Students approve stadium initiative

Washington State University students voted in favor of an initiative to raise $10 million for renovations to Martin Stadium.

The vote, which ended Wednesday night, was not close, with 64 percent in favor of the initiative. Students will pay an additional $25 per semester over the next 25 years to raise the funds. (A student government representative said 3,937 students voted yes, 2,153 voted no.)

“Awwwwesome,” WSU athletic director Jim Sterk said at the Staples Center in Los Angeles as he received the news over the phone shortly before the basketball team’s Pac-10 tournament game.

Securing the $10 million allows the Cougars to start two phases of construction after the 2006 football season is finished.

Already, Washington State was planning on building a new entryway, restrooms and concessions on the east and south ends of the stadium.

The student fee gives WSU latitude to borrow money to start restroom and concession work on the north end as well.

“If we hadn’t gotten it, then part of it would be delayed and some of it maybe we couldn’t get to in the end,” Sterk said.

“Construction costs are going up like crazy – 13 to 15 percent a year. So the longer you wait, the more it costs. I think that can really help us.”

Still, the majority of the fund-raising work – which would provide for luxury suites on the north end – remains to be done.

Sterk said the department has received oral commitments for just more than $4 million with $16 million remaining before the most significant portion of the renovation can become a reality.