Coastal Carolina stadium expansion funds rejected by state
CONWAY, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina officials have again rejected Coastal Carolina University's request for money to expand its football stadium, something needed so Coastal can play in the Sun Belt Conference.
Local media outlets report the Commission on Higher Education rejected the proposal Thursday for the fourth time since February even though the cost of the expansion was reduced to $30 million from $38 million.
The school is expected to try again, perhaps by next month, to secure the money. Commissioners said they are concerned about a lack of private contributions for the expansion.
Coastal is to move to the Sun Belt in the Football Bowl Subdivision next year. FBS schools must maintain an average attendance of 15,000. Coastal's stadium seats only 9,200 now and the school wants to add 10,000 seats.