Commission approves $1 million RLF contribution to Pittsburg State outdoor track project

The Pittsburg City Commission voted Nov. 12 to accept the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s unanimous recommendation to allocate $1,000,000 from the city’s revolving loan fund to support Pittsburg State University’s outdoor track and field project.

City staff said the $10,000,000 project would be paid in part by private fundraising, and the city’s contribution is intended to be paid out over 10 years (about $100,000 annually). Presenters from Pittsburg State — including President Thomas Newsome and athletic staff — described the facility as phased construction already underway and said adding seating and lighting to Phase 1 would help the university host championships, including the MIAA Outdoor Championships in May 2026.

President Thomas Newsome and athletic staff emphasized the project’s regional draw and cited experience with the Plaster Center, noting that indoor events previously brought hundreds of thousands of visitors. An economic analysis cited during the presentation estimated roughly $3,000,000 of direct economic impact over a five‑year window; the EDAC and city staff characterized city funding as complementary to county and private funding.

Commissioner questions addressed hotel capacity, fundraising status (presenters said private fundraising continues and some donors remain anonymous), project phases and timelines; staff said construction is underway and some dirt work is complete. Commissioners moved to accept the recommendation; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Next steps: staff will coordinate disbursement from the RLF according to the terms recommended by EDAC and continue discussions with the county and university on complementary funding and project timing.

Provenance: Presentation, Q&A and EDAC recommendation during Nov. 12 meeting.