The California Lutheran University (CLU) in Thousand Oaks, US, is to build a new US$8m football stadium.

The university has just received a US$5m donation from real estate developer William Rolland of Westlake Village, the largest gift in the history of the university and only the second major gift from someone who is not affiliated with CLU as either an alumnus or member of the Lutheran Church.

The 3,000-seat stadium - which will be named after Rolland - will boast a clock tower, coaching offices, a press box, a VIP lounge, locker rooms and an art gallery, which will house Rolland’s collection of bronze statuary.

CLU has used its current venue, the Mount Clef Stadium, since 1963, but it does not meet NCAA criteria and as a result the university cannot host playoff games.

Construction is to begin in the summer and the stadium should be completed in time for the 2011 season.