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We're gathering all the input from all the Huskies everywhere in hopes of generating an experience unparalleled in collegiate sports anywhere!

Sound like a lofty goal? Not when you're a Husky, a friend of the Huskies, or somebody who cares about what the Husky Experience means to the Pacific Northwest.

What is the problem with Husky Stadium?
Husky Stadium was originally constructed in 1920 and, after almost 90 years, is in dire need of extensive preservation and life safety work. While this work is going on, it is highly economical to make targeted upgrades to improve the fan experience and build modern football facilities to help recruit top football players and coaches.

The irreplaceable experience of college game day at Husky Stadium has been part of the fabric of the community and important to generations of Washingtonians. It is a historic Pacifi c Northwest landmark and a unique symbol of the livability and beauty of our region. Husky Stadium will attract over 20,000 visitors to Puget Sound this fall.

PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN HUSKY STADIUM MAKES SENSE BECAUSE:

Close to ninety years old, Husky Stadium requires $300 million in essential renovations and upgrades to comply with ADA, meet current codes, and to ensure spectator safety, seismic integrity, and program competitiveness. By doing nothing and delaying these upgrades, it could still cost $100 million in maintenance over the next decade.

Husky Stadium is a critically important community facility that hosts local and regional events involving thousands of
Washington citizens. The local ommunity relies on the Stadium to stay open and be accessible and safe.

UW athletics provide signififi cant fifi nancial benefifi ts for the region and the State. A recent economic study indicates that UW sports generate over $12.5 million per year in tax revenue for the state and the local region. Much of this revenue comes from thousands of college football fans who travel from other states to watch their teams play in Husky Stadium. This season over 20,000 fans will visit.

Public fi nancing would not require new taxes, but would redirect existing revenues that the voters and the legislature have previously directed to construct other sports facilities. These are primarily tourism taxes paid by visitors to King County.

85% of all athletic revenues come from football, funding all sports except men’s basketball. The continued fi nancial health of Husky Football is therefore essential to the viability of other Husky men’s and women’s sports.

UW intercollegiate athletics are self-supporting. It is one of only 14 programs nationwide that does not take money from the regular University budget or other state appropriations.

Husky sports include a total of 664 student athletes (308 women and 356 men in 23 sports). The NCAA limits annual scholarships to 287. The UW Athletic Department campaigned and now funds 134 of these tuition and fees scholarships in perpetuity. UW donors have supported numerous facility and programmatic improvements. However, they do not have the capacity to pay for the entire $300 million project budget.

The experience of other universities shows that moving to a professional stadium (like Qwest Field) costs universities more money and weakens fan support. UW would have increased expenses, lost revenues, and Husky fans would have to pay more for tickets, parking, and concessions. Student participation and alumni support could diminish, and the irreplaceable experience of college game day at Husky Stadium will be lost.

What is the proposal to renovate Husky Stadium?
The University is seeking public funding for one-half of the total $300 million project construction budget. Public funding would
primarily support the following preservation, renovation and maintenance items. The other half of the stadium project cost would be
paid for with new UW local revenues from premium seating and donations from Husky supporters.

Preservation, Renovation and Maintenance ($150 Million Public)

Seismic reinforcements of the south upper stands, replace the press box and add new elevators.
Replace the lower bowl seating (originally built in 1920).
Disability (ADA) improvements and renovation to
existing concourses, restrooms, and concession areas.
Site and utility upgrades.

Improve Fan Experience/Upgrade Football Facilities ($150 Million UW)

New premium seating and a club room (generates
new revenues).
Lower the fi eld and remove the track to allow lower
bowl seating replacement closer to the field to mprove
visibility for fans.
Improvements to concourses, restrooms and concession areas
and a new sound system.
Additional fan support areas.