The Minnesota Legislature approved the plan Saturday in a strong bipartisan vote. The bill passed the House of Representatives 96 to 37 and the Senate 43 to 24. Construction of the new on-campus stadium will begin this summer, university officials said.

       "The U is one of Minnesota's most important assets," Gov. Pawlenty said. "The new on-campus stadium will bring visibility and excitement that will benefit the U, our state and our citizens."

       University President Robert Bruininks said, "For years, we have been the only Big 10 school without an on-campus football stadium. This new facility will have a huge positive impact on our football program, recruiting and all of our athletic programs."

       Gopher football moved off campus to the downtown Metrodome in 1982.

       Under the approved plan, the state of Minnesota will pay approximately 55 percent of the cost of the 50,000-seat open-air stadium. Under a naming rights agreement, the stadium will be called "TCF Bank Stadium."

       "From the beginning, our plan has been hugely reliant upon private fundraising," said Joel Maturi, athletics director. "Passing the Legislature and being signed by the governor gives us enormous momentum to raise the dollars necessary to get this thing built. It's an exciting time at the U of M."

       TCF Bank Stadium is set to open in 2009. University officials will be meeting with architects already this week.