April Facility Update

ADF will post a periodic listing of updates in the world of college athletic facilities and the fundraising tactics used to bring them to life. This month we take a look at a project that is unique in both size and scope: Saluki Way at Southern Illinois University.

Saluki Way
Back in September of 2005, Southern Illinois University announced an ambitious campus construction project that would change the face of the University and Saluki Athletics. The project is “Saluki Way,” a reorganization and improvement of campus athletic facilities and walkways. The plans call for a complete rebuild and relocation of the Saluki football field, renovation of SIU arena, and a new academic center (among others). The project broke ground last month accompanied by an announcement of a $2 million anonymous donation.

Such a massive undertaking comes with substantial costs as well. The university approved an $83 million fundraising campaign that will include a donation from the city of Carbondale ($20 million through a city tax increase), an increase in student fees ($41.5 million), and private donations.

One unique aspect of this project is the strategy for seeking private capital to fund the project. SIU is utilizing the time and effort of six key volunteer fundraisers to seek out money that is available in the community and university alumni. These representatives include bankers, members of the university alumni association  and local business owners . This approach is effective because each of the volunteers are, potentially, stakeholders in the success of the facilities since athletic events are a stimulant to the Carbondale economy.