Orangeyes
R.I.P Dan
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2011
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Having been involved in two stadium projects it's interesting to hear all the points of view both positive & negative. History has a way of repeating itself as far as how people perceive the need for change and the economy that drives the engine for getting it done.
Back in 1969 our group started out not knowing that there were state and federal matching funds available. At that time the initial estimate for a domed stadium was $6 million. By waiting nearly a decade the costs went up by over $20 million.
Back in 2007 there was a proposal to build a domed stadium at Sky Top with a retractable roof. People fussed and fumed that we didn't need a new stadium and that we had trouble filling the 50,000 seat Carrier Dome. How could we fill a 60,000 seat stadium?
Funding the stadium:
Most folks say we can't afford to build a modern stadium, however, just as in 1969 there was a solution. Private business! They would raise the capital, the university would provide the site and they would make a business deal.
A hotel would be built on the outside of the stadium and a shopping center would be created on south campus.
There was even talk of an el system connecting the south campus to the main campus. What a blessing that would be to freshmen who aren't allowed to operate a car at SU.
It was revealed that the chancellor wanted the Dome gone and in it's place would go academic buildings.
Part of Drumlin's Golf course would be used for parking. They looked into getting an exit from 481 that would lead to the new Dome.
For their part, the businessmen would get parking revenues, the retail at the shopping center, restaurant and hotel.
The businessmen involved were on a fast track and didn't want months or years of feasibility studies. They had other projects they could invest in, in other cities should that happen.
There was a site visit by the committee, investors and builders with the head of grounds for the university. The proposed site was pointed out along with the planned demolition of one of the buildings which sat near ground zero.
An area was designated where an artificial turfed field could be installed for tailgaters and families to enjoy a game of touch football.
This project was spinning to reality when two things happened, both bad. One I'm not going to discuss here, the other was the economy and the collapse on Wall Street.
As with all dreams, they only become reality with a point person who won't take no for an answer. If someone has the vision all he needs to do is take the first step, you could call it the leap of faith.
Back in 1969 our group started out not knowing that there were state and federal matching funds available. At that time the initial estimate for a domed stadium was $6 million. By waiting nearly a decade the costs went up by over $20 million.
Back in 2007 there was a proposal to build a domed stadium at Sky Top with a retractable roof. People fussed and fumed that we didn't need a new stadium and that we had trouble filling the 50,000 seat Carrier Dome. How could we fill a 60,000 seat stadium?
Funding the stadium:
Most folks say we can't afford to build a modern stadium, however, just as in 1969 there was a solution. Private business! They would raise the capital, the university would provide the site and they would make a business deal.
A hotel would be built on the outside of the stadium and a shopping center would be created on south campus.
There was even talk of an el system connecting the south campus to the main campus. What a blessing that would be to freshmen who aren't allowed to operate a car at SU.
It was revealed that the chancellor wanted the Dome gone and in it's place would go academic buildings.
Part of Drumlin's Golf course would be used for parking. They looked into getting an exit from 481 that would lead to the new Dome.
For their part, the businessmen would get parking revenues, the retail at the shopping center, restaurant and hotel.
The businessmen involved were on a fast track and didn't want months or years of feasibility studies. They had other projects they could invest in, in other cities should that happen.
There was a site visit by the committee, investors and builders with the head of grounds for the university. The proposed site was pointed out along with the planned demolition of one of the buildings which sat near ground zero.
An area was designated where an artificial turfed field could be installed for tailgaters and families to enjoy a game of touch football.
This project was spinning to reality when two things happened, both bad. One I'm not going to discuss here, the other was the economy and the collapse on Wall Street.
As with all dreams, they only become reality with a point person who won't take no for an answer. If someone has the vision all he needs to do is take the first step, you could call it the leap of faith.