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 Pacific Northwest landmark and a unique symbol of the livability and beauty of our region. Husky Stadium helps make this State an attractive and dynamic destination for visitors, residents and companies.
Public Investment in Husky Stadium Makes Sense Because University of WashingtonClose to ninety years old, the Stadium requires $300 million in essential renovations and upgrades to ensure spectator safety, accessibility, seismic integrity, and continued program competitiveness. Doing nothing and delaying these upgrades still could cost $100 million in deferred maintenance over the next decade.
Husky Stadium is a critically important community facility that hosts community-sponsored events involving thousands of Washington citizens. The local community relies on the
Stadium to stay open and be accessible and safe.
UW football and athletics provide significant financial benefits for the region and the State. A recent economic study indicates that UW sports generate $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.
Public financing 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.
Football revenues pay for all other Husky sports, so the continued financial health and competitiveness of Husky Football is essential to the viability of all other Husky men’s and women’s teams.
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 donors and ticket holders already have generously endowed scholarships, improved other UW athletic facilities, and our supporters stand ready to contribute significantly towards the cost of Husky Stadium renovations. However, they do not have the capacity to pay for the entire $300 million project budget.
The experience of other universities indicates that moving to a professional facility (like Qwest Field) costs universities more money and weakens fan support. UW would have to pay more in rent, 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. Download this document
Investing to Save Husky Stadium is Good for the Economic and Emotional Well-Being of Our Region
