SARAH STOESZ | Staff Reporter
Hinkle Fieldhouse surpassed its fundraising goal of $16 million.
The campaign has raised $17.2 million so far. The renovation project is projected to cost about $35 million. However, the campaign set a fundraising goal of $16 million and Butler University planned to finance the remaining amount, said Ken LaRose, associate athletic director of development.
“We would have loved to raise $35 million, and then we would not have to finance anything,” LaRose said. “We are in a position right now with whatever we collect out of our athletic annual fund, the Bulldog Club, to help offset and finance the rest of it.”
Although the campaign is officially over, the athletics department will still accept gifts, LaRose said.
The success of the campaign shows Butler’s appreciation for Hinkle and its history, said Barry Collier, director of athletics.
“The big reason is that Hinkle Fieldhouse is such a special place to so many people,” Collier said. “It is a national historic landmark that has touched many people.”
The project to renovate Hinkle is on schedule to be completed in November, LaRose said.
Currently, the old Hinkle pool is being transformed into an area for weight rooms, athletic training, and academic support. This part of the project will be completed in April 2014.
Interior renovation will start after the basketball season ends in April. The seats, scoreboard and front lobby will be updated. During this time period, Hinkle will be shut down, Collier said
This final part of the project will take the longest and will be the most expensive, LaRose said. It will not be completed until November 2014.
Donations were sent from both alumni and students to the campaign, LaRose said.
“Every student—athlete on every team contributed,” LaRose said. “Now, they didn’t contribute a whole bunch, but they did something. It gives them all a little bit of ownership.”
People outside of the Butler community also donated to the campaign due to the reputation and image of the university, LaRose said.
“They like what we’re all about,” LaRose said. “They like the blend of academics and athletics and the Butler Way. People read about it in the newspaper and see it on TV, and they want to be a part of it.”
