South Dakota State University is about to see a new football stadium thanks to a green light from the state legislature. Republican State Representative Dan Dryden says SDSU needs a stadium upgrade.
"The authorization will allow for a replacement of the 11,000 seat Coughlin Alumni Stadium built in 1962, with a new proposed 19,000 seat facility. The current facility is outdated, too small and does not meet the needs of fans, athletes, or successes of the SDSU football program," Dryden says.
This new facility includes larger concourses, better seating, an artificial turf field surface and other upgrades. The bill allows the Board of Regents and the South Dakota Building Authority to design, build and finance the project. Representative Dryden says these improvements will create a better overall fan experience. Proponents to this bill say it could improve recruiting and help bring more kids to South Dakota for school. The House passed the measure by a vote of 62-7. It travels next to the desk of Governor Daugaard.