You're misreading me if you think I have made the $190MM having been scaled back an issue - the issue is that it HASN'T been scaled back. We agree - the amounts are overboard, but it's still a "$190MM campaign to be entirely funded by private donations." That is ridiculous and needs to change. The only thing that has changed - per public comments from the U - is that the scope of the project has been reduced (still $190MM, just getting less for that $190MM). Specifically, the teardown of Bierman and new buildings for various sports was the initial plan. Now, the plan is to re-purpose existing structures. Same price tag.
I'm not arguing against ANY of this. In fact, I have consistently argued FOR this. My issue is not only the high $190MM price tag, but the bigger issue is that the plan is to fund the project entirely via private donations to the athletic department. Hop over to the main page at NothingShortOfGreatness.com - it's right there for anyone to read. Nothing confusing about it:
Now, two years ago the article
Minnesota's Facilities Plan Set Up For Failure was published. In it we said the following. Hopefully this helps your understanding of where I stand.
Again, there are now rumors of the U doing what they should have already done... and, if they start construction this summer/fall by following the ideas presented by LNH a couple of years ago - that is great! It doesn't change the fact that some time has been wasted and it does present potential for folks to be upset because this would be a huge change from "funded entirely by private donations to the athletic department," but I still believe it's what is necessary unless you get an enormous gift from someone.