Regents give permission on Kinnick, track projects

The state Board of Regents gave Iowa athletics permission to proceed with a renovation of Kinnick Stadium's north end zone plus two other department projects Thursday in Ames.

Regents approved of the project's first steps without discussion. The $35-45 million renovation includes the potential for luxury suites, patios, club seating and other changes. The process allows Iowa to move forward with fundraising, hiring architects and designing a refurbished north end zone.

'It makes sense to continue the support of the program at a high level,” Regent Bruce Rastetter said.

Regents also approved planning for a new indoor track facility on the west edge of campus costing between $15-20 million and an $85 million west side residence hall next to Kinnick Stadium. The residence hall will host most of Iowa's younger athletes, but NCAA rules stipulate athletes must comprise less than 50 percent of the occupants.

Athletics' cost depends on the number of athletes who reside in the dorm and is undetermined right now.

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