MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota’s athletic director says construction of the Gophers’ $150 million athletic village could start in August if regents approve.

That revelation from Norwood Teague came at the Big Ten spring meetings in Rosemount, Illinois. The Gophers have raised more than $70 million toward the project.

The university is working to finalize the plan before the Board of Regents meeting June 11 and 12. Supporters say the village is especially important for football and basketball, two sports in which the university has lagged behind other Big Ten schools in its practice facilities.

Teague says the university hopes to be at about 80 percent of the $150 million by mid-summer.