Lamar students voted to approve a fee increase to support the return of Cardinal Football to the University.
The votes are in: Lamar students want the Cardinal football program returned to the university and are willing to pay for it.
Lamar University officials announced Jan. 31 the student body has approved a special fee that will assist in funding the return of the Lamar Cardinal football program.
Lamar students went to the polls on Jan. 29 and 30 and voted on the fee that will put the university one step closer to realizing the dream of reviving the program that was discontinued in 1989.
Seventy-nine percent of the thousands of students that cast ballots voted to approve the $8.75 per credit-hour fee. The fees would take effect in the fall of 2009 and games would begin in 2010.
"A football program on a university campus is a very important factor in enrollment management," said Brian Sattler, director of public relations for Lamar, in a press release Jan. 31. "With the leadership of President Simmons, academic offerings have increased; new facilities such as the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, Cardinal Village Phase IV and the new dining hall have been constructed to enhance the campus learning and living environment, so it is a great time to work toward bringing college football back to the campus and Southeast Texas."
The students' show of support is just a first step in reviving the Cardinal football team. Lamar is a member of the Texas State University System, and the TSUS Board of Regents have to give final approval. A meeting is set for Feb. 22 on the Lamar Campus.
With board approval, the LU Athletics Department will begin renovations of Cardinal Stadium and search for a coach. The Cardinals would be a member of the Southland Conference.