U of M Board of Regents Okays Athletes Village Project

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has given final approval to a $166 million Athletes Village.

The university plans to break ground next month on the facility, which will include updated practice and training facilities for football and basketball teams that officials say are necessary to keep the school competitive in the Big 10.

The university has raised about $76.5 million of the cost from donors. Nearly $90 million will be borrowed and repaid by the athletics department.

The Athletes Village has been a priority of football coach Jerry Kill, who says the current facilities undermine recruiting efforts because they are overcrowded and outdated.