Michigan State University's Board of Trustees is reviewing its previous plan to build a $150 million Olympic sports arena in the Spartan Gateway District. The board is now considering a smaller project focused on creating a community hub instead of the large sports complex. The changes are due to updated athletic facility needs and the suitability of the site, according to The Detroit News.
Amber McCann, a Michigan State spokesperson, said the changes are not due to university-wide budget cuts. The Athletics Department is reviewing how existing space is used. The university will also cancel plans for a health-care zone and additional parking structures, as reported by Lansing State Journal.
MSU’s new plan for the Athletic and Recreation District will use existing campus facilities for Olympic sports, with construction costs being "minimal," funded mainly through fundraising and the general fund. Planning will involve several campus units, including Intercollegiate Athletics and Finance. Spartan Gateway will have a "stronger focus" on retail, office space, dining, and housing, as per State News. McCann said, "The department is continuing to explore all options while evaluating our overall facility needs," as mentioned by The Detroit News. If the Board approves the plan on Friday, MSU will open bids from new developers for Spartan Gateway, ending the roles of Gillespie Group and Goldenrod Companies. The project will follow MSU’s Vision 2050 goals and use public-private partnerships to minimize university spending.
