NDSU’s fundraising campaign approved

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A $32 million fundraising campaign to renovate and expand North Dakota State University’s 40-year-old basketball arena was approved Thursday by state education officials.

The project includes a new basketball court and bleachers at Bison Sports Arena, along with a practice gym, an indoor track, larger locker rooms and a new weight training area for athletes. The arena’s roof and heating and air conditioning system will be replaced and two new building entrances constructed.

North Dakota’s Board of Higher Education approved the school’s request Thursday. The renovation has been in the works for at least eight years, and almost $1.4 million has been spent on design.

The project will be split into three construction phases and, once started, will take about two years to finish, the project’s architect said.

The $32 million request includes almost $2.8 million to retire a lease debt with the Fargodome, a city-owned building where North Dakota State’s football team plays its games.

Bison Sports Arena opened in 1970.

Tags: north dakota state, weight training, sports, ndsu, bison, basketball, arena, track, gym, fargodome