BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – UAB President Ray Watts is bringing the football program back.
Watts told The Associated Press that he decided on Monday morning to reverse the earlier decision after meetings with UAB supporters continued through the weekend. He says donors have pledged to make up the estimated $17.2 million deficit over the next five years if football is restored.
Watts was scheduled to announce the decision to reinstate football, bowling and rifle in 2016 later Monday. He cut the programs last December after UAB commissioned a report saying it would cost $49 million over five years to field a competitive program.
Watts says they have dropped an indoor practice facility from that equation, but are still raising about $13 million toward a turf practice field and new fieldhouse.
Without football, UAB would have likely not have remained in Conference USA.
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