Stadium Showdown Continues At Temple University
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As Temple University alumni prepare to return to campus for Homecoming weekend, another issue returns to campus as well.
Friday afternoon, community faith leaders and the group Stadium Stompers protested the University's proposal for the building of an on campus football stadium. "We do not intend to have a stadium in our neighborhood, be real clear," said Ruth Birchett.
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The group says the stadium will worsen quality of life for neighbors with issues like parking, traffic, litter and noise. Temple says they're taking those concerns into account.
According to the school, money needed for the 35,000 seat stadium, if built, would come from fundraising and other sources. Adding the stadium will save the school money in the long run.
Right now, Temple pays $3 million a year to use Lincoln Financial Field for home games. Students say that reality is also inconvenient.
Philadelphia's city council would ultimately have to OK the proposal, but has said neighbors must be considered and consulted. At this point, it is still unclear what compromise will be reached.
"If there's some medium ground, there has to be some give and take and basically they said that the stadium is going to be built. That is their position and we are adamant in our position," said Rev. William B. Moore.
A representative for the Temple Board of Trustees tells Eyewitness News that there's not even a timeline for the completion of the feasibility study so, it's still very early on. As for the Stadium Stompers, the organizer tells me they'll be here every step of the way.
