SDSU Football Stadium Plan Taking Shape

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota State University is moving forward with a plan to build a new football stadium by the start of the 2016 season.

SDSU officials on Wednesday presented a proposed timeline of the project and updated architectural diagrams to the state Board of Regents. The board and also the state Legislature must approve the project, and financing also needs to be found.

SDSU President David Chicoine says an 18,500-seat venue to replace Coughlin-Alumni Stadium could cost up to $65 million, with much of it financed through bonds. Officials expect to submit a funding plan to the Regents in early December.

Coughlin-Alumni Stadium opened in 1962. The Argus Leader reports that it seats only about 10,000 fans and lacks many modern amenities.