NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans Athletics Department hosted its annual State of the Privateers on Thursday. Located in the University Center and exclusive to donors, the event was hosted by Vice President of Athletics & Recreation
Tim Duncan.
Donors engaged in familiar conversation with New Orleans head coaches and administrators over food and drinks, and coaches gave past season highlights in addition to what fans can expect in the upcoming seasons. However, the highlights of the night were Duncan's update on Privateers Division I football and a sneak-peek at renderings of a potential open-air, on-campus stadium along the Lakefront.
During his fireside chat with NOLA.com sports columnist Jeff Duncan, Tim shared his proposed plan to add football (2025), women's golf (2024), women's soccer (2025) and marching band (2025) to the school's athletic department.
The plan could become a reality if New Orleans students approve an increase in student fees during a voting referendum Nov. 9. The proposed increase to a $300 flat fee for part-time students and $400 for full-time students is required to fund the estimated $4 million to $5 million annual expense needed to add the four programs.
In preparation for the vote, the athletic department has scheduled a series of town hall meetings with students and faculty to answer questions about the proposal. The school also plans to launch a #WaketheLake marketing campaign, with a website dedicated to the mission.
"If it's 51% (approval), we have football," Duncan said to Jeff.
During his presentation, Duncan unveiled architectural renderings of a 20,000-seat, open-air stadium from Garcia Architecture. While it is still in the conceptual phase, Duncan added that school officials still will consider building a stadium even if students vote against the student fee increase.
"This can be a catalyst for all sorts of activity and development, and change the face of our campus," Duncan said to Jeff. "It could be transformational for our students."
With New Orleans currently being the only athletic program among Louisiana's Division I schools to not have a football program, Duncan feels that this addition could be transformational.
"We want to enhance the student experience here on campus," Duncan said. "Our students love being on a peaceful, serene campus right on the lake. But as a 21-year-old, sometimes you want to be able to have some fun that's really close to you, and they don't necessarily have that in our area. This is a way we can change that experience."
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