There’s actually an even better update to the story. $50 million was approved for immediate deferred maintenance, and then there’s a separate $150 mil capital project the board voted to submit to the state.

I'm no engineer but the maintenance aspect and total budget lead me to think they're going to keep the bones of the East and West stands and work with that (vs. tearing them down and rebuilding).  Not uncommon with college stadiums.

This is enough money for a new press box and suites on one side.  And adding some seats if they want.  TBD!

The foundations to make the east side mirror the west stands (row 72 up) have been there since the stadium was built in 60.

I think adding rows of seats on the East side in a tier shape from the 20 to the 20 yard line would be a good look. Maybe get capacity to 62k -65k?  

Wish they would at least spend some $ and put padding on the metal bleachers throughout the stadium! That or let us bring in our own padded cushions! Don’t know why they ban padded seats!?

@hoosieralum07 because they sell padded seats for $20? Idk it’s a dumb rule

My cynical side says because they know that far too many numbnuts type people would bring overly wide or big cushions, causing problems since seating is tight.

Easier to make money off it and not have to have dedicate staff to measuring and arguing with them.

,

@hoosieralum07 

I’ve said for years that all they needed to do in that regard was to roll out 2” thick closed cell foam and cover it with ultra heavy duty tarp like material (while I’d prefer a crimson color material you might have to go with white to reduce heat retention)…

The stadium maintenance guys could put it on right before the first game and take it off immediately after the last… The stuff ought to last 5+ years… and it’d make for a much more comfortable fan experience…

@76-1 

It could include a back for each assigned seat and a La-Z-Boy option. . . . .

That deserves a thumbs up & a laughter emoji.

😎💥

Just trying to be somewhat frugal with my idea… 

The good news is that with Cignetti here hardly anyone is sitting down much these days… The bad news is that if you’re someone who needs to sit down for most of the game you’re screwed.

@thehoosierhuddle Anyone remember when all the seating was wood?  The aluminum was a big improvement. 

No more splinters...lol

Posted by: @inigo-montoya

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@thehoosierhuddle Anyone remember when all the seating was wood?  The aluminum was a big improvement. 

No more splinters...lol

I've been to way more games with the wooden seats than with aluminum.

@hooky Damn man, those were converted 40 years ago.  You must be old like me 😆

This is great. Memorial stadium needs massive upgrades. I don't think IU needs the biggest stadium. The days of needing 100k seat stadiums are long gone with how much revenue is from TV. But adding around 10k in seats, adding luxury boxes, and a state of the art press box are a no brainer. Completely redoing and expanding the concourses and bathrooms are also a no brainer. Putting money towards new practice facilities that rival other elite programs should be a priority too.

IU doesn't need to have the biggest. But no reason they can't strive to have the "nicest" and "best".