The Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously approved the University of West Florida (UWF) ‘s $2 million funding request to support its new stadium project. On “(we don’t) Color on the Dog,” UWF President Dr. Martha Saunders discusses how the stadium will enhance student experience while providing economic benefits through tourism and entertainment options.
- What began as an Inweekly April Fool’s joke in 2008 has evolved into a championship program that has outgrown its facilities. As Dr. Saunders explained, “Our current seating, I believe, Dave said, we have seating for 3,700. The average attendance is 4,200. Do the math.”
The overflow crowds have created what Saunders calls a “carnival atmosphere” where “students bring their picnic blankets and lawn chairs” with “food trucks around and the kids running around.” This success prompted the university to pursue a permanent stadium solution on campus.
The stadium aligns with TDC’s mission of increasing “heads and beds.” In Saunders’ words, “We were asking for support for our stadium project… because we do attract people into the area for the TDC because people come to watch our games and they stay in hotels.”
She added, “I think this is going to inspire more events. I talked with Nicole Stacy last week and I thought, well, there are more things we can do on campus that will benefit them too.”
WHY THIS MATTERS: With county commission approval still needed, this collaborative approach between UWF and local government shows how public institutions can work together toward common goals that benefit the entire region. It further supports the message to Gov. DeSantis and his appointees to the UWF Board of Trustees that Pensacola and Escambia County love the University of West Florida.
Go Argos!
Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash