Donations fund clubhouse expansion

June 25, 2010

A major expansion of the Graham Huskie Clubhouse at Griffiths Stadium will soon be underway thanks to two major donations to the University of Saskatchewan.

Ron and Jane Graham, who financed the building of the current clubhouse in 2006 as part of the university’s preparations for hosting the Vanier Cup game, will contribute about $3 million to an expansion that will including training areas, offices and meeting space. A second donor – David Dube – will provide about $160,000 to purchase training and multi-media equipment as well as furnishings.

Doug Clark, associate vice-president of development in University Advancement, said the university’s ongoing partnerships with the Grahams and Dube demonstrate significant commitments to both the institution and its football program. “When Ron (Graham) realized that we needed more space and that the team in essence trains 12 months of the year, he asked, ‘How can I make this facility better?’,” said Clark. “And David (Dube), who is our biggest donor to the ongoing game-day experience, stepped up to provide the necessary exercise and training equipment.”

In addition to providing construction costs, the Graham gift includes $65,000 per year for five years to cover operating costs for the facility. Clark said the new space will be made available to other Huskie athletes, College of Kinesiology programs and university events, and may also be rented out to external groups. According to the business plan for the clubhouse, the development of this rental revenue stream will eventually contribute to the operating costs.

The university’s contribution to the project is expected to be about $220,000 and will include work by Facilities Management Division trades, consultants, commissioning of the building, safety inspections, design reviews and project management.

The start of construction is imminent with completion expected in early 2011. Clark said the project schedule has been set up to take into account the Huskie football schedule for 2010 as well as track and field and football events scheduled by community groups for Griffiths Stadium.