By The renovation of Carroll College’s Nelson Stadium – new synthetic turf and new stadium lighting – comes with an impressive price tag. The previously forecast fundraising goal of $5 million is clearly nothing to blink at.
However, the project has fallen under scrutiny.
Voices among the campus population have been raised regarding the use of such a large sum of money. Many students view the cost of the new turf for student athlete use and expansion of the stadium floor as a project that does not address what they see as immediate and urgent needs, such as housing remodeling and availability.
Many students feel that they are too limited in their options for housing, with many upperclassmen unsure of the impact of recent changes to the housing rules.
One such student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It feels like they are trying to make spaces fit more beds than they intended to. Space feels limited. They could use this money to help expand housing.”
Despite this, many student athletes welcome the change, as it opens better avenues for practice in various weather conditions. It is known that Montana faces rapid weather changes and unpredictable conditions.
The saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.”
Faculty opinion is varied as well.
Voices among some faculty have expressed a positive outlook on the changes for student athletes. But with that outlook, there is concern regarding the fundraising, which is still underway.
Specifically, there are concerns that if the fundraising is unsuccessful in securing the full $5 million, the cost will exceed that amount due to loans and interest on future payments. Some faculty have expressed a desire for the college to prioritize academic needs, rather than to improve the stadium.
Generally speaking, the campus opinion on the project seems positive, with trepidation. Should the fundraising successfully gather all $5 million, that concern is lessened.
But caution is the better part of valor, so planning must be thorough.
The jury is still out on this trial by public opinion. As more evidence presents itself, worry may rise, or it may fall.
Only time, and well laid plans, will tell.
