MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato President Edward Inch announced tonight the University is launching the public phase of a $60 million fundraising campaign that will transform the south side of the MSU campus into a hub for recreation, wellness, athletics and community engagement.
"It is with great pride that I officially announce the public launch of The Future State capital campaign," said Inch. "This visionary initiative will help us build a dynamic, multi-purpose complex that will serve southern Minnesota, greater Mankato and our University for generations to come. Hosting more than 115 events annually, this hub will be a catalyst for regional economic growth, cultural vibrancy and community wellness."
The project will be entirely funded by private donations, with no state funding. According to Inch, the project's silent phase has resulted in donor commitments of about $30 million. The University's Foundation expects to raise the remaining funds in the next two years.
Inch said the team expects to break ground on Phase I of the project in late fall 2027, which includes a state-of-the-art 6,500-seat multipurpose stadium with hospitality and club spaces, as well as a renovated track and field facility.
In recognition of current financial support, the stadium will be named the Becky and Glen Taylor Community Stadium, and the stadium's field will be named the Taylor Family Field. The stadium's front entrance gate will be named for the Thielen Foundation, and the stadium's secondary entrance will be named for Mankato-based company ISG. Additional naming opportunities are still available.
The stadium is expected to open in 2029. In addition to hosting Maverick home football and soccer games, high school teams throughout southern Minnesota are invited to schedule games at the stadium. The facility will also be capable of hosting as many as 12,000 spectators at outdoor concerts and other events.
Phase 1 includes renovating the current track and field facility by building permanent seating to accommodate an estimated 3,000 spectators. The new track and field complex will connect to concession and restroom spaces in the stadium and be capable of hosting college and high school football and soccer games on the track's infield. Maverick football will play home games there in 2028 while the stadium is under construction.
Inch said Minnesota State Mankato would seek to host collegiate conference and NCAA championship-level track and field meets, as well as bid on the Minnesota State High School League track and field championships and more.
An important part of the Future State vision, Inch said, is establishing a plaza area that will be adjacent to the stadium. Overlapping phases 1 and 2 of the project, the plaza will include green spaces and gathering areas where farmers markets, vendor fairs and many other public activities can be held.
Phase 2 of the vision will be funded by business partnerships and revenue created through rentals. Phase 2 includes building a residence hall on the corner of Stadium Road and Warren Street that will help address continued demand for student housing. Lower floors of the new residence hall will be reserved for mixed-used spaces, including retail opportunities, student health services and more. Phase 2 construction will be coordinated in tandem with the Phase 1 stadium construction.
Phase 3 of the project will be funded by student outdoor fees and community partnerships. It involves renovating existing walking and biking trails and creating exercise and recreation spaces accessible to the community, such as community pickleball and tennis courts, in addition to areas for community youth sports. This phase also includes building out parking and road infrastructure.
According to an economic development study conducted by Stone Planning in March 2023, revenue generated by the complex will positively impact the entire region:
Estimated gross annual spending (local and non-local residents): $4.3 million
Additional premier events annually: 115+
Potential new jobs: 22
Additional area hotel room bookings: 4,000
Estimated 30-year net income (including direct and indirect income): $28 million
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,251 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
