MADISON, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents gave permission Wednesday for preliminary planning to proceed on three new athletic facilities at SDSU and The University of South Dakota.

Approval of what the board refers to as “preliminary facility statements” means that the two universities can move forward to develop more detailed plans for an indoor practice and human performance facility and a new football stadium, both at SDSU, and a sports performance complex and renovations to the Dakota Dome at USD.

During this phase of planning, university officials will develop cost estimates, location drawings, and other details. Once those plans are complete, university officials must return to the Board of Regents and ultimately the state Legislature to seek final approval for the projects before any construction may begin.

Board officials said funding for these projects will not come from the state’s general fund or other operating revenues of the universities.

“It is the board’s clear expectation that private donations and sponsorships will pay the full cost of constructing these facilities, if they are approved,” said Jack Warner, the regents’ executive director and CEO. “Additionally, we expect ongoing operating costs to be supported by athletic revenues, such as ticket sales and advertising.

SDSU seeks to build a new football stadium, with seating for at least 20,000, to replace the 50-year-old Coughlin Alumni Stadium on the Brookings campus. The indoor practice and human performance facility would provide a 12-month indoor training facility for athletes in all sports, while expanding sports medicine and rehabilitation programs.

At USD, the proposed project seeks to address scheduling conflicts and overcrowding within the Dakota Dome complex. Renovations at the Dakota Dome would allow for a performance facility to serve multiple purposes, including competition, practice, and training, along with dedicated classrooms, sport science laboratories, and office space.