The Temple University Board of Trustees opted to begin planning a $126 million sports stadium on Temple’s campus in North Philadelphia. The Board set aside $1 million for an architectural study to determine the stadium’s final design and environmental impact.
This decision, which was announced on February 8, follows several forums with community members, who are strongly opposed to the increased traffic, noise and university presence in their neighborhood. Philly.com quoted residents and students at the board meeting, many of whom expressed anger toward the university for neglecting the local community.
North Philadelphia resident John Bowie demanded that the Board “invest in what you're displacing. Make an investment in the acres of diamonds of young people in this community.”
The construction of a new stadium would allow Temple’s football team to have its own field, freeing the school from paying $3 million rent to the Philadelphia Eagles for the use of Lincoln Financial Field. The administration also hopes the stadium, and a possible new alumni center, will increase alumni activity with the school.
The 35,000 seat stadium is still contingent on securing funding from alumni donations, city approval and the study results. The Temple News reports that the administration believes the design study will be helpful for residents, who will then have a better idea of the effects of the stadium and will be able to provide feedback.
