It’s been a long time in the making but the Alerus Center has finalized a new ten-and-a-half year agreement with the University of North Dakota for Fighting Hawks football.
The contract was approved by the Events Center Commission this morning. It calls for UND to capture the bulk of the ticket revenue in exchange for paying $42,000 dollars in rent per game when there are 10,501 tickets sold – and $32,000 dollars for smaller crowds. UND and the Alerus Center will share concession revenues. The university will also make a one-time $400,000 dollar license fee payment.
On the flip side the Alerus will pay UND $25,000 dollars a year to offset lost revenues due to building exclusivity rights. The Alerus will also foot the bill for the new turf that was installed over the summer. That cost will be offset in part by field logo advertising. City Administrator Todd Feland says the new turf also provides the building with flexibility. “We own the turf and we can quickly turnaround to do a concert on Friday and play football on Saturday.”
Alerus General Manager Anna Rosberg says there was some give and take on both sides.
The agreement is subject to final review by City Attorney Dan Gaustad. North Dakota opens the season at home against Southern Illinois on Saturday, February 20.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
