1980, p. 88), as well as more than [[United States Dollar|US$]]1,500 in medical supplies from a stuck ambulance (Bahr 1980, p. 114). Cigarettes, liquor, beer, coffee, meat, and refrigerators were stolen from abandoned semi-trucks (Bahr 1980, pp. 88, 114). There was also looting from factories, stores (including a couple jewelry stores and a furniture/appliance store), and homes (Bahr 1980, pp. 88, 114).

A fire broke out at Whitney Place and Virginia Street, in the city of Buffalo, on Friday evening, and this resulted in fire trucks ramming through stalled cars in an attempt to get to the scene and fire hoses being stretched two to three blocks to reach the fire, as that is where the fire trucks were able to make it to (Bahr 1980, 80-81). The National Guard assisted in taking firemen to the scene in four wheel drive vehicles (Bahr 1980, p. 82). Not only did the weather frustrate efforts to reach the scene, but it also hampered the ability to fight the fire. Attempts to disconnect hoses to move them resulted in the water freezing and bursting the hoses (Bahr 1980, p. 83; Rossi 1999, p. 230). Since the street drains were blocked with snow, runoff water from the fire rose to the running boards on the fire department's pumpers. When this water froze it required jack hammers to extricate the pumpers (Rossi 1999, p. 230). Hoses also had to be removed with jack hammers (Bahr 1980, p. 83; Rossi 1999, p. 230). Some fire truck pumpers stalled in the snow when wind blew into the motors and/or they ran out of fuel. Since their design necessitated the use of water instead of antifreeze as a coolant, the water in the pumper froze and ruined them (Rossi 1999, p. 230, 308; Bahr 1980, 83-84). The fire was eventually extinguished but not before six or seven houses were destroyed and 50 people left homeless (Bahr 1980, p. 93; NWS Buffalo Office 2006a; Rossi 1999, p. 231). Virginia Street and Whitney Place were closed for more than two weeks following the fire due to vehicles stuck in the ice (Bahr 1980, p. 179). In addition to the fire, fireman used snowmobiles to rescue trapped people and to transport nurses and doctors to the hospitals (Rossi 1999, p. 307), and they used four wheel drive vehicles to deliver medicine (Rossi 1999, p. 310).

On Friday, volunteers on four wheel drive vehicles and snowmobiles delivered food (a few thousand dollars worth every 45 minutes) for the [[Salvation Army]] from their Buffalo headquarters (Bahr 1980, p. 91). The [[American Red Cross|Red Cross]] opened eight shelters in Erie County, New York, on Friday, and snowmobile clubs provided volunteers to deliver food, blood, and medicine (Bahr 1980, p. 92). Snowmobiles were also used to rescue people from the Skyway as well as from another expressway (Bahr 1980, p. 94).

There were three airplanes on the tarmac at the Buffalo airport in Cheektowaga waiting to take off when the blizzard hit (Bahr 1980, p. 94). One of them had idled for 5 minutes due to the blizzard hitting, and this resulted in the nose wheel freezing and preventing it from turning around (Bahr 1980, p. 53). It took several hours to bring the three airplanes back to the terminal since they had to do this via radio communication. The limited visibility prevented the pilots from seeing the men on the ground who would normally guide the airplane (Bahr 1980, p. 94).

===Duration and cleanup===
By midnight Friday, it was estimated that 2,000 cars were stranded on Main Street alone and about 8,000 on other streets in the city of Buffalo (Bahr 1980, p. 118). Saturday morning ([[January 29]]) visibility improved and the city of Buffalo sent their plows back out (Bahr 1980, p. 113). The many abandoned cars made their job more difficult (Bahr 1980, p. 118). By 6:00 a.m. Saturday, Buffalo’s Commissioner of Street Sanitation, James Lindner, had 30 private tow trucks removing vehicles and later in the day the number would rise to 50 (Bahr 1980, p. 118). Saturday afternoon, dump trucks and payloaders dumped snow into the [[Niagara River]] (Bahr 1980, p. 119). Buffalo police focused on quelling the looting Saturday (Bahr 1980, p. 114) with 50-60 jailed by evening (Bahr 1980, p. 124).

On Saturday, the [[Buffalo Courier-Express]] did not publish for the first time in its history (143 years; Bahr 1980, p. 113), and [[The Buffalo News|The Buffalo Evening News]] only published 10,000 copies (USACE 1977, p. D-5 which reproduces an article from the Buffalo Courier-Express [[February 12]] [[1977]]). On Friday ([[January 28]]) New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey requested that portions of New York State be declared a major [[disaster area]] and on Saturday ([[January 29]]) [[Jimmy Carter|President Jimmy Carter]] declared an “Emergency” for all of New York and Pennsylvania that resulted in a [[state of emergency|declaration of emergency]] specifically for the Western New York counties of [[Cattaraugus County, New York|Cattaraugus]], [[Chautauqua County, New York|Chautauqua]], [[Erie County, New York|Erie]], and [[Niagara County, New York|Niagara]] (USACE 1977, p. 7) . At 11:10 a.m., during a short break in the storm, a National Guard [[C-130]] was able to land at the Buffalo Airport (Bahr 1980, p. 118).

Saturday ([[January 29]]) had a record low for the date, -7 degrees Fahrenheit (-22 °C), breaking the old record set in 1885 (Bahr 1980, p. 126), and a peak wind gust of 51 miles per hour (82 km/h) (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a). During midafternoon the lull in the storm ended and the winds once again blew strongly, causing new drifting (Bahr 1980, p. 119). The storm continued since the low pressure center, with which the cold front was associated, stalled east of [[James Bay]] and then “moved back west over James Bay before finally moving east to the Canadian Maritimes” (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a).

Early Sunday morning ([[January 30]]) the wind and snow decreased somewhat (Bahr p. 127) and the sun was actually seen at times Sunday morning (Bahr 1980, p. 128). Sunday morning, Buffalo city plows and New York State Department of Transportation equipment were able to open several major roads (Main, Broadway, Michigan, Sycamore, Walden, Fillmore, Ohio, and a lot of South Park and Delaware) (Bahr 1980, p. 127).

President Carter appointed Thomas Casey, [[Federal Emergency Management Agency|Federal Disaster Assistance Administration]] Region II (Northeast) Director, as the Federal Coordinating Officer in charge of the [[federal government of the United States|U.S. federal government]] response to the blizzard; Casey arrived with New York governor Hugh Carey at the Buffalo airport in a C-130 at noon Sunday (USACE 1977, p. 7; Bahr 1980, 133-134). With the weather clearing and single lanes cleared on some roads, many sightseers drove into Buffalo (Bahr 1980, p. 135). At 3:00 p.m., the wind increased and blowing snow once again decreased visibility such that driving became treacherous, and thus hundreds were stranded anew and their abandoned cars blocked roads previously cleared (Bahr 1980, p. 135). On Sunday, a peak gust of 58 miles per hour (93 km/h) was recorded at the Buffalo airport (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a) and that night the [[wind chill]] fell to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 °C) (NWS pre-2001 wind chill calculation method; Bahr p. 136).

At 8:00 p.m., Sunday, the National Guardsmen, in their cold-weather gear, began action with their main, initial job assisting the city of Buffalo Street Sanitation Department with clearing roads to Buffalo hospitals (Bahr 1980, p. 136; Rossi 1999, p. 268). Since Friday afternoon walking multiple blocks had been necessary to reach most hospitals (Bahr 1980, p. 136).

By Sunday evening some areas of Western New York had, along with banning traffic, also banned snowmobiles as a snowmobiler was injured in a collision with a chimney on top of a house and others had come dangerously close to power lines due to the high drifts (Bahr 1980, p. 138). In [[Newstead, New York|Newstead]],  for example, approximately 30-foot (10 m) drifts led to the suspension of even emergency snowmobile traffic due to the power line danger (Bahr 1980, p. 147).

By Monday, many towns in Western New York banned unnecessary travel and declared emergencies (Bahr 1980, p. 147). Driving bans during the storm were imposed in the [[Niagara Falls, New York|city of Niagara Falls]], the city of Buffalo, Niagara County, and many other locations (USACE 1977, p. 9). Most roads in Cheektowaga were closed by snow overnight Sunday, and the fire department was “checking houses snow-covered to their roofs to make sure nobody was freezing or suffocating” (Bahr 1980, p. 147). The supervisor of the town of [[Clarence, New York|Clarence]], in addition to ordering all motorists ticketed, authorized the fire department, if necessary, to seize gasoline to prevent driving (Bahr 1980, p. 147). In [[Lancaster, New York|Lancaster]] only two north-south routes were open (Bahr 1980, p. 147). An early Sunday morning helicopter tour by [[Erie County, New York Sheriff's Office|Erie County Sheriff]] Ken Braun had revealed about 125 cars and trucks almost totally buried in the Lancaster area as well as a young man leaning against a street light that was strung across an intersection (Bahr 1980, 147-148). Some towns were using metal detectors to locate buried cars before using heavy equipment to clear the snow (Bahr 1980, p. 147).

Light snow fell throughout Monday ([[January 31]]) with varying winds that gusted at times to more than 40 miles per hour (65 km/h) (Bahr 1980, p. 150) with a peak gust of 46 miles per hour (74 km/h) at the Buffalo airport (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a). Only 20 of the normal more than 400 [[Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority]] buses were running and those were reserved for necessary travel (Bahr 1980, p. 148). From when the blizzard struck Friday until Monday there was no intercity bus service, no [[Amtrak]] trains, and no commercial air service to Buffalo (Bahr 1980, p. 149). The [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]] (USACE) had been brought in by the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration to assist in the cleanup effort and received a mission statement on Sunday ([[January 30]]) for emergency snow removal (USACE 1977, p. 15). The USACE named their effort "Operation Snow Go 1977" (USACE 1977, p. i) and got their first contractor to start clearing snow on Monday (Bahr 1980, p. 149). Also on Monday, federal disaster coordinator Tom Casey announced that 300 [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] soldiers from an engineer battalion at [[Fort Bragg, North Carolina|Fort Bragg]], [[North Carolina]], would join the effort (Bahr 1980, p. 150).

Monday night, police continued searching vehicles stranded since Friday, and the wind increased again to 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) (Bahr 1980, p. 154). On Tuesday ([[February 1]]), Buffalo Mayor Makowski declared a state of emergency in Buffalo that prohibited non-essential travel (USACE 1977, p. 9). Violation of the travel ban could potentially result in a US$500 fine and 90 days in jail, which was sufficient to limit the number of people ticketed to 97 (Bahr 1980, p. 165). Following a Monday request by New York Governor Carey, Tom Casey, on Tuesday, added [[Orleans County, New York|Orleans]], [[Genesee County, New York|Genesee]], and [[Wyoming County, New York|Wyoming]] Counties in Western New York and [[Jefferson County, New York|Jefferson]] and [[Lewis County, New York|Lewis]] Counties in Northern New York to the emergency declaration (USACE 1977, p. 7).

On Tuesday afternoon, the winds diminished to about 10 mph (16 km/h), and the sun came out (Bahr 1980, 161). On Wednesday ([[February 2]]) there was also occasional sun (Bahr 1980, 164). Mail service resumed in the city of Buffalo on Wednesday with the help of six four-wheel drive trucks brought in from [[Rochester, New York|Rochester]], the first mail delivery since the previous Friday (USACE 1977, p. D-5 which reproduces an article from the Buffalo Courier-Express newspaper of [[February 12]] [[1977]]; Bahr 1980, p. 164). Fuhrmann Boulevard was cleared, allowing workers trapped at the Freezer Queen plant since Friday to leave and freeing [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] personnel trapped behind 15 feet drifts at the end of the road who had been stranded by the snow the night before the blizzard (Thursday night, [[January 27]]) (Bahr 1980, 164-165). In addition, many major roads in the city of Buffalo were completely cleared Wednesday ([[February 2]]), including South Park Avenue, Delaware, and Tupper (Bahr 1980, p. 165).

Thursday morning ([[February 3]]), Buffalo Mayor Makowski lifted the travel ban without consulting state or federal officials, and many people drove into Buffalo. They found that parking lots were not cleared and so left their cars in the roads. This turned many 4-lane roads into 2-lane roads (Bahr 1980, p. 168). The NWS forecasted snow for Thursday, and the new snow arrived accompanied by winds that resulted in near-zero visibility (Bahr 1980, p. 168) and some areas claiming worse conditions than the Friday previous when the blizzard initially struck (Bahr 1980, p.169). A state of emergency continued or was declared in areas including [[Alden, New York|Alden]], [[Brant, New York|Brant]], [[Evans, New York|Evans]], [[Lancaster, New York|Lancaster]], [[Newstead, New York|Newstead]], [[North Collins, New York|North Collins]], and [[Wales, New York|Wales]]. Many roads in southern Erie County, as well as Niagara, Chautauqua, and Wyoming Counties were drifted shut (Bahr 1980, p. 169). Thursday night at midnight the city of Buffalo’s driving ban was put back in place (Bahr 1980, p. 170).

Under pressure from many levels of elected government officials to declare blizzard effected regions major disaster areas, President Carter sent his son James Earl (Chip) Carter and special Presidential advisor Margaret Costanza to survey the situation Friday [[February 4]]; the visit included traveling to Buffalo, Lancaster, and Cheektowaga (Bahr 1980, pp. 171, 173; USACE 1977, p. 7). On Saturday, [[February 5]], President Carter declared the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming in Western New York, and the counties of Jefferson and Lewis in Northern New York a major disaster area, the first such declaration for a snow caused event. (USACE 1977, pp. i, 8) (although such action would become more commonplace in later years). The previous emergency declaration had resulted in the federal government only assisting in snow removal whereas the major disaster declaration caused the federal government assistance to be “expanded to include everything to protect life and property and to provide whatever materials and equipment that were required to relieve the emergency and restore the area to normalcy” (USACE 1977, p. 8). The major disaster declaration also allowed the local governments to deal directly with private contractors and be reimbursed by the federal government instead of the USACE employing private contractors (Bahr 1980, p. 177).

On Friday morning, [[February 4]], the NWS had forecasted that early Saturday a storm would hit with about 3 inches (8 cm) of new snow accompanied by strong winds, but the storm did not strike Buffalo (Bahr 1980, pp. 172, 176). That weekend the Winter Carnival in Buffalo was postponed for the third time due to the too-wintry weather (Bahr 1980, 172-173).

On Monday, [[February 7]], the driving ban that had been in place since Thursday, [[February 3]], at midnight was lifted (USACE 1977, p. 9). However, cars were required to have at least three people in them and a city-wide speed limit of 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) was put in place (USACE 1977, p. D-6 which reproduces an article from the Buffalo Courier-Express newspaper of [[February 12]] [[1977]]). That Monday, at least 100 residents of [[Concord, New York|Concord]], NY (Erie County), were still isolated (USACE 1977, p. D-6 which reproduces an article from the Buffalo Courier-Express newspaper of [[February 12]] [[1977]]). However, many colleges and schools in Western New York reopened that day, after having been closed starting on Thursday, [[January 27]] (USACE 1977, p. B-2). This meant that there were seven consecutive snow days. Since the local governments were now able to be directly reimbursed by the federal government for contracting with companies for snow removal, the USACE was not assigned further work as of [[February 8]] but finished work in progress and completed their contracting efforts on [[February 13]] (USACE 1977, p. 26). The coordinator of the federal disaster relief, Casey, pulled out the Fort Bragg troops on Tuesday, [[February 8]]. By Wednesday, [[February 9]], the city of Buffalo had signed agreements with private firms to finish the snow removal, a task that would take nine days (Bahr 1980, p. 177).

The temperature rose above freezing for the first time since Christmas ([[December 25]]) on Wednesday, [[February 9]], with a high of 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 °C). Buffalo Mayor Makowski also lifted the rule requiring at least three people per car between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. (USACE 1977, p. D-6 which reproduces an article from the Buffalo Courier-Express of [[February 12]] [[1977]]). The next day it rose to 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 °C) and then made it to the 40s degrees Fahrenheit (5 °C to 9 °C) the next three days (NWS Buffalo Office 2006c). On Friday, [[February 11]], Mayor Makowski lifted the driving ban at noon, but the citywide 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) speed limit remained in effect (USACE 1977, p. D-6 which reproduces an article from the Buffalo Courier-Express newspaper of [[February 12]] [[1977]]). Buffalo city schools reopened on Monday, [[February 14]] (USACE 1977, p. B-2), after more than 10 consecutive snow days.

===Results===
The high winds of the blizzard packed the snow so tightly and so high that normal snow removal equipment was ineffective and earth moving equipment, such as front end loaders, had to be used (USACE 1977, p. 4). Colonel Daniel Ludwig of the USACE stated that the “snow was very densely packed and that snow plows would be virtually useless on most of the roads” (Rossi 1999, p. 316). NWS meteorologist Ben Kolker noted that on one of the roads near the NWS forecast office, high lifts were used “to dig away at it and break it up like big hunks of rock” (Rossi 1999, p. 288). Along with the packing of the snow, drifts reached 30 feet (10 m) in places (Rossi 1999, p. 287). In [[Depew, New York|Depew]], a suburb of Buffalo, volunteer firemen used a trenching machine to get people out of a house that had been drifted shut (Rossi 1999, p. 309). The repeated periods of heavy winds, in the days after the blizzard first struck, combined with the tight packing and high drifting of the snow associated with these winds, resulted in a long cleanup period. During the worst of the storm all commercial travel through Buffalo was shut down. This included the railroads (USACE 1977, p. 23) who used front end loaders to clear snow from the rail yard into open-bodied rail cars and shipped by [[Conrail]] east (USACE 1977, p. 24; Wrightson 1977).

In all, 16 of 25 towns in Erie County, as well as the city of Buffalo, declared states of emergency and banned all nonessential traffic at some time during the storm (USACE 1977, p. B-2). The USACE normal work force plus personnel from other USACE installations combined to a total of 353 USACE personnel working on the recovery effort (USACE 1977, p. 12). The USACE Buffalo District overall effort (including both Western and Northern New York) reported $6.8 million used in paying 216 private contractors to plow 3,186 miles of road in 9 counties using ~1,000 pieces of equipment and US$700,000 of in-house costs (USACE 1977, p. 28; Bahr 1980, p. 180). Other military assistance included 500 National Guard troops, 320 U. S. Army Airborne troops, the [[20th Engineer Brigade]] from [[Fort Bragg, North Carolina|Fort Bragg]], [[North Carolina]], 65-70 U. S. Marines, as well as assistance from the [[United States Air Force|U. S. Air Force]] (USACE 1977, p. 14). The National Guard operation was entitled “Task Force Western”, with headquarters at the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo, and included providing 9-10 Army-type ambulances along with operators for use in the city of Buffalo when almost no normal ambulances were able to operate (Rossi 1999, pp. 348, 351-352).

The Salvation Army fed between 67,000 and 176,000 people, provided clothing for about 4,500, and housed 851, for a cost of US$75,000 to US$150,000, using 1,000 volunteers and over 400 snowmobiles (Bahr 1980, p. 181; Rossi 1999, pp. 338, 341) . A Salvation Army official noted that the disaster was unique in that “it covered 9 counties and nobody could get in” (Rossi 1999, p. 339). The American Red Cross distributed 5 tons (4500 kg) of food at 84-92 locations, feeding about 50,000 people (Bahr 1980, p. 180; Rossi 1999, p. 244) .

There were 23 total storm-related deaths in Western New York, with 11 in the city of Buffalo, plus 7 more in the rest of Erie County, 3 in Wyoming County, and 1 each in both Niagara and Orleans County (USACE 1977, p. 6). At least nine were found buried in cars, while others involved heart attacks while shoveling snow and car accidents (USACE 1977, p. 6). The just stated death tolls are listed in the USACE report on cleanup efforts in the storm (USACE 1977) while a slightly different death toll is listed by the NWS on their Blizzard of 1977 webpage which indicates 29 deaths resulted from the storm (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a) . The Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce estimated a total economic loss for Erie and Niagara Counties combined of US$221,490,000 for the approximately 5.5 day period starting on [[January 28]] with 175,000 people losing wages of US$36,250,000 (USACE 1977, p. 25). It was estimated that over $20 million was spent removing snow (NWS Buffalo Office 2006a), with USACE alone spending over $6 million on contractors in Western New York (USACE 1977, p. 27).

Equipment from places including [[Colorado]], [[New York City]], and [[Toronto]] were used in the cleanup of snow (USACE 1977, p. 22). Abandoned vehicles were towed to designated parking areas and the snow hauled to dump areas where some remained until early May (USACE 1977, p. 22). Although March was 8 degrees Fahrenheit above normal (Bahr 1980, p. 181), the snow melted gradually such that there were not significant flooding problems (Rossi 1999, p. 318).

The storm has become a historical touchstone in the [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], [[New York]], area; anyone who lived in the area during the storm has a story about what they did during it. A [[board game]], called "The Blizzard of '77 Travel Game" was created after the storm. In it the players "drive" around the board, trying to collect goods such as groceries and [[gasoline]], before the storm hits. Once the storm hits, the board is flipped over to the "Blizzard" side and the players must continue in conditions, translated on the board into spaces like "Whiteout" or "Skid on ice," which have ill effects for the players. When the board is flipped to the "Blizzard" side only 1 die is rolled instead of 2 dice. Almost every space on the "flip" side of the board game is one of these spaces, which makes further play very frustrating, thereby simulating life during the Blizzard. A set of six glasses were also sold by the Buffalo Courier-Express newspaper with reproductions of newspaper articles about the storm on them. Two books have been written about the Blizzard of '77, "The Blizzard" by Robert Bahr (Bahr 1980) and "White Death – The Blizzard of '77" which is a compilation by Erno Rossi of accounts of the blizzard from both Southern Ontario and Western New York (Rossi 1999; note the original edition of the book was entitled "White Death – Blizzard of '77" and published in 1978).

==In southern Ontario==
Parts of the Canadian province of Ontario lying near the northern border of Lake Erie were also struck hard by the Blizzard of 1977. Due to the geographical proximity to Western New York and as a result of sharing a location on the edge of frozen and snow-covered Lake Erie, parts of southern Ontario experienced similar conditions to Western New York during the blizzard. However, reports seem to indicate the worst conditions were more limited to close to the lakeshore than in Western New York. For example, compare reports in Rossi (1999, p. 121) that conditions were much better 1 to 2 miles (2 to 3 km) inland and reports in Rossi (1999, p. 187) from a military commander noting an airborne view made it clear that the worst was right along the shore with reports in Western New York such as those of snow near street light level in well-inland Lancaster (Bahr 1980, p. 148). .

As in Western New York, the storm struck suddenly during the day Friday with zero visibility (e.g. Rossi 1999, pp. 12, 50) and blowing and drifting snow making roads impassable as well as stranding many vehicles (Rossi 1999). Looting of radios from abandoned cars as well as looting of pop from a truck was reported (Rossi 1999, p. 63). Friday night 250 people were stranded in the International Nickel Company plant in [[Port Colborne, Ontario|Port Colborne]] (Rossi 1999, p. 178). Although schools closed when informed of the impending storm, the rapid onset of the storm resulted in about 1,000 students being stranded overnight Friday, [[January 28]], in Port Colborne and [[Wainfleet, Ontario|Wainfleet]] schools (about 2,000 students were stranded in the [[Regional Municipality of Niagara|Niagara Region]] altogether) (Rossi 1999, p. 80). By Saturday night ([[January 29]]) at 6 p.m., 800 students were still trapped, with 600 of them in Wainfleet and Port Colborne (Rossi 1999, p. 80). On Sunday, the remaining students were taken from the schools with the help of the militia, although some students were housed in nearby houses (Rossi 1999, 80-81). In some areas, buses had become stranded trying to take children home from school Friday and so bus drivers took the children to nearby houses (Rossi 1999, p. 128).

Snowmobiles were widely used to deliver aid and transport those needing transportation. [[Niagara Regional Police Service]] enlisted the help of 60 snowmobiles and 15 four wheel drive vehicles that they used for regular police calls as well as to deliver food and medication (Rossi 1999, p. 45). Snowmobiles were also used to transport doctors and nurses (Rossi 1999, p. 47) and [[Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario|Ontario Hydro]] workers (Rossi 1999, p. 140). In [[Fort Erie, Ontario|Fort Erie]], snowmobiles were being dispatched from all six fire halls to provide aid (Rossi 1999, p. 176). [[Citizens' Band Radio|Citizens Band]] (CB) radio operators were used by the Niagara Regional Police for communication (Rossi 1999, p. 47). The radio station [[CIXL-FM|CHOW]] facilitated communication through allowing people to call in and airing needs on the radio (Rossi 1999, p. 129), a role confirmed via a plaque from the Port Colborne Chamber of Commerce and scrolls from the [[Welland, Ontario|Welland]] Chamber of Commerce (Rossi 1999, p. 131).

The [[Canadian Forces]] assisted in the situation under police direction (Rossi 1999, p. 46). For example, the mayor of Port Colborne requested military assistance from the Emergency Measures Organization in [[St. Catharines, Ontario|St. Catharines]] that resulted in an Army Reserve Battalion being sent and militia assisting in searching for stranded motorists (Rossi 1999, 148-149). In a deployment headquartered at the Regional Police Station in [[Niagara Falls, Ontario|Niagara Falls]] and stationed at the Lake Street Armory in St. Catharines and the Niagara Falls Armory in Niagara Falls, 156 reserves militia and 9 regular force soldiers helped in disaster relief (Rossi 1999, 183-184). Regional authorities requested military assistance on Saturday afternoon ([[January 29]]) and the first unit was called at 3:30 p.m., with 130 employed in the operation by Sunday ([[January 30]]) morning (Rossi 1999, 183-184). Their initial priorities were to “preserve life, clear main arteries into the communities of Port Colborne and Fort Erie, and try to open [[Highway 3 (Ontario)|No. 3 Highway]] between Port Colborne and Fort Erie” (Rossi 1999, p. 185). The military was also involved in the [[London, Ontario|London]], [[Ontario]]-area with reserves plus a 900-man infantry battalion (Rossi 1999, p. 186), but conditions there were not as serious with four wheel drive vehicles being generally sufficient for transportation (Rossi 1999, p. 187).

Areas affected by the blizzard included St. Catharines, Welland, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, and the Wainfleet area (Rossi 1999, p. 147), while Toronto and [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]] were not hit badly by the storm (Rossi 1999, p. 148). The Port Colborne area was strongly affected (e.g. Rossi p. 51), while Wainfleet was very hard hit, and in particular the [[Long Beach, Niagara Region, Ontario|Long Beach]] area and the Lowbanks area were very strongly affected by the storm (Rossi 1999, pp. 52, 126). As earlier noted, the most extreme conditions were right along the lakeshore (Rossi 1999, pp. 120, 187) with much better conditions one to two miles (2 to 3 km) inland (Rossi 1999, p. 120). In Wainfleet, one resident reported that early in the storm the wind broke a window facing the lake and snow rapidly began drifting in the house, which caused significant damage (Rossi 1999, pp. 9, 11). In the Lowbanks area, a resident reported that the storm smashed in windows and collapsed doors; they had lost power and heat and were burning furniture in the fireplace to keep warm (Rossi 1999, p. 126). Ontario Hydro noted that some power outages lasted 72 hours while it took an average of 24 hours to get power restored for some larger customers (Rossi 1999, p. 141). The depth of drifts in the hardest hit areas was extreme. Snowmobilers reported snowmobiling over vehicles as well as onto the roof of a house without knowing it (Rossi 1999, pp. 63, 58) and snowmobiling over the top of a school bus without being able to see its roof (Rossi 1999, p. 174). In the Long Beach area of Wainfleet, snow reached the power lines with people stepping over and rolling under them and only the chimneys of houses were visible above the snow (Rossi 1999, p. 52). Along the lakeshore in Wainfleet the mayor reported drifts up to 45 feet (14 m) high (Rossi 1999, p. 154), and in Lowbanks a military officer reported drifts of 30 to 40 feet (10 to 12 m) with only the steeple of a church visible (Rossi 1999, p. 184). One drift estimated at 40 feet (12 m) remained until [[June 1]] (Rossi 1999, p. 110), while snow banks reportedly lasted until the first week of June in the Cedar Bay area (Rossi 1999, p. 53).

The extreme depths of snow resulted in farmers in Wainfleet dumping milk since it could not be transported out, and they also had trouble getting food to their animals (Rossi 1999, p. 153). The snow was difficult to plow, at least in some cases. One road, near the lakeshore, could not be opened with a big front end loader or a large bulldozer; instead, a small bulldozer with a bucket took 2.5 days to clear about 300 yards (270 m) of road (Rossi 1999, p. 111). One resident noted that they were snowed in for 19 days, before being plowed out on [[February 14]] (Rossi 1999, p. 122). One effect of the prolonged confinement at home many people experienced in the fall of that year — a marked increase in [[childbirth|births]] at local [[hospital]]s (almost 18% in Regional Niagara in Canada) (Rossi 1999, p. 219) .

==In northern New York==
Portions of northern New York state, particularly Jefferson and Lewis Counties, were hard hit by the blizzard of 1977. At 3:10 p.m. on Friday, [[January 28]], [[Watertown, New York|Watertown]] reported zero visibility and wind gusting to 28 miles per hour (45 km/h) (USACE 1977, p. 5) as the cold front that had earlier moved through Southern Ontario and Western New York advanced through Northern New York. The Watertown region got 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) with the cold front, but unfrozen Lake Ontario (in contrast to frozen Lake Erie) along with atmospheric conditions favorable for lake effect snow allowed lake effect snow bands to form that resulted in storm totals of 66 inches (168 cm) in Watertown, 72.5 inches (182 cm) in Mansville, 93 (236 cm) inches in [[Fort Drum, New York|Ft. Drum]], and more than 100 inches (more than 250 cm) in areas southeast of Watertown (Dewey 1977). The snow, along with the winds, resulted in drifts of 15-30 feet (5 to 10 m) and the stranding of more than 1000 motorists (Dewey 1977).

After beginning with the cold front passage at 3:10 p.m. on Friday, [[January 28]], at Watertown, the blizzard’s winds peaked at 49 miles per hour (79 km/h) at 7 p.m. (USACE 1977, p. 5). That night about 150 people were stranded at the Chesebrough-Pond factory in Watertown (Rossi 1999, p. 321). Three radio announcers at AM radio station 1410 WOTT in Watertown were stranded without food at the station and each of them worked 8-hour shifts to keep the station on 24 hours per day, playing music and taking hundreds of calls from North Country residents in need of services such as fuel, food, or just reassurance. Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies brought the announcers provisions via snowmobile on day 5 of their entrapment. Oddly enough, though the snow was piled up over the roof of the studios on Gifford Road, the morning announcer's car, a VW Bug parked next to the building, was totally clear of snow, thanks to prevailing winds, though it took him over 5 hours to travel the 8 miles to his home in Brownville, as only one lane was clear on several of the roads he traveled. During the storm a Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams (REACT) CB team set up at the plant to coordinate help for those needing things such as medical assistance (Rossi 1999, 322-323). The Red Cross also set up at the factory (Rossi 1999, p. 323) and snowmobiles and four wheel drive vehicles were dispatched (Rossi 1999, p. 324). After a lull at Watertown, the storm restarted at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, [[January 29]], and lasted until 10 p.m. This portion of the storm included gusts to 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) and heavy snow (USACE 1977, p. 5). The storm then abated at Watertown, but at 2 p.m. on Sunday, [[January 30]], visibility returned to zero. By midnight Sunday, 34 inches (86 cm) of new snow had fallen since Friday, [[January 28]], at 7 a.m. (USACE 1977, p. 5). The blizzard continued throughout Monday, [[January 31]], with 17 additional inches (43 cm) of new snow before the snow stopped around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, [[February 1]] (USACE 1977, p. 5).

Due to the lower wind speeds than those that occurred in Western New York, in Northern New York the snow was not as hard packed according to Ben Kolker of the NWS office in Buffalo (Rossi 1999, p. 287). However, Northern New York did have significant snowfall along with significant drifting. On Tuesday, [[February 1]], Jefferson and Lewis Counties were among the counties added to the initial federal emergency declaration (USACE 1977, p. 7), and on Saturday, [[February 5]], were among the counties declared major disaster areas (USACE 1977, p. 8). The New York District of the USACE assisted with snow clearing by having contractors clear a total of 450 miles (720 km) of roadway in Jefferson and Lewis Counties (USACE 1977, p. 27). U. S. Marines were at Camp Drum (near Watertown) for cold weather training and some of these assisted in Jefferson and Lewis Counties with 14, 25-ton, Amtrack vehicles (USACE 1977, p. 14). The National Guard assisted with track vehicles, and U. S. Army troops from Camp Drum also helped with disaster relief (USACE 1977, p. 14).

Since food and supplies were in short supply in the area by the end of the storm, on Wednesday, [[February 1]], the travel ban was lifted from 7 a.m. until noon in order that 1,900 stranded travelers could leave the area (USACE 1977, pp. 5, B-6). Agricultural interests were adversely affected by the storm, with the dairy industry hardest hit due to farmers’ inability to get milk to market (USACE 1977, pp. 6, 25). In Jefferson County alone, about 85% of dairy farmers were forced to dump milk because tank trucks could not reach farms. This contributed to $8 million in agricultural losses (USACE 1977, p. 25). Other problems included barns collapsing from the snow (seven in Jefferson County), feed and grain shortages, disposal of manure, and farmers being unable to reach barns to feed cattle (USACE 1977, p. 25-26). Five deaths were reported in Northern New York as a result of the storm, all due to heart attacks (four occurring while shoveling snow and another in his car) (USACE 1977, p. 6).

On [[February 9]], about a week after the storm ended, the average snow depth in the [[Black River (New York)|Black River]] basin (about 2,000 square miles (5000 km²) which include Jefferson, Lewis, and other counties) was 40.4 inches (102.5 cm), having a liquid equivalent of 8.06 inches (205 mm) that raised flooding concerns (USACE 1977, p. D-8 which reproduces an article from the Watertown Daily News newspaper of [[February 9]] [[1977]]). One location about 20 miles southeast of Watertown, Sears Pond, recorded a snow depth of 77.3 inches (196.0 cm) with a liquid equivalent of 19.23 inches (488 mm) (USACE 1977, p. D-8 which reproduces an article from the Watertown Daily News of [[February 9]] [[1977]]).

==See also==
*[[Lake effect snow]]
*[[Lake Storm "Aphid"]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
*Bahr, Robert, 1980: ''The Blizzard''. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 182 pp. ISBN 0-13-077842-7.
*Dewey, K. F., 1977: Lake-Effect Snowstorms and the Record Breaking 1976-1977 Snowfall to the Lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario. ''Weatherwise''. '''30''', 228-231.
* [http://www.erh.noaa.gov/buf/blizzard/blizindex.html National Weather Service Buffalo Office, cited 2006a: The Blizzard of 1977.]
* [http://www.erh.noaa.gov/buf/laketemps/lktemp.html National Weather Service Buffalo Office, cited 2006b: Lake Erie Water Temperatures]
* [http://www.erh.noaa.gov/buf/climate/lcd.htm National Weather Service Buffalo Office, cited 2006c: Monthly Preliminary Climate Data (F6)]
* [http://met-www.cit.cornell.edu/ccd/nrmpcp.html Northeast Regional Climate Center, cited 2006: Normal Precipitation Comparative Climatic Data for the United States]
*O’Connell, Kevin, 1977: A Season to Remember. WBEN Inc., 28 pp.
*Rossi, Erno, 1999: ''White Death: The Blizzard of ’77''. Millennium Edition. Seventy Seven (77) Publishing, 356 pp. ISBN 0-920926-03-7.
*Schwartz, Glenn E., 1977. The Day It Snowed In Miami. ''Weatherwise'', '''30''' (April 1977), 1, 95.
*U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1977: Operation Snow Go 1977. U. S. Army Engineer District, Buffalo, 38 pp.
*Wagner, A. James, 1977a: Weather and Circulation of January 1977—The Coldest Month on Record in the Ohio Valley. ''Monthly Weather Review'', '''105''', 553-560.
*Wagner, A. James, 1977b: The Record-Breaking Winter of 1976-1977. ''Weatherwise'', (April 1978), 65-69.
*Wagner, A. James, 1978: The Circulation and Weather of 1977. ''Weatherwise'', (February 1978), 25-??.
*Wrightson, R. A., 1977: The Wild Winter of 1976-77 in New York State. ''Weatherwise''. '''30''' (April 1977). 70-75.

==Further reading==
*[http://www.classicbuffalo.com/Weather.htm ClassicBuffalo.com Weather and Blizzard of '77 pictures].
*The History Channel, 2000: Wrath of God—Buffalo Blizzard: Siege and Survival. A&E Television Networks, 50 minutes. (Videotape).
*Rossi, Erno, 2006: The Blizzard of '77—A 30th Anniversary DVD Documentary. Seventy Seven Publishing, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, 85 minutes. (DVD). Available: [http://www.whitedeath.com www.whitedeath.com]
*[http://wkbwradio.com/blizzard.htm WKBW Radio Clips from during the blizzard].

[[Category:History of Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Blizzards in the United States]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in New York]]
[[Category:1977 natural disasters]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Canada]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-05-14T18:05:36Z

WxGopher: move construction image to infobox

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg|325px|center]] |
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will play 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been collected.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A conceptual drawing of the completed TCF Bank Stadium]]TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota college football venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-03-22T02:20:08Z

WxGopher: /* Notes and references */ 2

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will play 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been collected.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]

{{start}}
{{succession box
| title = Home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota Golden Gophers]]
| years = ca. 2009 – future
| before = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
| after = Future
}}
{{end}}

{{University of Minnesota campus}}
{{Minnesota College Football Venues}}

[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Zentraltexas-Flut vom Oktober 1998

2008-02-27T05:41:39Z

WxGopher: categories

{{Infobox storm
| image= [[Image:1998 South Central Texas Flood 3.gif|200px]]
| caption= Estimated rainfall totals from the [[United States Geological Survey]].
| formed= [[October 17]], [[1998]]
| dissipated= [[October 18]], [[1998]]
| location=.
*[[South Texas]]
*[[Southeast Texas]]
| damages= [[$]] 750 million <ref>http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ewx/html/wxevent/1997to1999/Midoct.htm</ref>
| fatalities= 31 <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4907a1.htm</ref>
}}

The '''October 1998 Texas Flooding''' was a [[flood]] event that occurred across parts of [[South Texas]] and [[Southeast Texas]] in them [[United States]]. on the weekend of [[October 17]] and [[October 18]], [[1998]]. The storm was one of the costliest in the recorded meteorological history of the United States, bringing rainfall of over 20 inches to some parts of Southeast Texas and causing over [[$]] 750 million in damages. 31 people were killed as a result of the storm, mostly from [[drowning]].

== Meteorological sypnosis ==
The storm was created when a very strong upper-level [[trough (meteorology)|upper-level trough]] approached from the [[Western United States]] and collided with very warm, moist air which had been sitting over Southern Texas for the past few days. This caused [[dew point]]s in the area to be in the mid 70s that weekend. Also, an area of very warm and moist air was near the area due to [[1998 Pacific hurricane season#Hurricane Madeline|Hurricane Madeline]], which was sitting off the wast coast of Mexico. <ref> National Weather Service storm report, Page 1 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/txflood.pdf</ref> On [[October 16]], the storm was being foretasted by the [[National Weather Service]] to produce a significant amount of rain, and was only missing one ingredient for it to be a disastrous storm. The missing ingredient was a cold front, and one was moving steadily across the Western United States. Forecasters said that if this were to arrive at the same time as the rain, there would be heavy rain and the possibility of flooding. <ref> National Weather Service storm report, Page 3 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/txflood.pdf</ref> At 3:30 AM [[Central Standard Time]], the National Weather Service in [[Lubbock, Texas]] issued a [[flash flood]] watch for all counties in South, South-Central, and Southeast Texas.

During the hours of midnight and 4 A.M. on [[October 17]], [[1998]], small clusters of rain showers and thunderstorms began to form over Southern Texas very far ahead of the approaching [[cold front]]. For the next few hours, storms did not organize much into powerful clusters until the convection formed and over the northern part of [[Bexar County, Texas]], which included the city of [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]]. After this formation, the storms rapidly increased in formation and power until the cold front arrived. The [[convection]] spread very quickly into other counties after this intensification. These counties included [[Travis County, Texas|Travis]], which included the city of [[Austin, Texas]]. The cold front would soon arrive to the area, bringing torrential rains. <ref> National Weather Service storm report, Pages 3 and 5 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/txflood.pdf</ref>

[[Image:1998 South Central Texas Flood 2.gif|thumb|right|200px|Rescuers cross a flooded road in a following the rain event.]]The cold front arrived in Southern and Southeastern Texas on the evening of [[Saturday]], [[October 17]] [[1998]]. This caused the storm to rapidly intensify until the torrential downpours over the entire area began. This started to flood many rivers and other bodies of water in the area, including the [[San Marcos River]], the [[Guadalupe River]], [[Canyon Lake]], and the [[Medina River]]. The rainfall caused widespread flash flooding across the urban area of [[San Antonio]] and the city of Austin. The heavy rains continued for the entire day of [[October 18]], [[1998]], and eventually tapered off and moved away to the coast and moved to the coast and soon offshore. It caused major flooding in seven different [[river basin]]s, and drained nearly 10,000 [[square mile]]s. The rain caused record rain totals in fifteen bodies of water, as recorded by the [[United States Geological Survey]]. <ref> National Weather Service storm report, Page 8 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/txflood.pdf</ref>

== Impact ==
The flood event caused impact in many areas, mostly in [[Southern Texas]]. This area was not the only one, as [[Southeast Texas]], [[South]]-[[Central Texas]], and caused minor flooding along the coast of Texas.

=== Central Texas ===

[[Image:1998 South Central Texas Flood 1.gif|thumb|right|200px|Flood damage in [[Southern Texas]]]]The most impact was caused in Southern Texas, which included the urban areas of [[San Antonio]] and [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], and all of their surrounding suburbs. The counties with the most siginficant rainfall, damage, and fatalities were [[Travis County]] [[Bexar County]], [[Guadalupe County]], and [[Caldwell County]]. This area included both the cities of [[San Antonio]] and [[Austin, Texas|Austin]]. In a small area in Caldwell County, there was 29 inches of rain estimated by the [[United States Geological Survey]]. This included the area of [[Lockhart, Texas]], which was badly flooded by the storm due to its close proximity to the [[San Marcos River]]. Most of the county picked up an estimated 20-30 inches of rain, including [[San Marcos, Texas]], [[New Braunfels, Texas]], and [[Kyte, Texas]]. <ref>[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:1998_South_Central_Texas_Flood_3.gif Rain map of the area]</ref>

=== Southeast Texas ===

=== Coast of Texas ===

=== Mexico ===

== Flooding data ==

'''Source:''' <ref> National Weather Service storm report, Pages A-1 and A-2 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/txflood.pdf</ref>
{{Texas Flood Data}}
|-
|colspan="4" align=center bgcolor="darkblue" | <font color="white">'''1998 Texas Flooding data'''
|-
| [[Cypress Creek]] ||[[Hockley, Texas]] || 63.51 || Highest creek stage since [[1960]].
|-
| [[Onion Creek]] ||[[Driftwood, Texas]] || 24.91 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|-
| [[Sandy Creek]] ||[[Louise, Texas]] || 24.91 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|-
| [[Guadalupe River]] ||[[Louise, Texas]] || 32.70 || Highest river stage since records began in [[1915]].
|-
| [[Plum Creek]] ||[[New Braunfels, Texas]] || 35.08 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|-
| [[Guadalupe River]] ||[[Gonzales, Texas]] || 50.44 || Highest river stage since records began in [[1905]].
|-
| [[Guadalupe River]] ||[[Cuero, Texas]] || 49.80 || Highest river stage since records began before [[1900]].
|-
| [[Guadalupe River]] ||[[Victoria, Texas]] || 49.80 || Highest river stage since records began before [[1840]].
|-
| [[San Antonio River]] ||[[San Antonio, Texas]] || 12.43 || Highest river stage since records began.
|-
| [[San Antonio River|San Antonio River (Loop 410)]] ||[[San Antonio, Texas]] || 36.15 || Highest river stage since records began.
|-
| [[Salado Creek]] ||[[San Antonio, Texas]] || 23.00 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|-
| [[Leon Creek]] ||[[San Antonio, Texas]] || 28.52 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|-
| [[San Antonio River]] ||[[Elmendorf, Texas]] || 64.20|| Highest river stage since records began.
|-
| [[Cibolo Creek]] ||[[Selma, Texas]] || 35.40 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|-
| [[Cibolo Creek]] ||[[Fall City, Texas]] || 40.00 || Highest creek stage since records began.
|}

== Damage data ==

== Fatalities ==
31 people were [[kill]]ed as a result of the flooding across nine different counties and 24 separate incidents in South, Southeast, and South-Central Texas. 29 of these deaths were caused directly from the storm, and two were caused indirectly. Of the 31 deaths, 24 (or 77%) were caused by [[drowning]]. Of the deaths caused by drowning, 22 of them were caused by a driver driving their vehicle into high water on a [[road]] caused by the torrential downpours. There were 16 different incidents when these types of deaths occurred, four of them involving in multiple deaths. 63% of these incidents involved a [[truck]], [[van]], or [[sport utility vehicle]]. Other deaths included 3 [[cardiac arrest]]s, three incidents of multiple [[Physical trauma|trauma]], and one death caused by [[hypothermia]] after being submerged in the water. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4907a1.htm</ref>

== See also ==
*[[1997 Red River Flood]]
*[[Floods in the United States: 1901-2000]]
*[[Great Mississippi Flood of 1927]]
*[[1998 Atlantic hurricane season|Hurricane Madeline (1998)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/txflood.pdf Flood report from the National Weather Service]
* [http://www.tcbaker.com/home/Flood_98/wharton/wharton.html Flood photo gallery]

[[Category:1998 natural disasters]]
[[Category:1998 meteorology]]
[[Category:Floods in the United States]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Texas]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-01-29T05:12:36Z

WxGopher: /* Construction */ tense

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]]<br>vs. [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force]] |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[United States Air Force Academy|Air Force]] [[United States Air Force Academy#Athletics|Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will play 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been collected.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work continued through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning [[January 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Steel Set to Rise at TCF Bank Stadium | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 25]], [[2008]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1374528 | accessdate = 2008-01-27}}</ref> It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2008-01-26T01:43:22Z

WxGopher: /* Funding */ these are actually backwards

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]]<br>vs. [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force]] |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The first game in the stadium is scheduled to be against the [[United States Air Force Academy|Air Force]] [[United States Air Force Academy#Athletics|Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gophers to Open TCF Bank Stadium vs. Air Force | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1312091 | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref> The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006 at the University of Minnesota [[McNamara Alumni Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stadium Bill Signed at McNamara|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/Stadium_Signing.html|date=[[May 25]], [[2006]]|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota via University of Minnesota Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the university will play 52 percent and the state of [[Minnesota]] the remaining 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> If unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, TCF Financial Corporation must propose an alternate name subject to the approval of the university.<ref name="TCFbuyout">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = TCF Bank Stadium could be renamed | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/28/72164741 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] ($2.5 million),<ref name="dairyqueen">{{cite news | last = Grovum | first = Jake | title = DQ to help fund TCF stadium | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 14]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/14/72164515 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[November 14]], [[2007]], $75.5 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been collected.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> The new stadium will also incorporate a tribute to the university's veterans.<ref name="veterans">{{cite news | last = Riggs | first = Liz | title = Appreciation day honors U veterans | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[November 15]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/15/72164546 | accessdate = 2007-12-08}}</ref>

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank Stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-11-14T20:17:38Z

WxGopher: added opening opponent

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]]<br>vs. [[Air Force Falcons football|Air Force]] |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = <center>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009–)</center> |
seating_capacity = <center>50,200</center> |
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]] [[college football]] team at the [[University of Minnesota]] in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. By enrollment, the university is the fourth largest college campus in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web| title= NCES Digest of Education Statistics| url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d05/tables/dt05_215.asp| date= 2005| accessdate= 2007-03-24}}</ref> The 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium is under construction and planned to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The Gophers compete in the [[Big Ten Conference]].

TCF Bank Stadium is the first of three stadiums being built or considered for the major tenants of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]–the Gophers and two professional teams, the [[Minnesota Twins]] baseball and [[Minnesota Vikings]] football teams.<ref name=mpr5906 /><ref>{{cite news|author=Weiner, Jay|title=Getting our Fix|date=November 2007|work=Minnesota Monthly|url=http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2007/Getting-our-Fix/|publisher=Greenspring Media Group|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Served by [[Hiawatha Line|existing]] and [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|proposed]] light rail, the three stadiums are located within a 1.2-mile (2 km) radius loosely centered at the [[Guthrie Theater]] on the [[Mississippi River]] in downtown Minneapolis.

==History==
[[Image:Minnesota State Capitol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Minnesota State Capitol]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]]. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed the TCF Bank Stadium bill in May 2006.]]
The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2000. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> A plan for a joint [[Minnesota Vikings]]/University of Minnesota football stadium was proposed in 2002, but differences over how the stadium would be design and run, as well as state budget constraints, led to the plan's failure.<ref>>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Tom | title = Committee kills Vikings stadium plan | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[February 18]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200202/18_khoom_stadiums/index.shtml | accessdate = }}</ref> In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> The university unveiled preliminary stadium drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations in December of 2003. Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

[[Image:Great Egret-20060802.jpg|thumb|Part of [[UMore Park]] in [[Rosemount, Minnesota|Rosemount]] will belong to the state of [[Minnesota]] in 2032. The sale will cover 45 percent of the university's TCF Bank Stadium expenses.]]
Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref name=Pugmire>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium was planned as the centerpiece of a 75-acre research park called the East Gateway District on the East Bank side of the Twin Cities campus, expanding an existing precinct and adding a new Medical Biosciences Building. Sketches for the regents were available in December 2006 and, pending approval by the Minnesota Legislature, as of June 2007, biosciences was scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management|title=Medical Biosciences Building|url=http://www.cppm.umn.edu/projects/MedBioSciences/medbioscience.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|date=[[4 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=About Campus|work=Minnesota|publisher=University of Minnesota Alumni Association|url=http://www.alumni.umn.edu/About_Campus2.html|date=January-February 2007|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

==Funding==
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The stadium's cost totals $288.5 million of which the state of [[Minnesota]] will pay 52 percent and the university 48 percent. Including interest the state's cost is about $10 million per year or about $1.7 million per game for twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite news|title=University of Minnesota Gophers football stadium|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/votetracker/issue_view.php?id=46|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=ongoing|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> About $50 million of the state's portion goes to the purchase of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land, part of the Rosemount Research Center in [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], over twenty-five years by the state of Minnesota who will assume responsibility for risks if the site requires environmental cleanup.<ref name=Robson>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Britt|title=Gopher Broke|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1331/article14406.asp|journal=City Pages|publisher=Village Voice Media|volume=27|issue=1331|date=[[7 June]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref><ref>The U of M Rosemount Research Center is an EPA Superfund site that required more review and "Institutional Controls" as of June 2007. {{cite web|title=Third Five-Year Report for University of Minnesota Rosemount Research Center Site: Executive Summary|url=http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/minnesota/university_of_minnesota_rosemount_mn_272773.pdf|format=PDF|date=[[15 June]] [[2007]]|pages=5|publisher= United States Evironmental Protection Agency Region 5|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> The university retains its right to use the land for its "research, education and engagement mission" in perpetuity.<ref>{{cite web|author=Office of the Vice President, Statewide Strategic Resource Development, University of Minnesota|title=Creating the Vision, The Future of UMore Park|url=http://www.umorepark.umn.edu/sites/c9e0e563-70e4-43e4-8a5e-b620e3ae848e/uploads/UMoreVisionReportFINAL10-26-06-4.pdf|format=PDF|pages=5|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[16 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The [[University of Minnesota|university]]'s share is $111 million<ref name=Pugmire /> or 48 percent.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[TCF Financial Corporation]] of [[Wayzata, Minnesota]] is contributing $35 million over twenty-five years in exchange for the ''[[TCF Bank]]'' [[naming rights]] and other agreements. The university projected earnings of $2.5 million per year or $96 million over the life of agreements with TCF that will include marketing debit cards to alumni and ticketholders.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Moore, Rick|title=Stadium agreement with TCF has extra perks|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/TCF_extra_benefits.html|work=UMNnews|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|[[7 April]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

[[Image:Walter Library-20060904.jpg|thumb|A gift of the [[Mdewakanton|Shakopee Mdewakanton]], matched by the U of M, created a $5 million academic [[scholarship]] endowment for low-income students.]]
The [[Shakopee-Mdewakanton Indian Reservation|Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community]] agreed to donate USD $10 million for stadium construction, the largest gift Gopher athletics has ever received. The university will match an additional USD $2.5 million to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships for American Indian and low-income students. The hospitality plaza on the stadium's west side and the scholarship will be named to honor the community, and the plaza designed to "celebrate the history, presence, and cultural contributions of all eleven Indian tribes in Minnesota".<ref>{{cite news|author=Hughes, Art|title=Shakopee tribe's gift moves U closer to stadium fundraising goal|work=|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/10/19/stadmoney/|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=SMSC Gift of $12.5 Million to University of Minnesota Will Help Fund New Stadium and Provide Scholarships for Students|url=http://www.ccsmdc.org/smsc/press/2007/20071019.html|publisher=Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}} and {{cite press release|title=U of M receives $12.5 million gift from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=071019_3591&page=NS|author=University News Service|publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref>

The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref> As of [[October 19]], [[2007]], $73 million of the University of Minnesota's $86 million contribution had been collected.<ref name=Mdewakanton>{{cite web |title= U receives $12.5 million for stadium, scholarships|url=http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/U_receives_2412.5_million_for_stadium2C_scholarshi.html|publisher=University of Minnesota|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a $12.50 per semester student fee<ref name=Robson /> ($25 per year) and game day parking revenue.

Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Location==
The TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site had been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots were located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E.<ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==Design==
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

==Construction==
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

==Other uses==
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium have been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins its [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Should the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to build a new stadium on the current site of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]], TCF Bank Stadium could provide a temporary home for the team until the [[Vikings Stadium|new stadium]] is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]
* [[Twins Ballpark]]
* [[Vikings Stadium]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Mesozyklone

2007-10-05T14:22:14Z

WxGopher: removing merge proposal. Consensus was to keep them separate.

A '''mesocyclone''' is a [[vortex]] of air, approximately 2 to 10 km in diameter (the [[mesoscale]] of meteorology), within a [[convection|convective]] [[storm]].<ref name="MesocyloneDef"> {{cite web| title = American Meteorological Society Glossary - Mesocyclone
| publisher = [http://www.allenpress.com Allen Press Inc.]
| date = 2000-06
| url = http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=mesocyclone1
| accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
That is, it is air that rises and rotates around a vertical axis, usually in the same direction as low pressure systems in a given hemisphere. They are most often cyclonic, that is, associated with a localized low-pressure region within a [[severe thunderstorm]]. Such storms can feature strong surface winds and severe [[hail]]. Mesocyclones often occur together with updrafts in [[supercell]]s, where [[tornado]]es may form.

Mesocyclones are normally relatively localized: they lie between the [[Synoptic scale meteorology|synoptic scale]] (hundreds of kilometers) and small scale (hundreds of meters).

==Identification==

[[Image:Greensburg3 small.gif|thumb|A mesocyclone from the [[May 2007 Tornado Outbreak|Greensburg, Kansas tornado]] indicated on [[Doppler radar|Doppler]] weather [[radar]].]]

The best way to detect and verify the presence of a mesocyclone is by [[Doppler radar|Doppler]] weather [[radar]]. Thus the word ''mesocyclone'' is associated with weather radar terminology. Mesocyclones are most often identified in the right-rear flank of [[supercell]] [[thunderstorm]]s and [[squall line]]s, and may be distinguished by a [[hook echo]] rotation signature on a Doppler weather radar map.

Visual cues such as a rotating [[wall cloud]] or tornado may also hint at the presence of a mesocyclone. This is why the term has entered into wider usage in connection with rotating features in severe storms.

== Formation ==

[[Image:meso-1.PNG|thumb|[[Wind shear]] (red) sets air spinning (green).]]
[[Image:meso-2.PNG|thumb|The updraft (blue) 'tips' the spinning air upright.]]
[[Image:meso-3.PNG|thumb|The updraft then starts rotating.]]
Mesocyclones are believed to form when strong changes of wind speed and/or direction with height ("[[wind shear]]") sets parts of the lower part of the atmosphere spinning in invisible tube-like rolls. The convective updraft of a thunderstorm is then thought to draw up this spinning air, tilting the rolls' orientation upward (from parallel to the ground to perpendicular) and causing the entire updraft to rotate as a vertical column.

As the updraft rotates, it may form a wall cloud, a spinning layer of clouds descending from the mesocyclone. The wall cloud tends to form closer to the center of the mesocyclone. As it descends, a funnel-shaped cloud may form at its center. This is the first stage of tornado formation.

== Tornado formation ==

The presence of a mesocyclone is believed to be a key factor in the formation of the strong tornadoes associated with severe thunderstorms. Tornadoes typically form at the peak of thunderstorm intensity as the storm begins to weaken. This is because the momentum and vacuum built up as large masses of air rise into the upper atmosphere cause a siphoning effect nearer to the ground. As the updraft is restricted, the entire thunderstorm is fed by smaller pockets of remaining warm air at the ground. The back-pressure created as the warm air runs out sucks the base of the thunderstorm towards the ground (i.e. a wall cloud). Once the warm air at the ground is nearly depleted, the entire top of the thunderstorm and the large wall cloud siphons air from a 1 mile or less diameter region at the ground, forming a tornado. If a moderate supply of warm air is available ahead of the storm, the storm may be tornadic for some time. If the warm air runs out, then the storms essentially chokes itself off and gradually dies.

==See also==
* [[Supercell]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ejssm.org/ Electronic Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology]
{{Cyclones}}

[[Category:Severe weather and convection]]
[[Category:Types of cyclone]]

[[cs:Mezocyklóna]]
[[es:Mesociclón]]
[[fr:Mésocyclone]]
[[no:Mesosyklon]]
[[nn:Mesosyklon]]
[[fi:Mesosykloni]]

Plainfield (Illinois)

2007-09-18T03:53:28Z

WxGopher: fix redirect

'''The Village of Plainfield''' is a [[municipality]] in [[Will County, Illinois|Will County]], [[Illinois]], [[United States]].

The Village includes land in Plainfield and Wheatland Townships. Part of Plainfield is located in [[Kendall County, Illinois|Kendall County]] (Na-Au-Say and Oswego Townships). The population has grown from 4,500 in 1990 to about 30,314 in 2005. [http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/057abn2.htm] Plainfield is also one of the fastest growing communities in Illinois.

Plainfield is identified as the oldest community in Will County because the earliest settlement of Walkers' Grove was established on the banks of the DuPage River by 1828. However, the actual Village of Plainfield was platted immediately north of Walkers' Grove in 1834 by Chester Ingersoll. East Plainfield was platted in 1835 by James Mathers and James Turner. The two fledgling communities were joined by Levi Arnold's Addition in 1845. The community's early prosperity was stunted when the Illinois & Michigan Canal opened in 1848 because the Village was not located along the canal. Located within the Village are numerous Greek Revival, "upright and wing" cottages, a school built in 1847 (which may be the oldest surviving "one-room schoolhouse" in Illinois), and a number of early-19th-century homes. According to a list prepared by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, there are homes in Plainfield that rank sixth on a list of the 10 most endangered areas in the state of Illinois. Three structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places: Plainfield House, Flanders House and a 1928 Standard Oil Gas Station. The Village is the fastest growing in the county.

The Village has established a community Preservation Commission and Historic Preservation Ordinance.

The [[Plainfield Tornado]], an [[Fujita scale|F5]] tornado, devastated the Village and neighboring municipalities on [[August 28]], [[1990]] killing 29 people.

== History ==
{{references|article|date=March 2007}}
The area was called ''Walkers' Grove'' until it was platted as ''Plainfield'' in [[1834]]. It was originally settled by a large community of [[Potawatomi]], and the land was later ceded to the United States as part of the [[Treaty of St. Louis|Treaty of St. Louis of 1816]]. Indian Boundary Road aligns with the western border of the tract of land originally ceded.

The earliest Europeans in the area were [[France|French]] fur traders. The first European settler in the area was James Walker, who traveled with his father-in-law, [[Methodist]] Reverend Jessie Walker as early as 1826. Reverend Walker evangelized the Potawatomi during his trips.

In 1828, James Walker, in the company of several men, erected a sawmill around which the settlement of Walkers' Grove developed.

Walkers' Grove flourished because of the DuPage River and established routes to [[Fort Dearborn]] in [[Chicago]], as well as to [[Ottawa, Illinois|Ottawa]]. Reuben Flagg hauled lumber from Walker's mill to Chicago in order to erect the first two frame structures in the city (P.F.W. Peck House and the George Dole Forwarding House). Chicago also depended upon the settlement for mail and supplies. These are some of the reasons why Plainfield is known as "The Mother of Chicago."

Plainfield was also home to many active Abolitionists who operated stations" on the famed [[Underground Railroad]].

At one time, the two, longest paved highways in the world (Lincoln Highway and U.S. Route 66) crossed in Plainfield. The highways only crossed each other twice and both locations are in Will County. The other location is in neighboring Joliet.

Plainfield is also the birthplace of Eddie Gardner, one of the pilots credited with establishing the transcontinental air mail routes for the United States Postal Service. The earliest architects associated with Plainfield buildings are J.E. Minott of Aurora and Herbert Cowell of Joliet and Plainfield.

In [[August]] [[1990]], an [[Plainfield Tornado|F-5 tornado]] tore through Plainfield, [[Crest Hill, Illinois|Crest Hill]], and [[Joliet, Illinois|Joliet]], killing 29 people, and injuring hundreds.

[[North Central College]] was first founded in the village in 1861 as Plainfield College.

[[Plainfield Public Library District]] was first founded in the village in 1925 as the Nimmons Village of Plainfield Free Public Library.

A population explosion started to take form in the 2000s with the sale of farms which made way for a large number of new home subdivisions. Before the population boom, Plainfield was primarily an agricultural town. Permissive zoning ordinances have resulted in overcrowding and constant residential construction.

At one time; before the building of Interstate 55 in the late 1950's to the east of the community, U.S. 30; The Lincoln Highway and U.S. 66; The Mother Road, shared alignment for three blocks on what is now Illinois Route 59 from the Plainfield/Joliet Road on the south to Lockport Street in the center of the community.

==Geography==
Plainfield is located at {{coor dms|41|37|2|N|88|12|10|W|city}} (41.617280, -88.202837).{{GR|1}}

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the village has a total area of 32.2 [[km²]] (12.4 [[square mile|mi²]]). 30.1 km² (11.6 mi²) of it is land and 2.1 km² (0.8 mi²) of it (6.67%) is water.

Like its namesake, Plainfield's topography is generally flat. Thousands of years ago, land in greater Plainfield used to be part of the bed of proglacial Lake Wauponsee. However, the lake did not hold up long, and eventually drained into the Illinois River Valley.([http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/midewin/geology03.html IDNR]) The lake left behind a very flat landscape. Much of downtown Plainfield has an above sea level elevation of around 600 to 625 feet, with some areas in the western and northwestern portions of the village's outskirts exceeding 700 feet. This rise in elevation was created by [[Terminal Moraines]] that were formed during the last ice age (Wisconsin Episode).

==Demographics==
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 13,038 people, 4,315 households, and 3,521 families residing in the village. According to a [[2003]] special census, the village has a population of 20,673. The [[population density]] was 433.6/km² (1,122.8/mi²). There were 4,609 housing units at an average density of 153.3/km² (396.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the village was 95.85% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.84% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.08% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.25% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.01% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.96% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3.87% of the population.

There were 4,315 households out of which 47.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.4% were non-families. 14.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the village the population was spread out with 31.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 36.2% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $80,799, and the median income for a family was $86,417. Males had a median income of $59,328 versus $35,861 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the village was $28,242. About 1.0% of families and 1.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

== Education ==
[[Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202]] serves Plainfield as well as Plainfield Township in unincorporated parts of Will County, Joliet (Caton Farm Road Corridor), and small parts of [[Bolingbrook, Illinois|Bolingbrook]], and [[Romeoville, Illinois|Romeoville]].

==External links==
*[http://www.plainfield-il.org/ Plainfield, Illinois Official Website]
*[http://www.landmarks.org/ Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois]
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|41.61728|-88.202837}}
*[http://www.plainfieldonline.com/ Plainfieldonline.com Community Information Website]

{{Will County, Illinois}}
{{Illinois}}

[[Category:Will County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Villages in Illinois]]
[[Category:Communities on U.S. Route 66]]
[[Category:Underground Railroad locations]]

[[lmo:Plainfield, Illinois]]
[[nl:Plainfield (Illinois)]]
[[vo:Plainfield (Illinois)]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-09-13T00:18:30Z

WxGopher: /* External links */ rm daily site, that is not being updated. Updated official U of M site link

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium site is located on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php University of Minnesota - TCF Bank Stadium webpage]
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-08-21T02:20:22Z

WxGopher: Reverted 1 edit by 24.87.72.170 to last revision by Gopherbone; Stand alone years shouldn't be linked. using TW

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been discussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-08-13T21:02:36Z

WxGopher: /* Stadium logistics */ move eis up

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCFBankStadium.png|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-13T14:33:59Z

WxGopher: /* University of Minnesota */

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the [[construction]] planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-13T14:33:15Z

WxGopher: /* Construction */

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-13T14:31:48Z

WxGopher:

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be [[Building design|designed]] to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of [[construction]] on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's [[logo]] took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and [[Foundation (architecture)|foundation]] work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-13T14:26:30Z

WxGopher: /* Construction */

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] 55455 |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's logo took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and foundation work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's [[steel]] skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, [[landscaping]], and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-12T21:07:53Z

WxGopher: wikilink

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "[[horseshoe]]" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's logo took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and foundation work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's steel skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, landscaping, and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-12T16:39:30Z

WxGopher: /* Other potential uses */ fix prose

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave S.E. <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "horseshoe" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref name = "logo">{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref name="logo" />

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's logo took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and foundation work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's steel skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, landscaping, and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal, and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Several potential non-university uses for the stadium include have also been dicussed as well. [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions have all been considered.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref> TCF Bank stadium has been named as a possible location to host preliminary [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches if [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> and if the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the same site, TCF Bank Stadium could be temporary home for them until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-12T15:13:40Z

WxGopher: /* Location */ fix ref

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = 2009 University Ave SE <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "horseshoe" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===
[[Image:TCF Bank Stadium logo.jpg|thumb|left|The stadium's logo was unveiled as part of a July 2007 ceremony marking the start of stadium construction.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Logo Unveiling Signals Start of Construction Phase | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>]]
The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The address will be 2009 University Ave S.E. <ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Address | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1087853 | accessdate = 2007-0-12 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's logo took place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Site preparation and foundation work will continue through the summer and fall of 2007, with work on the stadium's steel skeleton beginning the following winter. It is anticipated that the stadium's external structure will be completed in the fall of 2008, leaving just under a year to complete internal finishing, landscaping, and lighting.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Construction Timeline | publisher = Gophersports.com | url = http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=12198 | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Potential non-university uses include [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref>

If [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]], it is possible that TCF Bank Stadium will host preliminary Olympic [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches.<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

If the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the site, TCF Bank Stadium could possibly be temporary home to the Vikings until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-11T17:33:39Z

WxGopher: /* University of Minnesota */ elim space

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = Oak and 4th Street SE <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "horseshoe" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people.

The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===

The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's logo will take place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Potential non-university uses include [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref>

If [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]], it is possible that TCF Bank Stadium will host preliminary Olympic [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches.<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

If the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the site, TCF Bank Stadium could possibly be temporary home to the Vikings until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-11T17:32:23Z

WxGopher: break apart lead section

Huntington Bank Stadium

2007-07-11T03:58:36Z

WxGopher: /* University of Minnesota */

{{future stadium}}
{{Infobox_Stadium |
stadium_name = TCF Bank Stadium |
nickname = |
image = [[Image:Gopher Stadium.jpg|300px|center]]|
location = Oak and 4th Street SE <br> [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] |
broke_ground = [[September 30]] [[2006]] |
opened = [[September 12]] [[2009]] (projected) |
owner = [[University of Minnesota]] |
operator = University of Minnesota |
surface = Artificial Turf |
construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]288.5 million|
architect = [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Sport]] |
tenants = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]] ([[NCAA]]) (2009-) |
seating_capacity = 50,200|
}}

'''TCF Bank Stadium''' is the future [[American football|football]] [[stadium]] for the [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|University of Minnesota]] [[college football]] team in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]. Plans call for a 50,000 seat on-[[campus]] "horseshoe" style stadium to be built in time for the 2009 football season. The stadium will be designed to support future expansion to seat up to 80,000 people. The estimated cost of the project originated at [[United States dollar|$]]248.7 million, but has since risen to $288.5 million. The state of [[Minnesota]] will be paying approximately 52% of the cost, while the [[University of Minnesota|university]] will fund the remaining amount. Of the university's share, $35 million will be provided from [[naming rights]] by [[TCF Bank]], $10 million will be generated by the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land back to the state, and the remaining will be raised through a combination of private donations and a $25 per year [[Student Activity Fee|student fee]].

== Funding ==

The push for a new on-campus stadium for the Golden Gopher football team began in the fall of 2003. The university cited poor revenue and lack of a college football atmosphere at the off-campus [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] as their main reasons for wanting to move back.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hippert | first = Rebecca | title = STUDENT SENATE MINUTES | publisher = University of Minnesota Student Senate | date = [[April 19]], [[2001]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/ssen/010419stu.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = U of M may go it alone in stadium chase | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[December 13]], [[2002]] | url = http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/13_pugmiret_stadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> By that December, the university had unveiled drawings and a general plan to seek state money and donations. In September of 2003 a highly publicized attempt was made by [[T. Denny Sanford]] to be the lead donor for the project, but in early 2004 the plan fell through when the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the financial terms.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tibbetts | first = Than | title = Officials: Stadium plan must progress | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 19]], [[2004]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/10/19/10766 | accessdate = }}</ref> Finally on [[March 24]], [[2005]], the university and TCF Bank announced a deal that would have the bank contribute $35 million towards the project which would give them naming rights.<ref name=newstadium>{{cite web | title = TCF Financial Corporation gives $35 million | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[March 24]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Gophers_new_TCF_Bank_Stadium.html | accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The deal was given an expiration date of [[December 31]], [[2005]]; time enough for the [[Minnesota Legislature]] to provide the bulk of funding needed to make the project a reality.<ref name=dec31>{{cite web | title = Stadium sponsorship agreement with TCF extended | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[December 28]], [[2005]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Stadium_sponsorship_agreement_with_TCF_extended.html | accessdate = 2005-12-28 }}</ref>

===State of Minnesota===
During the remainder of 2005 the university concentrated on drafting a stadium proposal that would draw the support of state [[politician]]s. The final plan proposed that the state of Minnesota would contribute 40% of the stadium cost while the university would raise the remaining 60% on its own. Portions of that 60% were to be funded by the TCF naming rights, while the remainder would come from a $50 per semester student fee, private donations, the sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of university land in rural [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]] back to the state, and game day parking revenue.<ref name=newstadium /> Even though the university proposal drew widespread legislative support, the stadium effort suffered a setback when the 2005 legislative session ended before the stadium [[Bill (proposed law)|bill]] could be heard.<ref name ="leg">{{cite web | title = At the Legislature | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/legislature.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Late in 2005 when it became evident that this would happen, the university and TCF Bank announced that it had extended the naming rights deal to [[June 30]], [[2006]].<ref name=dec31 />

Despite the 2005 session having ended with the bill not even coming to a vote, the stadium effort did not lose momentum in the legislature and was introduced quickly in the 2006 session. On [[April 6]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] passed the stadium bill on a 103–30 vote.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for H.F. NO. 263 | publisher = Minnesota House of Representatives | date = [[April 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=564 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The house bill was nearly identical to what the university was proposing and had full university support.<ref name=strib32906>{{cite news | last = Lonetree | first = Anthony | title = House panel adds its support to U stadium funding plan | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[March 29]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/03/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> However on [[May 9]], [[2006]], the [[Minnesota Senate]] passed a radically different version of the bill on a 34–32 vote.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5332 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 103 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> The Senate version would have removed the TCF naming rights deal, the student fees, and the purchase of the university owned land. The proposed funding that was removed was to be replaced with a state wide [[tax]] on [[sports memorabilia]]. It also would have required the stadium to be named Veterans Memorial Stadium (which would be similar to the previous on-campus football stadium Memorial Stadium, which was last used in 1981 and then demolished in 1992).<ref name=mpr5906>{{cite news | last = Sheck | first = Tom | title = Senate passes stadium bills for Twins, Gophers, and Vikings | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/09/gopherstadium/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] stated he supported the House version.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = Gophers stadium plan passes Senate | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 9]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Even though the differences between the house and senate bills were major, the details were ironed out and approved on [[May 19]], [[2006]] in a House–Senate [[Conference committee|conference committee]]. The TCF Bank naming rights and land sale remained in the bill, as did a scaled down $25 per year student fee. The tax on sports memorabilia as well as the Veterans Memorial Stadium name were voted out. The committee also voted to increase the state contribution to the project to compensate for the smaller student fees.<ref name=highlights>{{cite news | title = Stadium bill highlights | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/05/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The compromised bill was then approved by both the full house and senate on [[May 20]], [[2006]], and was signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on [[May 24]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Unofficial Recorded Roll Call Floor Vote for S.F. NO. 2460 | publisher = Minnesota State House of Representatives | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/votes/votes.asp?ls_year=84&session_number=0&year=2005&id=839 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Permanent Journals of the 2006 Regular Session | journal = Journal of the Senate | volume = 2005 - 2006 | issue = Eighty-Fourth Legislature | pages = 5780 - 5787 | publisher = Minnesota State Senate | date = [[May 20]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/journals/2005-2006/20060509103.pdf | id = Legislative Day 111 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Pugmire | first = Tim | title = Pawlenty signs one stadium bill; one to go | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio | date = [[May 24]], [[2006]] | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/24/gophersstadium/ | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

=== University of Minnesota ===

The largest portion of the university's contributions to the stadium cost will come from TCF Bank, which is contributing $35 million in exchange for among other things, stadium naming rights.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = TCF perks go beyond stadium's name at U | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 6]], [[2006]] | url = http://goallineclub.com/index.php?page=news_item&id=67 | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref> Other corporate donations have been pledged as well, including [[Best Buy]] ($3 million),<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinmann | first = Karlee | title = Fundraising for stadium on track | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[October 12]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/10/12/69355 | accessdate = 2006-10-12}}</ref> [[Target Corporation]] ($2 million),<ref name="dailyfee">{{cite news | last = Haugen | first = Bryce | title = Survey: Students split over stadium, predict fee increase | publisher = Minnesota Daily | date = [[March 9]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/09/71130 | accessdate = 2007-03-09 }}</ref> [[Federated Insurance]], [[General Mills]] and [[Norwest Equity Partners]].<ref name=gsvideo>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Groundbreaking | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[September 30]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/video39/WRJURWHQNZQTVDO.20060930204004.wmv?DB_OEM_ID=8400 | format = .wmv | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> The university is also accepting donations from individuals. Currently donations are being sought from "high-end" donors (those contributing $100,000 or more), and in 2008 the university will expand the fundraising effort to gather smaller donations.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Can I Help? | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/help.php | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Kaszuba | first = Mike | title = U’s stadium dream runs into financial reality | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[July 11]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1295440.html | accessdate = 2007-07-11 }}</ref>

The remainder of the university's portion will come from a maximum $25 per year student fee, game day parking revenue, and the $10 million sale of 2840 acres (11.5 km²) of undeveloped university land in Dakota County back to the state. Even though the cost of building TCF Bank Stadium originated at $248.7 million, changes in the construction planning have raised the cost to $288.5 million.<ref name=newcost>{{cite web | title = Regents approve stadium design, new price tag | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Regents_approve_stadium_design.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The State of Minnesota will fund 52% of that amount and the university will contribute the remaining 48%.<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium Financing | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/financing.html | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref> The university has vowed that even if the stadium cost rises again, it will not seek more money from the state nor increase the student fees any further.<ref name="dailyfee" />

==Stadium logistics==
===Location===
TCF Bank Stadium will be constructed on the northeast side of the Minneapolis campus, near the site of the former [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]. The new stadium's site has been the location of the Huron Boulevard Parking Complex, where the university's four largest parking lots are located.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Location | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[July 18]], [[2006]] | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/location.html# | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

The stadium is part of a 75 acre (.3 km²) expansion of the Twin Cities campus, the largest since the [[University_of_Minnesota#West_Bank|West Bank]] was built in the 1960s. Current plans for the area call for the construction of as many as 10 new academic buildings by 2015.<ref name="stribmjs" /> The proposed [[Central Corridor]] [[light rail]] transit line is expected to run near the stadium, with a [[Train station|station]] in [[Stadium Village, Minneapolis|Stadium Village]] serving the facility. Construction of the Central Corridor is scheduled to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit Factsheet | publisher = Metropolitan Council | date = December, 2006 | url = http://metrocouncil.org/about/facts/CentralCorridorFacts.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Design===
TCF Bank Stadium will be a horseshoe-style stadium which organizers say will have a "traditional collegiate look and feel".<ref name=newcost /> The first phase of the construction will include approximately 50,200 seats, with the design able to support future expansion to 80,000 seats. There will be 39 suites, 59 loge boxes and 300 indoor club seats.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Features | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/features.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> On [[December 7]], [[2006]], the university announced that the stadium's field will be laid out in an east-west configuration, with the open end of the stadium facing campus. This layout, similar to that of Memorial Stadium, will provide a view of downtown Minneapolis.<ref name="stribmjs">{{cite news | last = Smetanka | first = Mary Jane | title = Gophers' stadium costs expected to rise | publisher = Star Tribune | date = [[December 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/861532.html | accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref>
[[Image:Gopher stadium site plan.jpg|300px|thumb|Site plan for TCF Bank Stadium.]]

===Construction===
An [[Environmental Impact Assessment|environmental impact assessment]] of the stadium site was conducted by the university between December of 2004 and March of 2006 at a cost of $1.5 million. The results were approved by the Board of Regents on [[March 27]], [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Environmental Review Process | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/environmental_review.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

On [[June 8]], [[2006]], the university announced that it had selected [[HOK Sport + Venue + Event|HOK Architects]] to design TCF Bank stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Kazuba | first = Mike | title = Kansas City firm chosen to design Gophers' new stadium | language = English | publisher = Minneapolis Star Tribune | date = [[June 8]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.startribune.com/512/story/480963.html | accessdate = 2006-06-08 }}</ref> HOK Architects was one of the three finalists, along with HNTB Architects and Crawford Architects, that made presentations to the university on [[May 24]], [[2006]]. The local firm working on the project is Minneapolis based ''Architectural Alliance'', and ''M.A. Mortenson Company'' is the [[general contractor]].<ref name="btc">{{cite web | title = Back to Campus | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = University selects M.A. Mortenson Company as general contractor | publisher = University of Minnesota | date = [[February 15]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=798968 | accessdate = 2007-02-20}}</ref> Schematic designs of the stadium were presented to the public on [[January 3]], [[2007]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Designs for TCF Bank Stadium Released to the Public | publisher = Gophersports.com | date = [[January 3]], [[2007]] | url = http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=736453 | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

Infrastructure work at the stadium site began in late June, 2006, and a [[Groundbreaking|ceremonial groundbreaking]] took place at the stadium site on [[September 30]], [[2006]]. The beginning of construction on the stadium itself along with the unveiling of the stadium's logo will take place on [[July 11]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium logo unveiled to signal start of Gopher football stadium construction | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/news_details.php?release=070706_3399&page=UMNN | accessdate = 2007-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = TCF Bank Stadium™ Construction PHASE 3 | publisher = University of Minnesota | url = http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/phase3.html | accessdate = 2006-12-21 }}</ref>

===Other potential uses===
While TCF Bank Stadium will be the game day venue of the Golden Gophers football team, the university has identified a number of other anticipated uses for the facility. The stadium will replace [[Northrop Auditorium]] as the home of the [[University of Minnesota Marching Band]], providing the band with new storage, rehearsal and locker facilities. The university also expects to use the stadium for [[intramural sports]], career fairs, and graduation ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hopp | first = Deborah | title = The U's new stadium is about more than football | publisher = St. Paul Pioneer Press | date = [[February 28]], [[2006]] | url = http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stadium/stadium/2006/02/ | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

Potential non-university uses include [[Minnesota State High School League]] state tournaments, concerts, and marching band and [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] competitions.<ref>{{cite book |last= University of Minnesota |title= University of Minnesota On-Campus Football Stadium - Final EIS |year= 2003}}</ref>

If [[Chicago]] wins the [[Chicago 2016 Olympic bid|bid]] to host the [[2016 Summer Olympics]], it is possible that TCF Bank Stadium will host preliminary Olympic [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] matches.<ref>{{cite news | last = Yue | first = Loren | title = Chicago 2016 turns to Minnesota for help | publisher = Chicago Business | date = [[January 10]], [[2007]] | url = http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23441 | accessdate = 2007-07-08 }}</ref>

If the [[Minnesota Vikings]] successfully carry out a plan to have the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] demolished and have a new stadium built on the site, TCF Bank Stadium could possibly be temporary home to the Vikings until such a stadium is completed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Vikings Propose New Stadium On Site Of Metrodome | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | date = [[January 19]], [[2007]] | url = http://wcco.com/vikings/local_story_018232310.html | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Northrop Field]]
* [[Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)|Memorial Stadium]]
* [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome|Metrodome]]
* [[List of Division I-FBS college football stadiums|List of college football stadiums]]

== Notes and references ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

== External links ==
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium TCF Bank Stadium drive webpage]
* [http://www.mndaily.com/tcf_stadium Minnesota Daily TCF Bank Stadium Page]
* [http://128.101.28.100/view/indexFrame.shtml Construction Webcam] - Webcam focusing on the building location of TCF Bank Stadium
* [http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/PDF/FinalEIS021306.pdf Environmental Impact Statement (18 MB)]
{{sequence
| list = Future home of the<br>[[Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]<br>Planned opening [[2009]]
| prev = [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] <br> [[1982]]–present ([[2008]] planned)
| next = None}}
{{University of Minnesota campus}}
[[Category:College football venues]]
[[Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football]]
[[Category:Planned or proposed stadiums]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota]]