University Campus Planning Committee members approved a proposal to build a 120-foot cellular tower and adjoining 22-by-36 building to house communication equipment adjacent to the Hayward Field west grandstand, and will forward their recommendation to University President Dave Frohnmayer.
However, committee Planning Associate Christine Thompson said construction of the facility might not begin for up to two years. Sprint PCS would be the first cellular provider located inside the tower, but two or three more bays would be built to house other providers and a possible ticket office or storage space.
The committee expressed several concerns about the tower — including the possibility of a light that would be placed 120 feet up on the tower to make airplanes and helicopters aware of the structure. Committee members decided not to consider this factor in their decision, but several did say they were concerned with the proximity of the structure to the south turf playing field. Committee members discussed the possibility of the tower or building being damaged by soccer balls or students running into the building.
The committee was also not aware of who would be the owner of the tower and adjacent building, but Thompson said since the University owns the land, it will call the shots.
University officials set several guidelines for the planning committee and Sprint to follow. The structure needs to be more than 100 feet from a childcare facility or residential housing, cannot interfere with University telecommunications or research needs and cannot be located in any area around or next to any historic building. The tower is also supposed to blend in with the existing environment.

— Roman Gokhman