Stony Brook Athletic Director Shawn Heilbron plans to expand athletic venues over the course of a few years. He wants to generate more revenue toward the department and university, while the renovations and projects are paid for by the state. He already helped develop Island Federal Credit Union Arena, a new basketball venue that holds over 4,000 fans. The next item on his list will expand Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium, the home of the football and lacrosse teams, with 2,000 extra seats so it can compete with other schools in the conference. “We’ll have a 10,000 seat stadium vs. an 8,000 seat stadium,” he added. “Hopefully, we can sell 2,000 more tickets which brings in more money. But ultimately, with these conferences, it’s all about TV deals.” “We have incredible support from the state,” Heilbron said. “We really have a beautiful arena and we really have the stadium as a result. The End Zone Project has been funded through the state.” He said he knows that he has been a great partner with the University, but his other goal is for the Athletic Department to raise more money on its own. Outside of the money it receives from the state, the university receives financial support from the Stony Brook President Samuel Stanley. Heilbron wants to increase the Athletic Department’s fundraising ability to make money. The upcoming indoor practice facility, he said, will be funded solely on private donations. -Jim Ferchland, Stony Brook Press, Read More
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