When did the University of Minnesota decide to build a new Gopher's stadium, and why?

Talk of a new stadium for the Gophers began in 2002, stemming from what university athletics spokesman Garry Bowman describes as a "desire to return Gopher football to campus."  The plan finally passed the Legislature in 2006.

When will it be finished?

The stadium is set to be completed in July of 2009.

How much will it cost?

TCF Bank Stadium is going to cost around $288.5 million, which is more than $40 million more than the price originally projected.  The University of Minnesota is responsible for

$151.3 million, and has already raised $78 million through public supporters and sponsors.

The Legislature is covering the remaining $137.2 million.

What kind of problems does the university expect to encounter when transitioning from the Metrodome to TCF Bank Stadium?

The university has been working hard to prepare to transfer season-ticket information to their newly revealed "Gopher points" system.  This system tracks the patron and donation history of season ticket holders and gives them priority on seat choice accordingly.  Given some past disorganization problems with tracking patron histories, some Gophers fans won't be able to use past season ticket purchases toward the new system.

Introduction | Twins: Target Field
Gophers: TCF Bank Stadium | Vikings: To be determined

Andy Mannix is a journalism and English student at the University of Minnesota. He has written for TIME.com, City Pages and the Minnesota Daily.