As if anyone is surprised, Chancellor Dubois of UNCC announced this morning that he has recommended to the trustees that Charlotte add a football program by 2013. The caveat being that $5 million be raised in 6 months for the proposed $45.3 million stadium complex.
I like the idea of an on campus stadium. I know there will be cost whining and some have suggested we use BoA stadium, but I think an on campus location is the right choice for a university trying to get people to stay on campus for the weekend. Seriously, how sweet is our campus becoming? Plus Dubby’s plan reduces the initially proposed student fees from $300 to $200 a year once the program is active.
Also, I think he hits the nail on the head by dismissing opinions that football will enhance or detract from the universities academic stature, instead focusing on the need for UNCC to be “owned” by the city of Charlotte (and the state for that matter). For the University to grow, national attention is needed, like it or not. How to get the students, the city, and the state to “bond” with the school has long been a question at UNCC. But is football the answer?
If we can reach the $5 million goal, and the fans can stand the Div. 1-AA games for as long as it takes, it just might work.
And since Dubby supports football now, I think there’s enough time to rally to put “University of Charlotte” on the stadium by 2013.
FORTY…..
Lick
