Athletic Complex Fundraising Nearing Goal. MSU Bobcat Athletic Complex Fundraising Nearing Goal. Those interested in supporting the Bobcat Athletic Complex and Academic Excellence Center project can contact the MSU Alumni FoundationBy Danny Waldo
The dream of a state-of-the-art athletic complex at Bobcat Stadium is getting closer to reality as the Montana State Athletic Department announced fundraising totals recently. The new complex proposed for the north endzone of Bobcat Stadium reportedly will cost 18 million dollars to complete Phase I, and so far Bobcat Athletics has secured an estimated 16.5 million dollars of that goal.
The 40,000-square foot building that was announced as part of Montana State’s Athletics Facilities Master Plan in 2017 will enclose the north end of Bobcat Stadium and include study spaces, locker rooms, team meeting rooms, training, health and rehabilitation facilities, as well as the coaching offices of the Bobcat football program.
“This addition to Bobcat Stadium will not only be a focal point for visitors entering our university but will also be an important resource for student-athlete success both on the field and in the classroom,” said Jeff Choate, MSU’s head football coach.
With the Bobcat football program vacating their space inside Brick Breeden Fieldhouse upon completion of the Bobcat Athletic Complex, MSU will transform the space into a tutoring, advising and study area to be used by all of Montana State’s student-athletes.
“The impact of the Bobcat Athletic Complex and Academic Excellence Center is going to be felt by every program and student-athlete, while benefiting our fans, our supporters and the entire campus and community,” said MSU Director of Athletics Leon Costello. “This complex supports our vision to develop champions in the classroom, competition and life. We owe it to our student-athletes and coaches to get this started as quickly as we can.”
Montana State will ask the state Board of Regents for permission to spend up to $18 million dollars in non-state funds to cover the construction of the project, while the university will contribute $3 million dollars that will be repaid with athletic revenues. No taxpayer money will be used to fund the project.
The MSU Alumni Foundation hopes to complete fundraising for the project this fall and are in the process of making a final contribution push to cover the remaining $1.5 million dollars so Phase I can begin.
“We can’t break ground until we meet our fundraising goal,” MSU Alumni Foundation President and CEO Chris Murray said. “We’re on the 1-yard line, and we need everyone’s help to get the ball over the goal line.”
Those interested in supporting the Bobcat Athletic Complex and Academic Excellence Center project can contact the MSU Alumni Foundation by calling Director of Development Nick Anthony 406-994-2092 or by visiting http://www.msuaf.org.
