Alabama Athletics raises record $106 million during Fiscal Year 2019

The University of Alabama Department of Athletics announced Friday that it raised a record of more than $106 million in the 2019 Fiscal Year from pledges and gifts to the Crimson Tide Foundation and donations to TIDE PRIDE.

The fundraising success, along with the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and presidential approval, allows for Phase I of The Crimson Standard, including Bryant-Denny Stadium and Rhoads Stadium, to move forward.

“We are excited to proceed with our first phase of The Crimson Standard,” said Greg Byrne, Alabama director of athletics. “As we’ve said since this project was announced, evolution of our facilities is critical to the success of our programs.”

Byrne added, “We would like to thank The University of Alabama Board of Trustees, Chancellor St. John, President Pro Tempore Gray and President Bell for their support and approval of this project. We would also like to thank all of those who have contributed to The Crimson Standard thus far to help us reach our goals.”

As of today, nearly $270 million of the $600 million for this 10-year capital initiative has been committed.

Alabama Athletics announced in a press release, “Construction is slated to begin this month at Rhoads Stadium, while renovations to Bryant-Denny Stadium will start at the conclusion of the 2019 football season. The new Sports Science Center, which will be located in the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, is also part of the Phase I plans and is currently out for bid.”

“We are grateful for the support of all of our donors and thank each and everyone for helping us achieve a record-breaking year,” said J Batt, Alabama senior associate athletics director for development. “These philanthropic gifts are vital for us as we continue to move ahead with The Crimson Standard.”

The announcement also said fans will have the opportunity “to reserve seats in the new premium areas that will be available on the west side of Bryant-Denny Stadium beginning with the 2020 football season.” Options include loge boxes, the Champions Club and the Terrace Club.

For more information on The Crimson Standard, visit CrimsonTideFoundation.org.

Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris.