(02-04-2009 10:37 AM)Trojan Delta Chi Wrote:  ya know MTPikapp, TROY never seems to have too much trouble raising funds for facilities. New football stadium, new baseball stadium, new soccer/track facilities, etc etc. We will get the new arena when we're ready for it. I think that will be Hawkins' last big project before he leaves us to run for govenor. quite the parting gift wouldn't you say? :)

$40 mill is a chunk of change, especially in the current economy. The problem with our fundraising for the baseball renovation was it was all privately donated. No tax dollars, no existing athletic budget, no loans, no corporate donations. Where we really ran into problems was one major donor turned out to not have the money, I can't remember exactly what happen, but if I remember correctly the man actually ended up taking his own life or passing under mysterious circumstances or something. Anyhow, by the time we actually got the money, inflation in building materials made our original bids from companies about $1-$1.5 million short. We finally have the new stadium and will be opening it up in few short weeks.