April 25, 2011
TUCSON, Ariz.--Three gifts totaling $25.5 million have pushed the University of Arizona's north end-zone project in Arizona Stadium closer to the ground-breaking stage, Athletics Director Greg Byrne announced today.
Byrne said donors who wish to remain anonymous have pledged an $11 million gift, while Jeff and Sharon Stevens donated an additional $2 million on top of a previous $10 million gift, and Tucson automotive businessman Jim Click has pledged a gift of $2.5 million to help the Athletics Department move closer to making the football facility a reality.
The University announced plans to enclose the north end of Arizona Stadium with a multi-floor, multi-purpose football structure 18 months ago and has taken another significant step toward securing the financial backing necessary for the sizeable capital project, estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $72.3 million. The project is subject to Arizona Board of Regents approval.
Jeff and Sharon Stevens pledged $10 million in November 2009 as a leadership gift in the department's efforts to secure the necessary financing to fund the short- and long-term capital enhancement plans involving UA athletic facilities' master plan. The Stevens' total pledge of $12 million, and the anonymous $11 million gift are the two largest gifts in Arizona Athletics history. Click's gift of $2.5 million ranks as the 6th largest gift in UA Athletics history and is in addition to his previous gift of $1.75 million for the Jim Click Hall of Champions.
In addition to their contributions to the athletics department, all three of these donors have provided substantial support to other units on campus, Byrne noted. These gift commitments involved a university-wide effort including University of Arizona President Robert N. Shelton, UA Foundation President Jim Moore, as well as athletics department leaders.
"The generosity of Jeff and Sharon Stevens, the anonymous supporters, and Jim and Vicki Click has been invaluable to our efforts to upgrade the University of Arizona's facilities to be among the nation's best," Byrne said. "Jeff and Sharon kicked off this project and have stayed involved throughout the process to assist in helping us reach this moment. It goes without saying that Click family support has touched many, many parts of this community," he said.
"This is a facility that benefits all of Arizona Athletics. It ensures a platform to be successful long-term in football and signals that Arizona is moving forward," Stevens said. "It is a great relationship between the private business sector and the University to come together and make this happen."
