Gophers athletics leaders have expressed confidence in the fundraising, timeline and future success of the university's proposed $190 million sports complex. On Wednesday, they expressed their excitement for the project in the form of releasing 11 slick-looking artist renderings of the facilities.

The illustrations show modern practice areas for basketball and football, updated workout centers and glass-encased common areas for the new campus buildings.

University officials have a goal to break ground on the project, driven by M.A. Mortenson construction and St. Paul-based BWBR Architects, by the end of the summer. The university had raised $70 million as of February toward it's first-phase goal of $150 million. Another $40 million in improvements and new construction will occur after the initial phase, according the U's plan, totaling a $190 million upgrade to football and basketball practice facilities, a "Center for Excellence" for all student-athletes and new space for nonrevenue sports as well.

Staff reports