August of 2014 shows signs of excitement and anticipation in and around the University of Missouri. With a projected record enrollment of incoming freshmen and transfers, the interest in and support of Mizzou has never been higher. Our great land-grant institution founded in 1839 continues to flourish and we look forward to another terrific year.
We have now been in the Southeastern Conference for two full years, and we regularly see the benefits of this league socially, academically and competitively. The SEC has greatly expanded the exposure of our University and the State of Missouri, and that will only continue to grow in the years ahead.
On August 14, the SEC Network will launch, and we anticipate it will be the most successful launch of any like network ever. As we compose this message, the channel will be available to 91 million subscribers BEFORE we launch... that is an amazing number and a significant statement by the SEC, college athletics and of course our great fans in the SEC. Tiger fans throughout the U.S. and the world will have unprecedented access to content from the University. While the focus of the Network is on sport, there will be many opportunities for the entire school to have greater exposure academically and athletically. This will truly be a remarkable tool for promoting all things Mizzou.
We are also set to open our new East Tower at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field in a few short weeks. This project has truly changed the skyline of Columbia and nicely enhances one of the top college football stadiums in the country. Our attendance when completed will be a little over 71,000. While we have not increased stadium capacity greatly, the quality of the seating and the fan experience will be very much improved. The seating in the upper deck has spectacular views of the field as well as the community. We've also added Truman's Terrace, a premium tailgating experience which will be unique in college football. It has dramatically improved the Sports Park at Mizzou and will be a signature spot for our fans.
As we welcome our 550 student-athletes back to campus this fall, we are focused on enhancing their experience from a social responsibility level even more. Our Men For Men/Women For Women (M4MW4W) initiative is developing into a model program in college athletics. It constantly reinforces educating all of us on developing as men and women, showing respect for all, being responsible for our actions and representing excellence every day. With the serious issues facing all of us on college campuses today, and with the heightened attention to athletics, we must grow in our roles as positive examples for all. We can never sacrifice our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery and Excellence for anything... and we must always focus on Social Responsibility, Academic Integrity and Competitive Excellence every day. We should expect no less from any of us associated with Tiger Athletics. While we have prioritized this constantly and have come a long way, there is continuous work to be done.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Mizzou. What a wonderful school, community and state... special for many, many reasons. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year!
M-I-Z
Mike Alden