Michigan played the University of Minnesota tonight in Football. It’s tough to beat Michigan when they’re ranked 6th in the country. That may change in the future. At least, that’s what U of M Football Coach, Glen Mason and U of M President Robert Brunicks think, now that we’ll have a new Gopher Football Stadium beginning in the fall of 2009.
Today was the groundbreaking for the new stadium. I attended, mostly because my son, Luke, is the Minneapolis student representative on the U of M Board of Regents. So, Luke was one of the dignitaries who got to “throw at little ceremonial dirt” today as the official beginning of site preparation for the new stadium. He is shown here with President Brunicks.
It was a grand day for the groundbreaking. The sun was shining, there were many speeches, and the Minnesota Marching Band was blowing out the “Minnesota Rouser” .
I did not vote in favor of the new stadium. I had been in favor of giving the
HHH Metrodome to the University instead. But, I must admit that there was a lot of excitement at the stadium site, as construction begins. It will cost a lot of money, but it will be a great addition to the campus. Some day, Luke will come back to campus as an alumni and share the pride of being a U of M graduate.
They say that ‘ Athletics is the window of the University . It’s not what universities exist for. But, there is no doubt that Big 10 athletics at the U of M is a major attraction that draws students, donors, and alumni to the campus. 25 years from now, I might admit that my vote against the stadium was wrong. I’m not ready to admit that right now. But, the majority rules in the legislature, and we should all be excited as this project begins.