U unveils plans for Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza

An artist's rendering of Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza, which will encompass the largest and most central west entrance of the stadium.

September 15, 2008

The University of Minnesota today unveiled the design of a new plaza to honor Minnesota's American Indian nations. Made possible through a $12 million gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), the new plaza--outside TCF Bank Stadium--will be named "Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza."

In addition to $10 million announced last October, the SMSC has pledged an additional $2 million for improvements to the plaza. The University's Board of Regents approved the name at its meeting on September 12.

"We're grateful to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for their support, and for their commitment to recognizing all 11 of Minnesota's American Indian communities in this stunning plaza," said Athletics Director Joel Maturi. "This will be one of the most vibrant and visible parts of TCF Bank Stadium and serve as a lasting tribute to the importance of Minnesota's Indian people."

Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza will encompass the largest and most central west entrance of the stadium. The architecturally innovative design will include 11 18-foot-tall sky markers. Each sky marker will incorporate information about one of the 11 tribal nations. Tribal flags, images, and important facts will be displayed on the soaring glass structures.

"We are grateful that the membership of our tribe has made it a priority to tell the story of American Indians in Minnesota through this plaza," said Stanley Crooks, chairman of SMSC. "Our true story hasn't always been told or taught in schools so we acknowledge the University for their willingness to do so. It is important to put accurate information out in the world so that others might better appreciate the historic and ongoing contributions made to the state of Minnesota by the sovereign tribal nations who have called Minnesota home since time immemorial."

The $10 million gift for the plaza is the largest single private gift ever to Golden Gopher Athletics. In addition, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community also donated $2.5 million that will go to a matching fund that will create a $5 million endowment to provide scholarships, with a preference given to American Indian students.

With the additional $2 million pledge, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's contribution to the University of Minnesota reaches $14.5 million in the past 12 months.

Final commissioning of TCF Bank Stadium will occur in summer 2009, and the first game versus the United States Air Force Academy will take place on September 12, 2009.

Other images of the new Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza design can be accessed at plaza images