A Football program at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin has moved one step closer to becoming a reality following approval of a Football Initiative Business Plan by the UT System Board of Regents, UTPB President David Watts announced at a Friday afternoon press conference. The recommendation, approved at the Regents' meeting on Thursday, is the first of three steps needed to expand the UTPB athletic program to include football.
 
To fund this venture the school will raise $9.5 million by the end of 2014 to cover the cost of operations for the first five years. While there will be no additional student fees associated with the football program, a student referendum allowing students to vote on repurposing the existing fee for the Student Union will be held. Kirk Edwards, chairman of the Community Advisory Committee, will provide guidance and focus for community fundraising.
 
"I am proud that today we are undertaking a new mission and direction for athletics at UTPB and for all of West Texas." said Kirk Edwards. "The addition of football at our university will increase the quality of life and social experience for students and provide another outlet for future growth and retention."
 
The addition of football will require practice and training facilities to be constructed on-campus for the start of the team's first official practices in the fall of 2015 with home games to be held at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa.
 
The program will look to have its first head coach in place by January, 2015, with a coaching staff assembled over the following months.
 
Football will have a large effect on the rest of UTPB athletics. Additional athletic training and administrative staff will be in place for the 2016-17 academic year, and men's & women's golf will be in place by 2016-17 with men's & women's track anticipated to be added in 2021-22.
 
"The quest to bring football to UTPB has been ongoing for the past twelve years," said Steve Aicinena, athletic director for UTPB. "Football will enhance student life and make UTPB an attractive choice."
 
"All of West Texas can support watching our local kids carry on their dreams of playing college football after finishing their high school careers," said Edwards. "The addition of a marching band and related student activities will also allow for a more personal experience for many more students than in the past." 
 
UTPB President David Watts praised the groups that have moved the football initiative forward in record time.
 
"Thanks to the vision and leadership of Chancellor Cigarroa and the UT System, and our local supporters," Watts said. "This is an exciting opportunity for our students and our community."