Citing budget cutbacks, unforeseen costs and shortfalls in fund-raising goals, UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley announced Wednesday the renovation of Camp Randall Stadium will be delayed.
\There is no reduction whatsoever in our commitment to the project. Camp Randall will be renovated,"" Wiley said. ""We just need a little more time to make sure that, in this new economic environment, our financing projections are comfortable.""
The first phase of the renovation, which will not be affected by the delay, is scheduled for completion in August and is focused on utility upgrades. The delay will apply to later phases aimed at upgrading infrastructure, in addition to dealing with security, customer service and accessibility issues.
Camp Randall Stadium was built in 1917 and has not had a major structural renovation since the upper deck was constructed in 1966.
The projected $99.7 million project is receiving 90 percent of its funding from Athletics Department revenues and donations. Challenges in the last year for these key areas are cited as reasons for the delay.
According to a university statement, ""potential donors have felt the effects of the downturn in our state and national economies."" Meanwhile, the Athletics Department has had to make up for a $700,000 cut in state funding in the 2001-'03 budget in addition to increased security costs resulting from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Because of these shortfalls, the decision was made to hold off on construction until funding is secured.
""As the chancellor said earlier, he does not want the Athletics Department's budget in jeopardy by pressing forward with something that is not a sure thing,"" said Kent Barrett, UW-Madison university relations specialist.
Even with obstacles, the renovation of Camp Randall remains a top campus priority, Wiley said.
""Despite these short-term challenges, we are strongly committed to completing this critical renovation and expansion project,"" Wiley said in a Feb. 19 letter to UW System President Katharine Lyall and UW System Board of Regents President Jay Smith.
Many options for securing the remaining funding are being considered, including increased fund-raising efforts and changing the number of suites versus club seating in the stadium.
""For right now it is just an example that everything is on the table,"" Barrett said.
Underlying the initial decision to renovate the stadium as well as the decision to delay is a commitment to keeping Camp Randall, the fourth oldest college-owned football stadium in the country, viable, Barrett said.
""[People should know] that we plan to keep that stadium for many years to come, and we will do what we can to make sure that it is a stadium we can keep around,"" Barrett said, ""There is a lot of history there, and it's something we want to make sure remains a major part of this campus.\
