Giannini speaks to boosters

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Dec. 3, 2003
University of Southern Mississippi athletic director Richard Giannini faced the masses on Tuesday, speaking to the local Eagles Club chapter about everything from Conference USA discord to budget concerns.
Southern Miss is in the midst of a massive fundraising effort to refurbish its athletic facilities, and Giannini said USM is still on track to have M.M. Roberts Stadium renovated in time for the 2006 season. A new artificial surface should be in place at The Rock in time for kickoff in 2004.
The fifth-year athletic director said 23 of 30 suites have been sold for the stadium's planned suites, and about 200 of 650 club seats have been purchased.
The financial burden may not fall solely on Southern Miss, though. Giannini said Hattiesburg residents will vote on a referendum in the spring that, if approved, would add a one-cent tax to foods and beverages and a $1 hotel fee. That money would go to the university.
Giannini added that Golden Eagles boosters must share the load, too. He encouraged the roughly 40 supporters present to purchase tickets to the Liberty Bowl and work to increase their own numbers.
Giannini also addressed the recent shakeup in Conference USA. Cincinnati, Louisville, Marquette and DePaul have announced their intentions to join the Big East, and TCU is mulling whether or not to jump ship to the Mountain West Conference.
The losses may actually strengthen C-USA's football prowess, Giannini said.
Despite C-USA's turmoil, Giannini said Southern Miss, if for no other reason that its location, is committed to the league.