University of New Orleans targets 20,000-seat football stadium

The University of New Orleans is considering launching an American football team that can play at a new purpose-built stadium.

Tim Duncan, UNO’s fourth-year athletic director, last week signalled his intention to add American football, women’s golf, women’s soccer and a marching band to the college’s athletics offering.

UNO currently fields teams in baseball, basketball, men’s golf and volleyball, but Duncan believes that adding a dedicated football team and stadium would boost the college’s wider athletics programme.

The stadium would be privately funded, but the new team would be funded by a proposed flat-fee cost increase of $300 (£279/€312) to $400 for students. The increase in fees will be voted on by students on November 9.

Garcia Architecture has provided renderings of the proposed stadium, which would have a seated capacity of 20,000. The stadium would be located between the Maestri Field baseball venue and Lakeshore Drive.

Duncan said the stadium plans will be considered even if students oppose the increase in fees to fund the formation of a football team.

“This can be a catalyst for all sorts of activity and development, and change the face of our campus,” Duncan told NOLA.com. “It could be transformational for our students.”

He added: “We want to enhance the student experience here on campus. Our students love being on a peaceful, serene campus right on the lake. But as a 21-year-old, sometimes you want to be able to have some fun that’s really close to you, and they don’t necessarily have that in our area. This is a way we can change that experience.”