Rose Bowl spending plans: Chancellor’s remarks
(Selected remarks from the Chancellor David Ward’s Dec. 3, 1999 press conference to outline planning for the upcoming Rose Bowl appearance by the Wisconsin Badgers.)
Here at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, we know that many citizens of our state take great pride in our football program. We are working diligently to make sure all are delighted with our performance — both on the field of play and in the front office.
The university and athletics department are carrying out our commitment to keep 2000 Rose Bowl spending in line with bowl revenues. No taxpayer money has ever been involved in financing Rose Bowl trips, but even so, I want to emphasize that the athletic program is in the process of carefully budgeting for the upcoming Rose Bowl.
The department will not spend more than it takes in.
Here is an overview of our plans for this year’s trip to Pasadena:
- The athletics department has decided to cut the number of university personnel it will take to the Rose Bowl to support the team and related activities. This will result in significant savings and help reduce the total travel party by more than 100 people.
- Private donations will cover some expenses formerly paid out of bowl proceeds or the athletics budget.
- The university also has reduced the size of the university’s official party. The number will be about half the number who went last year.
As was true last year, our students — 112 players and more than 350 band members and spirit squad members — will account for most of those still traveling at the expense of the Rose Bowl. Bowl proceeds will pay for 112 football players, 85 athletics department staff, about 370 band and spirit squad members, and about 40 other university officials — about 600 total. Private money will pay for about another 113 people.
This is a dynamic process. We could make money, but we will not lose money, on this bowl appearance. As you evaluate the information that has been distributed to you, I believe you will recognize the growth and prosperity that the athletic program has realized throughout most of the 1990s without being a burden on state taxpayers.