University of Richmond hopes for football on campus

By WILL JONES
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH
Published: April 18, 2008

The University of Richmond’s push to bring football to campus has shifted from fundraising to addressing traffic and other neighborhood concerns.

The university is seeking a special-use permit from the city that would allow a $25 million expansion of First Market Stadium beginning in 2010. Officials say the money has been raised in cash and pledges.

“We have been concerned from the beginning about the new stadium,” said Bill Berry, president of the Three Chopt Civic Association. “It’s not so much that we’re opposed to it. We want to do it right.”

The expansion would increase seating capacity from about 2,500 to 8,700. The Robins Center, where the Spiders play basketball, has seating for more than 9,000.

UR’s football games would be moved from UR Stadium, near Carytown. That facility is leased from the city for $1 per year.

Ralph L. “Bill” Axselle Jr., an attorney representing the Three Chopt residents and others, said he’s encouraged, particularly with the possibility of improving UR Drive to ease traffic flow to parking lots on the south side of campus.

“It’s proceeding well, but it’s not there yet,” he said of talks with UR.

University officials are willing to consider road improvements, specifically building a connecting road from Crenshaw Way to Spider Lane, which would make UR Drive more viable to fans coming from River Road. The improvements would be completed by 2011 or as soon as possible if the expansion is approved, said John K. McCulla, coordinator of community relations.

He said UR is committed to building a stadium that’s considerate of neighbors. He said the sound and lighting systems would be specially designed, ABC rules would be strictly enforced on tailgaters and enough parking would be provided on campus for all spectators. A shuttle would carry fans from distant lots.

Axselle said there’s discussion among residents about discouraging or banning parking on neighborhood streets without a permit. UR has no objection to such restrictions, McCulla said.

A community meeting on the stadium proposal is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 29 in UR’s Weinstein Hall. Officials are hoping the permit can be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council in June.

First District City Councilman Bruce W. Tyler said he’s pleased the parties are talking.

“At the end of the day, everybody has to feel UR was responsive to the community and its needs, and the community was responsive to the university and its needs.”
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .