Letter from Chancellor Duncan on Proposition A
April 27, 2018
TTU System Colleagues:
As many of you are aware, Proposition A, an important issue related to Texas Tech University, is being voted on in the upcoming May 5 city election. The proposition presents the opportunity to enhance our flagship campus while supporting the City of Lubbock in the process.
When the Lubbock Municipal Auditorium and Coliseum was constructed, the land and parking lot for the facility were given to the city at no cost, but remained subject to reversion to Texas Tech University if the city abandons the facility. The city cannot sell the property to a third party.
If approved, Proposition A would authorize the city to relinquish the Lubbock Municipal Auditorium and Coliseum to Texas Tech University. Gaining back this valuable property would support an important piece of the university’s master plan as the campus grows to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and the community. The current facility is outdated, is cost prohibitive to maintain or refurbish with unknown levels of asbestos and compliance issues, and other options in the city have become preferred venues for events.
We have been in contact with city leadership and have agreed to shoulder demolition costs and be as flexible as possible in hosting events until a final decision is made regarding the use of the property.
While the Coliseum and Auditorium have been a significant part of our history, the cost of improving and maintaining the facility has become unmanageable for the City of Lubbock. The land it occupies is in a key area of the Texas Tech campus and could be better utilized for our future growth.
Below is a link to information from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce encouraging Lubbock citizens to support Proposition A.
Election Day is Saturday, May 5. Early voting continues through Tuesday, May 1. For early voting and Election Day voting locations, visit the following links:
- Early Voting Locations - https://www.votelubbock.org/election-information/early-voting-information/early-voting-locations-cities-and-schools-elections/
- Election Day Voting Locations - https://www.votelubbock.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/May-2018-Cities-Schools-Vote-Center-Locations.pdf
Thank you for your support, as always.
Yours very truly,
Robert Duncan, Chancellor