Ames, Iowa — The decision to go without fans at Iowa State football games is going to lead to some tough budget decisions for the athletic department.
Cyclone Athletic Director Jamie Pollard sent a letter to fans today (Friday) saying he is adjusting the projected budget deficit from 17-and-a-half million dollars to $30 million. Pollard says the original estimate was based on having fans for football. Pollard says the department will have to look at several options to make up the deficit — including more salary cuts and layoffs in the department; possibly eliminating sports; and the closing of C-Y Stephens Auditorium.
Pollard says the athletic department subsidizes C-Y Stephens by one million dollars annually and the revenues generated by events there are not enough to cover its operating expenses — or pay for the facility’s deferred maintenance.
