TCF BANK STADIUM: BRINGING GAME DAY BACK TO CAMPUS

B E C KY M O H N

HISTORY• Northrop Field• Memorial Field• Metrodome• TCF Bank Stadium

NORTHROP FIELD 1899-1923

MEMORIAL STADIUM 1924-1992

METRODOME 1993-2008

TCF BANK STADIUM-2009

TCF BANK STADIUM• Proposed in 2000• Completed in 2009• Costs $303 Million • Located near University Avenue

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TAILGATING AT THE U• Metrodome had built in tailgate lots• New research corridor by stadium limited

future space for tailgating• Have it from the beginning or not at all• Committee members came from universities

with robust game day culture• Football not a priority• Coaches want party atmosphere

FRATERNITIES ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE• Several Fraternities located nearby stadium• 50,000 Fans on game Saturdays• Uncertain about it should look like• Want to attract alumni and families• Tailgate Committee looked to fraternities• Fraternities needed their own plan and the

Interfraternal Council (IFC) needed a policy

FRATERNITY ROW

FRATERNITY ROW

STADIUM COMMITTEE• Established to cover all the details

surrounding new stadium• Creating an intentional game day

experience • Made up of faculty, staff, alumni,

students, and Greek students

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

RESEARCH• Tailgating and steering committee• Travelled to different universities • Consulting stakeholders• Student brain storming• Alumni and undergraduate

consultation• Push back from neighborhoods

IMPACT ON STRATEGIC PLAN• University desire to be a top research

institution• Research Corridor• New Fraternity and Sorority Life

Strategic Plan released in 2010• Does not mention stadium or safety• Desire to build community

DECISION• Create a welcoming environment on Golden

Gopher Game Days• Visibly dry on game day• Fencing• Attract the ‘right’ alumni• Keep guests safe• Conservative Visibly Dry Policy

COSTS• Many security costs were left to fraternities• Other departments incurred costs • Fencing each week• Cups• Parking• Alumni events• Recoup losses

COSTS

IMPLICATIONS• Among largest media markets• Jobs created• Duties shifted• TCF Bank not selling out tickets• Loosening of policies• Large undertaking for facilities, police,

and parking

LEADERSHIP• Public and internal leadership• Jerry Rinehart, Vice Provost and Dean of Students• Lynn Holleran• Office of Student Affairs• Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life• Presidents of Interfraternal Council and Panhellenic

Council• Chapter Leaders• Fab Four

LESSONS LEARNED• Unique opportunities• Planning takes a long time• Communication• Student lead decisions• Intentionality goes a long way

Questions?

Rah!