Auburn University Athletics

In late 2000/early 2001, the president and board of trustees at Auburn University saw a group of needs within the athletics department. After contracting with the J.F. Smith Group to conduct an assessment of the department and a feasibility study, the results bore out their assumptions and the Auburn Athletics Department moved forward with their first ever capital campaign, The Legends Campaign. This campaign was done in conjunction with the university's It Begins at Auburn Campaign.

The goal for The Legends Campaign was $90 million, with $40 million from private support outside of ticket priority contributions. At the conclusion of the university campaign in March of 2008, the athletics department had raised over $168 million, with nearly $70 million from private support. The funds raised in the campaign allowed Auburn Athletics to significantly upgrade its Olympic sport facilities. They funded projects like the Charlotte G. Lowder Student-Athlete Development Center, the Jack Key Golf Teaching Facility, a new track, an outdoor pool, a tennis facility built in conjunction with the city of Auburn.

Looking forward, the primary focus now is to secure private funding for a new basketball arena. There is also a locker room project that is underway in the Athletics Complex. Lastly, there is always a need for unrestricted funds.

According to Kay Hargrave, associate AD for development, the biggest challenge of the campaign ended up being the greatest contributor to their success. They had to educate the prospective donors, from the top, down and inside, out about why Auburn Athletics needed their support. As they educated and asked, people made an investment in their product - the student athletes. Kay said it has been very humbling and gratifying.