Proposed bill seeks to use 90 acres for development
ASU President Lattie Coor said Monday he will be a vocal opponent to tearing down ASU's Karsten Golf Course and making it the site for the new Arizona Cardinals' football stadium.
Coor called a news conference in response to a bill proposed by Rep. Steve May, R-Phoenix, who has decided to bring the proposal for the stadium site into the hands of the Legislature.
"This is an excellent opportunity for the University and the state of Arizona," said May, who envisions event facilities surrounding the stadium.
May said that he wants to use 90 acres of the Karsten site for the development, not the 156 acres that the bill is rumored to call for.
Karsten Golf Course, 1125 E. Rio Salado Parkway, is less than a mile from Sun Devil Stadium, where the Cardinals currently play.
Coor, who said he has not been included in any of the discussions concerning the plans of the proposal, is specifically against using the site for more than a stadium.
"It is improper use of the property and goes beyond the plan of what the site should be," he said.
The use of additional acres may come in conflict with other facilities that could be built on the property.
"The land has other functions that are essential to the University," Coor added.
According to Coor, Proposition 301 requires the University to fund the development of facilities that will further research.
A major candidate for the site at the southwest corner of Rural Road and Rio Salado Parkway is the Arizona Biomedical Institute.
Coor is willing to explore the uses of the Karsten site but will not consider using the entire property for a stadium.
He said ASU's property would have to be replaced if used. Coor is also looking for an arrangement where construction at the site will not interfere with University operation.
May can not promise that the ASU golf program will not be impacted. However, he said the Rolling Hills golf course at 1415 N. Mill Ave. could be used as an alternative for students.
The idea of taking a stadium site to the Legislature also faces opposition.
"With Rep. May designating the site in a piece of legislation, other legislators will engage in picking sites to appease their own constituents," said Sen. Scott Bundguard, R-Glendale. "Mr. May's efforts fly in the face of the voters."
"The voters approved the site-selection process," Bundguard said. "TSA (The state Tourism and Sports Authority) has undergone a sound beating by the public and I don't think they would make a selection that has the stench of a backroom deal."
Coor agreed that the issue shouldn't be taken to the Legislature.
"Our conversation should be with the city of Tempe, not the state Legislature."
Coor said he plans to resume talks with individuals involved with the proposal and will be meeting with Sen. Laura Knaperek, R-Tempe, to discuss the issue.
Reach the reporter at joanne.yuan@asu.edu.
