University of South Alabama officials are asking for $15 million to help build an on-campus football stadium.

The university is asking for $10 million from the city and $5 million from taxpayers, WALA reported . There was no vote to approve the contributions during a meeting with about 250 supporters this week, but it could happen after a meeting on July 10.

“A lot of students … just don’t like to make that drive and they would rather have it on campus,” senior football player Collier Smith said.

University officials estimate the stadium would cost about $75 million.

“Over the years, supporters of South Alabama football have been vocal about their desire to see an on-campus stadium.

We now have an opportunity to make that desire a reality,” University of South Alabama Athletic Director Joel Erdmann said.

South Alabama students, staff and administrators showed their support of the football stadium during the meeting to county and city leaders.

But some question if the on-campus stadium would be in the best interest of Mobile financially.

South Alabama football home games are being played at the 70-year-old Ladd-Peebles Stadium, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of campus.

The new stadium would be built at the current intramural field on campus, near the practice facility under construction.

“I have no problem (with South Alabama having its) own football stadium, but I do question if this is in the best interest of Mobile to financially support it,” said Ann Davis, chairman of the board for Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

If the city agrees to provide $10 million toward an on-campus stadium, the university would provide the city with $2.5 million for turning Ladd into more of a high school stadium.

“You are offering us the best proposition we’re probably going to see yet,” Mayor Stimpson said.

(Associated Press, copyright 2018)

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