to move forward with a football program in 2013. The proposal calls
for the university to borrow $40.5 million to construct a permanent
stadium and field house.
The decision came during the board's meeting at the new Student Union.
Prior to the board's approval, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois said while
the financing plan does require imposing higher fees on students, it
also offers several distinct and tangible advantages over other options.
Most notably, he said, the plan approved by the trustees would permit
the university to take advantage of a favorable bidding environment
for construction and historically low interest rates.
Other advantages include eliminating the need for rentals for things
like temporary bleachers, concessions and restrooms. It also could
stimulate interest in season ticket sales and private fund raising
efforts with donors and sponsors.
Before the vote, Dubois said the university had a rare opportunity to
take advantage of extremely low interest rates and a highly
competitive construction bidding market. He also urged the trustees to
view the proposal as a long-term investment.
"I'm concerned about student costs, of course," he said. "But to delay
this would kill it (football). We would have a hard time convincing
people three years from now that we are serious."
Several trustees also spoke in favor of the plan.
"I endorse it without any reservation," said trustee Karen Popp.
Since he began exploring the possibility of fielding a football team
more than two years ago, Dubois has spoken frankly about the financial
challenges. Most of the costs of a football program would be borne by
students and private donors because state law prohibits the use of
public money for building athletic facilities such as a stadium.
"This is a long-term strategic plan that will pay huge dividends for
students, alumni, faculty and staff at this vibrant university,"
Dubois said. "It will foster a full university experience that many
students crave as undergraduates.
"It also will help build closer relationships with our growing ranks
of UNC Charlotte alumni and the greater Charlotte community," he said.
"Despite the economic challenges facing us all, this university is
growing by leaps and bounds. We expect to have 35,000 students on
campus by 2020 and we have strong support for football. We expect that
will grow even stronger as we get closer to making it a reality."
Under the plan, students would begin paying an additional $50
operational fee beginning in the fall of 2011 for the football
program. That would increase by $50 per year to $200. An additional
$120 fee for debt service will begin in the fall of 2010 to cover the
costs to build training and practice facilities and a new stadium on
the campus.
Now the proposal must be approved by the UNC System Board of Governors
and it is also subject to review by the North Carolina General Assembly.
"We still have a long way to go, but this is an important first step,"
Dubois said after the vote was greeted by applause.
About UNC Charlotte UNC Charlotte is North Carolina's urban research
institution. With an enrollment ranking it fourth among the 17 schools
in the UNC system, it is the largest public university in the greater
Charlotte metropolitan region. A doctoral institution, UNC Charlotte
serves the region through applied research, knowledge transfer and
engaged community service. For fall 2009, approximately 24,700
students, including 5,300 graduate students, were enrolled in one of
the University's comprehensive doctoral, master's or bachelor's
programs. Follow us on the Web at www.uncc.edu, through Facebook at www.facebook.com/UNCCharlotte
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