MSU Raises $10 Million for Stadium Project

BOZEMAN, Mont. — In an effort to meet the growing student body and public needs, Montana State University raised more than its initial goal of $10 million to rebuild the school’s football stadium.

 

The expansion will rebuild and expand the southeast end zone, create 5,200 more seats, replace old bleachers on the south end, and provide new concession stands, restrooms, locker rooms, wheelchair access, a high-tech scoreboard and field lighting.

 

According to officials from the MSU Foundation, the purpose of the stadium project is “four-fold: increase student access, increase affordable access for the community, enhance the game day experience and provide added scholarship and financial support.”

 

The fundraising campaign, in progress for the past three months, reached the goal of $10 million last week.

 

Donations came in from more than 500 people, ranging from $10 text message pledges made by fans during the Bobcats vs. Grizzlies game, to $1 million that an anonymous donor gave in exchange for naming the student section after the Bobcats’ renowned football coach, Sonny Holland.

 

The biggest donation, $1.1 million, came from Gene Thayer — an MSU alumnus who went on to become mayor of Great Falls and a state senator.

 

Martel Construction of Bozeman is the general contractor and A&E Architects of Billings, headed by MSU alumni, is in charge of design.

 

Construction is expected to complete in time for the first football game of fall 2011.