A question for the board, should IU replace the press box or add box suites to the other side of the stadium, could it be completed during the offseason? Or would it take longer and interfere with next season’s games?
I am not a construction timeline expert, but I assume it would take more than a year. Theoretically, IU could start after the Wisconsin game and have an extra month to get work done, but it's also possible IU hosts a CFP game on Dec 19-20 and start after that. So that's a 9-10 month window to get it done before the season opener? I think it would bleed into the season.
I have no official timeline, but heard it's on the list.
ND renovation took 3 years I think. Similar to what you're proposing but a bit more. Still 2-3 years is what I would guess.
I think the big question is the scope of the project.
If IU decides to build up suites and a press box behind the existing west and maybe east stands, that’s not a big deal since minimal seating capacity will be lost during construction. So construction during the season is not a big problem. Building up behind the existing stands is pretty common — Wake and Va Tech are examples of this in stadiums like ours. And ND and others have also built up behind the existing seating bowl.
If lU wants to replace the east or west stands as part of this project, that gets way tougher, as they’ll need to complete phases during the offseason to avoid reducing capacity during the season.
I’m not sure what IU will do or when. We’ll see.
I am guessing they would try to do as much as possible simultaneously so as not to prolong construction interference .... Assuming money isn't an issue
The press box needs to be blown to smithereens. Hideous.
I would love to see them complete the bowl by building the stands up behind the east and the north end zone seats. As mentioned they could then at the same time renovate and expand the press box and suites on the west side where the sun will not shine into the buyers eyes. Big expansion and minimal disruption during construction. Come on big donors, step up!
@walt542 I’m assuming and guessing that’s what this equity deal might be used for. Bringing the facilities up to par is a good thing.
I heard on Andy & Ari from On3 on their podcast yesterday...the best way to upgrade a stadium is to put better players in it. Those donors you're asking for money for facilities are the same one you're asking to donate for player $. Which is more important?
@red-hornet If ALL the money can go to one or the other, players and coaches always. IU's facilities are "nice enough". But assuming there's an ability to upgrade some things, without any disruption in NIL/Coaches Incentives amounts... I'd say some sort of Pressbox, luxury suites, concourse improvements project makes sense. There will be a time when IU isn't quite as good as they are playing right now. IU leaders should be striving to continuously improve the game day experience for fans. We're packing the stadium, right now, because we have the #2 team in the country. A couple 9-3 years, and I suspect packing the stadium against non OSU types of opponents, becomes more of a task.
And then...at some point...when and if we're ever flushed with FU money, like the biggest of big boys are... a new football practice facility would be nice.
@iunorth the early non conference games need to get packed better, we stuff a lot of recruit visits into early weeks where it’s empty stadiums
@gros-louis press box and basic facility upgrades need to happen. IU doesn’t need a lazy river or mini golf course, but the press box is absolutely terrible and the bones of MS need a refurbishment
I heard on Andy & Ari from On3 on their podcast yesterday...the best way to upgrade a stadium is to put better players in it. Those donors you're asking for money for facilities are the same one you're asking to donate for player $. Which is more important?
I think there's another perspective to this logic. If the additions bring about more seating resulting in more revenue, then its an investment into more future player/coach $.
Speaking of donors, a friend of mine who has connections to an IU donor will be able to get me into the Presidential Sweet Saturday! So, I’ll ask some questions to the Whittens.👍