U of M Regents delay vote on $190 million athletics village

The University of Minnesota's Board of Regents won't consider a proposed $190 million athletics village until an October meeting, according to university officials. The approval vote on the project was originally expected earlier this summer.

University spokesperson Evan Lapiska said moving the meeting back will allow the completion of the complex's final schematics and more detailed plans for a new track.

Former athletic director Norwood Teague, who had been very active in fundraising for the athletics village, resigned earlier this month after admitting to sexually harassing two university employees at a leadership conference. At the time, Teague said fundraising for the athletics village project was going "extremely well."

Even after other allegations arose against Teague, interim athletics director Beth Goetz said majors donors were still supporting the project and that it was still on schedule.

Lapiska said the hearing isn't being delayed due to problems with fundraising.

"This is part of the ebb and flow of a major project, and it is important to note that this will have minimal to no impact on the timing for completion," Lapiska said.

Mortenson construction has been selected by the university to build the facilities. The 340,000-square-foot complex will include basketball practice spaces, an indoor football practice space and space for academics and nutrition, according to the company.