Board of Regents Approves Privately-Funded MSU Track Stadium Enhancements

Action by the Board of Regents today will permit the Montana State University Foundation to move forward with a privately-funded, donor-driven project to improve facilities at the Bobcat Track and Field Complex, in preparation for hosting the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the spring of 2012.

The action item approved by the Regents' Administrative, Budget and Audit Oversight Committee, 151-2005-R0511, Authorization to Amend Stadium Lease to include Construction of Track Improvements – MSU (Bozeman Campus), authorizes MSU to amend the Stadium End Zone Project Lease with the foundation to include improvements to the Bobcat track facility. The lease is permitted under a 2007 Montana statute that permits the leasing of land and facilities to a private, non-profit foundation for the purpose of constructing or renovating athletic facilities when the improvements are made using only private funds.

Thanks to two anonymous donors and the Bobcat Track and Field Association, the improved track facility will include a newly-constructed permanent 1,250-seat grandstand and press box and a new track equipment storage facility.

“We are extremely thankful for the support MSU's track and field teams have received from the community,” said Dale Kennedy, head track and field coach. “We are especially grateful for the selfless generosity of the two donors who helped make this project possible, as well as the ongoing support from the Bobcat Track and Field Association, which has been instrumental in helping make our complex one of the finest in the Big Sky Conference.”

With MSU scheduled to host the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship in May 2012, the timing couldn't be better.

Montana State's Director of Athletics said the facility upgrades positively affects nearly 100 student-athletes each year, and allows the Bobcats to host next year's Big Sky meet in an outstanding on-campus facility. “Our new track and field grandstand, in conjunction with the upgraded football stadium facilities, gives us a complete facility that will make MSU and the community of Bozeman proud.”

Previously, the athletics department had brought in temporary bleachers for big meets.

The Bobcat Track and Field Association has been involved in planning and raising funds for a number of improvements to the facilities over the years. In 2003, the track oval was completely rebuilt, adding a new drainage system and a state-of-the-art running surface. New pole vault and long/triple jump runways were added, as well as new high jump and javelin surfaces. In 2006, a new throwing area was completed and a dedicated cage and throwing field for hammer and discus was added. Landscaping and a brick plaza were recently added to enhance the entrance to the complex.

Total cost of the project is about $500,000 and significant savings are being realized because of the construction project in process at the stadium, which is adjacent to the track and field complex. The two projects are separate in scope and in funding sources, but linked because of their proximity.

“We had a small window of opportunity to reduce costs for the track project because of the work being done on the stadium,” said Fields. “I want to thank the donors who stepped forward at just the right time in this project, many of whom have supported this program for many years, for giving our student athletes and track and field fans a facility they deserve.”

All improvements are expected to be completed before the end of 2011. The 2011 Bobcat men's team finished third in the Big Sky and the women fourth, with four athletes from each squad heading to next week's NCAA Midwest Regional Championships.

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Board of Regents Approves Privately-Funded MSU Track Stadium Enhancements

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Board of Regents Approves Privately-Funded MSU Track Stadium Enhancements

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