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Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
Louisville University |
University of Louisville P.O. Box 37130 Louisville, KY 40233 (502) 366-9592 Tenant: Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
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Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
Louisville University |
University of Louisville P.O. Box 37130 Louisville, KY 40233 (502) 366-9592 Tenant: Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Ground was broken on Wednesday, June 19, 1996 for the 45,000-seat Papa John's Cardinal Stadium project at the new stadium site located on Floyd Street, adjacent to the University of Louisville's Belknap Campus.
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Other Resources Amazon.COM Stadium Books "This is a wonderful day for the University of Louisville and the entire community," University President John Shumaker said. "It represents the culmination of an extraordinary year for the university community. It is great to see so many people from so many segments of our community here today to enjoy it with us."
A commemorative shovel was presented to those in attendance, and the crowd was estimated at 4,000.
The stadium will be the first on-campus football facility built at a Division I university in 13 years.
Image of the Old Cardinal Stadium Courtesy Robert Barrantes, thanks Rob Among those in attendance at the groundbreaking were state and local government officials, university officials, corporate donors to the project and former U of L coaches and athletes. Over 4,000 fans pledged nearly $15 million for lifetime seating rights in the initial phase of the stadium fundraising effort in May of 1993.
"I'd like to extend our thanks to the fans," Athletic Director Bill Olsen said. "We have all shared this dream for a long time. I've thanked them many times, but I'm going to do it again. Thanks for staying the course."
Papa John's and founder/CEO John Schnatter committed $5 million to the project on May 16. Additional corporate donations total nearly $23 million to date, including a $3 million pledge from the Brown Foundation; major corporate contributions from Anheuser Busch, Bank One, Kiel Brothers Oil Inc./BP, UPS; and significant contributions from McDonald's, Pepsi Cola, Dr. Ben Reid, Kentucky Kingdom and the City of Louisville and Jefferson County. Additional gifts are still being sought to complete the football complex in the $56 million project.
The stadium is to be built on a nearly 100-acre site adjacent to the south end of the U of L campus, previously occupied by a railroad yard. The Cardinals plan to open their 1998 football season in the new facility, which will also accommodate soccer, concerts and a variety of other events.
Image of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium by
Louisville University"This means a whole lot," Head Coach Ron Cooper said. "This is good for our football program and good for the University of Louisville. Papa John's Cardinal Stadium will match up with any facility in the nation; it will be second to none."
Source: Louisville University Sports Information Office
June 3, 1999
Copyright 1999 MediaVenturesThe University of Louisville says its investment in a new football stadium is already profiting. The stadium is bringing in new fans and it appears that Papa John's Stadium will turn a $1.6 million profit its first year. Profits of more than $2 million are predicted in the 1999-2000 season. The school says it plans to spend its new profits on improving womens' sports programs.
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