What do you call $300 million in funds raised for athletics? At the University of Alabama, you call it "halfway there."
The Crimson Standard Initiative was introduced in August of 2018 as Alabama's 10-year plan to enhance the student-athlete experience, recruiting efforts, and game-day experience for fans — with a staggering fundraising goal of $600 million.
On Thursday, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne announced that the initiative had reached $309 million in gifts and pledges. "We are so grateful to all of our generous donors who have helped us reach this milestone,” Byrne said in a press release, as reported by Sports Illustrated. “To have eclipsed the halfway point in less than two years since the launch of our 10-year plan speaks to the level of support for the future of Alabama Athletics and to the hard work and dedication for this initiative by our staff in the Crimson Tide Foundation.”
Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, and Rhoads Stadium are all currently under construction and going through Phase 1 of the Crimson Standard, according to SI.
At the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, a state-of-the-art Sports Science Center is being added to the south side of the building. The center will focus on advanced treatment services and technology dedicated to cryotherapy, chiropractic, stretch, massage, relaxation, rest and mental health services.
Per Alabama, there is limited premium seating available for the new club and box seats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. However, the seats are going fast due to strong interest.