The University of Northern Iowa says it’s reached a major fundraising goal in its effort to build a new sports and entertainment facility. U-N-I vice president for advancement, Bill Calhoun, says they’ve raised 18-million dollars for the 100-thousand square foot McLeod Center. Calhoun says they will need to raise some more money to finish off the project.He says they won’t know for certain how much until they get bids for some of the components. He says they will probably need another million and a half to two million dollars for the commissary and special lighting, sound system and retractable seats. Calhoun says those items will make the facility versatile and competitive for high-level sports and entertainment events. Calhoun says they’re building the facility without state support. He says the 18-million dollars is all private funds. The new facility will be home to the U-N-I wrestling and basketball programs. Calhoun says the facility is expected to bring in 370-thousand visitors and generate 15-million dollars for the economy after three to five years of operation. Construction is expected to start next summer.
