Statement Regarding Proposed Stadium Project

Statement by President Richard L. McCormick
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RE: Proposed Stadium Project

November 29, 2007

The university is committed to its football program and appreciates the recognition and pride it has brought to Rutgers and the state. A project to expand Rutgers Stadium has been under comprehensive review by the Rutgers Board of Governors, its committees and the Rutgers administration throughout the past year. Rutgers officials have also extensively discussed the stadium project with representatives in Trenton.

The stadium proposal that was scheduled for final action by the Rutgers Board of Governors at its December 6 meeting was predicated on financial support from the state. As we have said repeatedly, the expansion of the stadium must be self-supporting, with no impact on tuition or academic programs.

We fully recognize the financial challenges the state is facing. Now that we are unclear about what the state support for the stadium will be, the expansion project has to be re-evaluated.

We are still in conversation with the state about Rutgers Stadium, and, within the university, we are continuing to assess the options that are available to us for expanding the stadium. We are committed to the football program and to the expansion of Rutgers Stadium. The university remains proud of our outstanding student athletes, Coach Schiano and the tens of thousands of loyal fans who support the Rutgers football program.

Contact: Greg Trevor
732-932-7084, Ext. 623
E-mail: gtrevor@ur.rutgers.edu