NWA LETTERS

Expansion of stadium, gala nothing to be proud of

I find myself obsessed with what I see as the insanity of the planned stadium expansion.

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville football stadium is used six or seven times a year.

The thoughtful column on June 15 submitted by former UA board members claims: “The last time Razorback stadium was renovated and expanded about 20 years ago, we spent $100 million to update the facilities and add 20,000 seats. … Since that time, our best guess is that we have had maybe 10 or 12 games “sell out” but only two or three truly ‘full houses’ in those 20 years. Now we are planning to spend another $160 million (that will be in all likelihood end up being $200 million-plus) and we are only adding about 3,000 seats … This simply defies all logic.”

From all the information I have gleaned from news sources and comments of Sen. David Pryor, it appears there is no reasonable justification for such an obscene amount of money being spent, which will put the athletic department in debt for 20 years. That is a whole generation of Arkansans with an enormous debt hanging over their heads, especially loyal fans wondering when the next increase in tickets is coming as they seem to be the ones at the most risk for the debt. The university is very proud they won’t be putting any money into it and the debt will be paid off from ticket sales and wealthy donors.

The recent outlandish bash given by the university to kick off their fundraiser is not much to be proud of on the academic side. At least the chancellor is trying to stem the tide of spending by replacing the development officer responsible for this grand idea. Donors certainly need to feel confident that their generous contributions are used judiciously. If it’s broken, fix it!

I am sure that we all have a few suggestions how to better utilize the great windfall that the athletic department is reaping from their contract with ESPN.

  1. Reduce the price of tickets, giving families who have been loyal to our Hogs for generations a bit of a reward for their unwavering devotion to our teams. Fans who drive up from all over the state certainly deserve a break.

  2. Help keep tuition down for the 27,000 students. A significant percentage of students will carry a heavy burden of debt with them when they start into their young adult lives.

  3. Help support the underpaid faculty who are critical in providing a quality education.

  4. Think outside the box and solve the horrific parking problems all over campus.

Come on, people: The stadium is used six, maybe seven times a year. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Can we not all be a team and figure out together how best to serve our students and faculty, sports endeavors and crucial donors for the benefit of all? Come on, Mr. Long, don’t be a Hog.

PATSY FERRITOR

Fayetteville

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