The University of Minnesota is adding a new $200 per year “athletics facilities fee” for students on the Twin Cities campus.

The fee was approved by the Board of Regents in mid-June, as part of the annual operating budget.

Students told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they were surprised to learn about the new fee, just two months before the start of the new school year.

This new fee is on top of already increasing tuition for the fall, which is going up 6.5% for in-state students and 7.5% for out-of-state students

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“It’s hard, it’s really, really hard,” said incoming junior Olivia Schlichter. “I’m definitely frustrated for sure. Why do they want to do this? What’s the point of this?”

The university told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the money from the new fee will go toward its 15 major sports facilities, such as the football field, basketball arena and hockey rinks.

Gopher Athletic Department leaders spoke about a budget shortfall to the university’s Board of Regents last week.

“We continue to have operating budget cost pressure from a variety of sources,” said Tim McCleary, deputy athletics director, during the July 8 meeting.

He said the department expects a deficit of $8.75 million in its $174 million budget for next year, due in part to the “changing landscape of Division I sports.”

That includes a landmark antitrust settlement, which will allow colleges to pay student athletes, starting this month.

Each institution is able to spend up to $20.5 million per year, which the University of Minnesota has said it will do.

A university spokesperson confirmed Friday that the money will come out of the Gopher Athletics budget.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked for an on-camera interview, looking for clarity on how this affects students, particularly regarding the new athletics facilities fee.

They told us no one was available on Friday.

Over email, we asked if the new fee will be used to pay student athletes.

A spokesperson replied: “Revenue from the fee only supports Gophers Athletics facilities.”

The new fee will bring in about $7 million per year.

We asked if any other plans were considered, such as raising ticket prices at games, instead of a flat fee for all students.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS received this response:

“Yes, the department has done and continues proactive measures to address a sustainable budget and maximize all revenue sources, which include ticket sales, fundraising, sponsorships, licensing, concessions, rentals, etc. Athletics covered this in their July presentation to the Regents and in part in the June operating budget proposal, including reduced operating expenses and staff during the past several years. They operate with a lean budget (the FY25 budget ranked 14 out of 18 in the Big Ten) and remain committed to identifying additional ways to provide savings and to support the exceptional athletic and academic success of University of Minnesota student-athletes.”

Still, many students are frustrated by the last-minute add-on to their student payments.

“With rent prices and everything, it’s just stacking on,” said incoming senior Lizzy Timm. “There are students who aren’t going to be able to afford coming to places like this for their education.”

The U said at least seven other Big 10 schools are also adding these types of athletics facilities fees.

In explaining the value athletics bring to campus, a spokesperson shared this:

“Gopher Athletics provides economic benefit and vitality to our University community far beyond sporting events, from hosting Welcome Week activities to career fairs, graduation ceremonies, marching band practice, Recreation and Wellness activities, and community events. Gopher Athletics programs and spaces are woven into the social fabric and daily lives of students, alumni, business and residents of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Additionally, Big Ten conference membership, including the Big Ten Academic Alliance, brings significant prestige, awareness, engagement and value to the University of Minnesota.

Gopher Athletics is strongly committed to financial sustainability and providing world-class education and competitive and fulfilling athletic opportunities for all student-athletes in its 22 varsity sports. University support and proactive financial management put Gopher Athletics in a strong position to successfully transition to a new model more quickly and with less deficit than many other programs across the country facing similar challenges.”