University of Minnesota Foundation

Legacy

Winter 2020
Issues/Contents
Gifts at Work

TCF Bank Stadium

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For TCF Bank Stadium, 2019 was a year of celebration. It marked the 10-year anniversary of its opening and the return of football to campus. It also saw head coach P.J. Fleck lead the Golden Gopher football team to an 11-2 season and Outback Bowl win over Auburn. Thanks to state support and the generosity of donors such as TCF Financial Corp., whose sponsorship kicked off construction, the outdoor stadium is a home for football fans and a place where the community gathers for movie nights, concerts, celebrations of American Indian history and culture, and more.

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The T. Denny Sanford Athletics Hall of Fame tells the story of the teams, student athletes, and coaches that have made the U of M’s athletics program what it is today. Step through the brick archway from Memorial Stadium, where the Gopher Football team played until 1982, and view interactive displays, trophies, artifacts, and more.

2

Many prospective team members get their first in-depth look at the Golden Gopher football program in the recruiting room, which was built with a gift from Charlie and Kathy Cunningham. Families spend time there before and after Minnesota home games. Head coach P.J. Fleck and staff meet with everyone after each game.

3

The Robert and Alexandra Klas Media Entrance, funded with a gift from the Klas Family Foundation, is the gateway for local and national media to enter TCF Bank Stadium on game days.

4

A lead gift from Bill and Kay McReavy funded the Board of Regents and President's Suite, as well as the Athletic Director's Suite.

The interior of the Athletic Director's Suite is pictured at right.

5

The Veteran's Tribute includes inscriptions from donors honoring veterans from all wars. The campaign to build the 18-foot wall was led by retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, ’66 B.A.

6

Tribal Nations Plaza, located near the main entrance, honors the 11 American Indian nations in Minnesota. It features 18-foot-tall sky markers—glass panels that display tribal flags, images, and historical information specific to each community. Tribal Nations Plaza was funded by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

7

Each of the 1,014 donors who gave $1,000 or more toward the stadium's construction is acknowledged on a donor wall on the northwest wall of the stadium.

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When John and Nancy Lindahl toured the stadium before it opened, they noticed that the space between the seats and the playing field looked unfinished. Their on-the-spot gift built the brick wall surrounding the field, giving it a classy appearance. It’s just one of many ways the Lindahls have supported the stadium and Gopher Athletics.

9

The walls of the tunnel under the stadium are lined with oars bearing messages to athletes as they run from the locker room onto the football field. The tradition of community members donating oars started with an appeal from head coach P.J. Fleck, who wants the team to know that all of Minnesota is rowing the boat with them.

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