A yet-unnamed donor has committed $1 million to Iowa State University for the construction of a proposed outdoor track and field complex, but the viability of the project is unclear.

Iowa State’s athletic department has identified several potential sites for the proposed eight-lane track and field facility and throwing area and is conducting a feasibility study to determine if it can make the cost and location work.

“We have one of the premier indoor track and field complexes in the nation,” said Frank Nogel, senior associate athletic director, adding that the opening of an outdoor track would benefit the school’s track and field programs.

One location being considered is the site of Iowa State’s Southwest Athletic Complex. Nogel said that facility is in a state of disrepair and hasn’t been used in competition in nearly 10 years. He said of a couple of other sites on the west end of campus near the Towers dormitory area are also being looked at.

Though Nogel currently has no estimate of what the development would cost, he said a turf field, permanent seating for spectators and concession stands are all on the wish list.

“There are all kinds of different numbers being thrown out,” Nogel said. “It depends on how full bore we make the project. Nothing has been set in stone.”

Once the study is complete and the Iowa Board of Regents gives its approval, fund raising can begin in earnest. “As soon as those plans move forward thorough the university channels, we will be able to go out and start officially seeking donations,” he said.

“It’s been slow, but is going well,” Nogel said, adding that preliminary plans for the project have been in the works for six to nine months.

Iowa State recently completed its $31 million renovation of Jack Trice Stadium, which included widening the east and west concourses, adding more restrooms and concession stands, and new fencing and gate entrances.

In mid-September, the university opened its new $8 million men’s and women’s basketball facility, the ISU Basketball Complex, complete with two full-size gyms, a weight room, coaching and support offices, team locker rooms, team lounges and a training and video room.

“What we do in athletics is 100 percent privately funded,” Nogel said. The new complex would “give our athletes a place to train to give them the best possible chances to succeed not only in school but also competitively.”