Iowa State University will indefinitely halt construction and renovation of the Hilton Coliseum, where its men’s and women’s basketball teams play.
According to The Gazette, the Cyclones are facing a $147 million budget deficit. Halting construction on the $25 million Coliseum covers one year’s worth of that deficit and creates $8.7 million in immediate savings.
Iowa State University will indefinitely halt construction and renovation of the Hilton Coliseum, where its men’s and women’s basketball teams play.
According to The Gazette, the Cyclones are facing a $147 million budget deficit. Halting construction on the $25 million Coliseum covers one year’s worth of that deficit and creates $8.7 million in immediate savings.
“In the past two years, there have been several transformational changes in college athletics that will result in $30 million in recurring annual financial repercussions to the athletics department beginning this year,” ISU athletics reported to the Board of Regents in its 2026 budget report.
Iowa State athletics will also postpone the construction of a wrestling practice facility and increase ticket prices by no longer absorbing sales tax on ticket purchases, which they believe will amount to nearly $1.5 million in savings. ISU plans to increase the Cyclone Club membership prices by 20% and cut costs generally from all sports support units.
“The most significant savings have resulted from reducing travel costs for Olympic sports,” athletics officials reported. Iowa State athletics’ total budget will increase 24% to $141.1 million despite the postponed construction and increased ticket costs.
“ISU is engaging with the Big 12 Conference, ISU Foundation, sponsors, donors and other partners to explore additional opportunities to create growth in revenue sufficient to overcome future anticipated revenue shortfalls and to otherwise support the continued success and viability of the ISU athletics program,” department officials reported.
