North Texas broke ground recently for a new football stadium that will be ready for the 2011 season. Construction begins in January.

The multipurpose facility, which will replace Fouts Field, will hold about 30,000 fans and will increase tailgating space. Amenities include luxury suites, a club level, a Spirit Store, a corporate deck and a Touchdown Terrace. The facility is expected to serve as a site for concerts, community events and commencement ceremonies.

Funding will come from private donations, corporate sponsorships, club and suite sales, naming rights, game guarantees, ticket sales, concessions, rental fees, and student fees. Last year, North Texas students approved the school’s first dedicated athletics fee to be implemented when the stadium opens.

“If you look at America's great universities, you'll see that they all have the three A’s in common: great academics, great arts and great athletics. All are key to a vibrant alumni community and continued growth. And all require great facilities,” said President Gretchen M. Bataille. “I am committed to ensuring that North Texas, like many of the nation’s best research universities, strives to be excellent in everything we do.”

The athletics department set up a Web site dedicated to the new stadium, allowing visitors to see the construction progress, learn about plans for the future and donate to the project.