Hunter
08/18/20
University of Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta says that the postponement of fall sports and an uncertain future means budget deficits of up to $75 million.
In an open letter to the Hawkeye Family Monday, Barta said he was “heartbroken” at the prospect of no fall activities, but he said that “the health and safety of our family and friends is of utmost importance.”
Barta said the Big Ten Conference and the athletic department staff will work diligently on the winter and spring sports seasons, and explore the process of how a spring season for fall sports will work.
The university has waived the August 14th deadline for Hawkeye season ticket holders to request a refund, but stress that those purchases can be rolled over to the 2021 fall season.
Barta wrote that the postponement of fall sports will not only have a financial impact on the university, but all the businesses that rely on Hawkeye events to sustain their livelihood. He estimates an approximately $100 million loss to the Athletic Department, and an overall budget deficit of $60 to $75 million.
The athletic director said the department is working hard to find solutions, and ended by thanking everyone for their “loyal and generous support.”
The Athletic Department also announced Monday that of the 335 individuals tested for COVID-19 for the week ending August 16th, just 4 tested positive. That’s a positivity rate of 1.2 percent. Since testing began, the overall positivity rate is now at 4 percent.