Alford updates funding efforts
Upgrading facilities has been a critical part of AD’s mission
AMELIA ISLAND — Michael Alford couldn’t help but smile as he received a text about a seven-figure donation to the Seminoles athletics department. It was good news for the school and the Florida State athletics director, who was wrapping up his second day of ACC meetings Tuesday.
“I’m all fired up,” Alford said. “I’m really excited about it.”
The last five months have been a busy time for Alford, who took over as the Seminoles AD in December with the retirement of David Coburn. He didn’t waste any time ramping up fundraising efforts to upgrade many of the aging facilities on campus.
One of those projects is the proposed 150,000 square-foot football operations building.
“We’re hoping to break ground this December,” said Alford. “We’re on target for that and it looks to be an 18-month completion [window], so we’re looking at sometime in the summer of 2024 to move into that facility prior to the 2024-25 season.
“Everything we’re doing is truly for the betterment of the student-athlete. Whether it’s on the field, whether it’s academically or socially — what can we doing to provide the resources for them to grow in a holistic care.”
Since his arrival, upgrading facilities has been a critical part of Alford’s mission. He spearheaded several new projects, including renovating the football locker rooms. The department is updating its baseball facilities at Dick Howser Stadium while adding new video boards for softball and soccer. There also are plans to add premium seating to the softball stadium.
“Facilities are so important,” said Alford. “When a student-athlete comes on campus, they’re going to look at what you’re doing and providing them to grow as an individual, but how are you preparing them to succeed on the field.
“You talk to my staff and I’m already five facilities ahead of them in my mind. We haven’t broken ground on this one [football facility], but I’m already looking to design a couple more and have already started that process.”
While the department continues on a record-setting pace, Alford is fully aware of fundraising challenges, particularly in a marketplace that includes name, image and likeness, where boosters and donors may be tempted to shift money from the school to particular athletes.
“It’s something that we look at and monitor,” Alford explained. “But right now, we’re setting record fundraising numbers even on the annual side that’s still growing and people are supporting us. To compete nationally, we need to have facilities and provide resources for our student-athletes that allow them to compete nationally.”
“Everything we’re doing is truly for the betterment of the student-athlete. Whether it’s on the field, whether it’s academically or socially — what can we doing to provide the resources for them to grow in a holistic care.”
Michael Alford, FSU Athletic director