Condition of the Rent (?)

[SubbaBub]

Most college stadiums are utilitarian, even the famous ones. It's the people in them that make them great. The Rent is a far better stadium than the recent football played in it.

The only real complaint A.D. (After DJ Joe-ezz) is the turf. UConn was founded as a freakin Ag school, the inability to maintain a lawn in an embarrassment. Yes, I know UConn doesn't manage the stadium. That's not an excuse if they accept such a poor field.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Most college stadiums are utilitarian, even the famous ones. It's the people in them that make them great. The Rent is a far better stadium than the recent football played in it.

The only real complaint A.D. (After DJ Joe-ezz) is the turf. UConn was founded as a freakin Ag school, the inability to maintain a lawn in an embarrassment. Yes, I know UConn doesn't manage the stadium. That's not an excuse if they accept such a poor field.

Field turf is the way to go.

 

[BoatShow]

USMNT doesn't play on field turf.

 

[Waquoit]

Fake grass sucks. The turf was fine for years, no reason it should have problems.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

USMNT doesn't play on field turf.

All the more reason to install field turf.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Most college stadiums are utilitarian, even the famous ones. It's the people in them that make them great. The Rent is a far better stadium than the recent football played in it.

The only real complaint A.D. (After DJ Joe-ezz) is the turf. UConn was founded as a freakin Ag school, the inability to maintain a lawn in an embarrassment. Yes, I know UConn doesn't manage the stadium. That's not an excuse if they accept such a poor field.

100% agree on both points.

For example, this history of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is impressive; but,t eh stadium itself is underwhelming and I could not for the life of me figure out who they fit +100K into it (this was before the 2010 renovation). Tailgating is also an adventure

As for the Rent, there is not reason that a new stadium that sees maybe 10 events a year on it (6-8 UConn football + a soccer game or 2) has such poor turf. I can't remember it being that bad the first few years. Maybe the soil has something to do with it? The stadium is below ground level, so maybe it has to do with a high water table and/or polluted water table as it was built on an old, industrial airport. That said, such issues would be well known and I assume if such a problem present, they would have capped the water table around the stadium, built in good drainage, and piled a lot of good, clean soil above it.

 

[Waquoit]

All the more reason to install field turf.

I know the above is what passes for wit in your mind, but the USMNT games have been the only decent events in the Rent over the last two years. Maybe you can squeeze the UCF and Michigan games in there.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

I know the above is what passes for wit in your mind, but the USMNT games have been the only decent events in the Rent over the last two years. Maybe you can squeeze the UCF and Michigan games in there.

Yeah you like soccer. I get it. There are plenty of others here that do as well. I couldn't care less if the USMNT ever plays another game at the Rent. I'd rather sit through a dozen Pasqualoni spring games where they ran the goal line drills for 7 hours. If I wanted to watch a bunch of guys in shorts run around and flop I'd watch pro wrestling.

 

[Confident Carl]

I liked the Big House but agree that it felt crammed. Notre Dame Stadium was nice...particularly walking around campus pre-game. Boston College felt sterile to me and (channeling my inner whiny BC fan voice about their experience at the Rent), I didn't appreciate being yelled at before and after the game by BC students for wearing my UConn gear. For my money, the best away venue I've been to has been West Point. Buy yourself a ticket in the upper deck overlooking the Hudson River valley on a crisp October Saturday afternoon. You won't be sorry (other than the awful football you'll see from our Cadets).

Agree, West Point is a great venue. My only gripe with going there is the traffic in and out of the stadium. Notre Dame's stadium was great, Touch Down Jesus and all the memorials but especally the win. Also have been to Happy Valley and Ohio State's stadium. Agree with you about BC, almost felt like a High School venue. I think the Carrier Dome is overrated and nowhere near as nice as advertised.

 

[SubbaBub]

100% agree on both points.

For example, this history of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is impressive; but,t eh stadium itself is underwhelming and I could not for the life of me figure out who they fit +100K into it (this was before the 2010 renovation). Tailgating is also an adventure

As for the Rent, there is not reason that a new stadium that sees maybe 10 events a year on it (6-8 UConn football + a soccer game or 2) has such poor turf. I can't remember it being that bad the first few years. Maybe the soil has something to do with it? The stadium is below ground level, so maybe it has to do with a high water table and/or polluted water table as it was built on an old, industrial airport. That said, such issues would be well known and I assume if such a problem present, they would have capped the water table around the stadium, built in good drainage, and piled a lot of good, clean soil above it.

I'm fairly certain that it's because the building owner doesn't care and the primary tenant doesn't sufficiently make them care or simply takes over care of the grass.

For example, I too have been to Happy Valley and other prominent college venues. They routinely water, mow, repair the field year round and cover the grass during weather events.

Anyone ever seen the Rent field covered? How about a turf crew off season? Do they protect it from traffic when not playing on it? Who is actually the crew caring for the field?

 

[BoatShow]

I'm fairly certain that it's because the building owner doesn't care and the primary tenant doesn't sufficiently make them care or simply takes over care of the grass.

For example, I too have been to Happy Valley and other prominent college venues. They routinely water, mow, repair the field year round and cover the grass during weather events.

Anyone ever seen the Rent field covered? How about a turf crew off season? Do they protect it from traffic when not playing on it? Who is actually the crew caring for the field?

Seems like a pretty solid internship opportunity

 

[coachcap]

I'm fairly certain that it's because the building owner doesn't care and the primary tenant doesn't sufficiently make them care or simply takes over care of the grass.

For example, I too have been to Happy Valley and other prominent college venues. They routinely water, mow, repair the field year round and cover the grass during weather events.

Anyone ever seen the Rent field covered? How about a turf crew off season? Do they protect it from traffic when not playing on it? Who is actually the crew caring for the field?

The simple solution is to turn over maintenance of the playing field to the College of Agriculture & let the them do their thing. If the academics had a Masters program dedicated to optimizing the integrity of the Rent's lawn, I theorize that they'd have it looking pristine in no time. Either that, or turn over supervision of grounds maintenance to SCOTTS for endorsement purposes. Win-Win. UConn gets great turf & an endorsement fee & SCOTTS gets to film commercials at the airstrip (which also is free advertising for UConn.)

 

[Carl Spackler]

I think that if there are any around willing to attest, the playing surface that was memorial stadium on campus was one of the best fields around. I agree with the sentiment that if the school actually had a program that involved grounds maintenance for the natural grass field, that there wouldn't be an issue ever, as to the quality of the playing surface.

The thing about Rentschler field, is that no matter what ever happens, it all boils down to the simple fact that UCONN does not own the facility and is a lessee.

There are positive and negative aspects to everything, and being a renter - the negative is that it's the landlord's discretion really, as to what kinds of structural and maintenance, etc....types of things are going to done that aren't specified exactly in the rental contracts. Usually if it's not in the contract, it's not getting done.

Check the contracts as to maintenance of the field. I bet you'd find that everything is being done that is specified.

 

[Palatine]

Many soccer teams and the Packers use this.

 

[Husky25]

For some reason, a specific event occurred before which the field was continually in good shape, but after which many of the issues Rentschler currently faces arose. It was either a Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen concert, if memory serves, in about the 2007-2008 time frame. I remember the grass at the scoreboard end being dead and/or discolored. I could be wrong but that point in time stick out in my mind as a turning point in playing surface management.

Regarding the original post, The Rent is absolutely showing its age. It's performing as well or better than a 13 year old facility should. It's not like the toilets are upflushing like Schaefer Stadium. The bubbler water is not brown, and they didn't cheap out by putting troughs in the mens' rooms in lieu of urinals.

 

[Bonehead]

they didn't cheap out by putting troughs in the mens' rooms in lieu of urinals.

Means longer lines...

 

[Alum86]

USMNT doesn't play on field turf.

Boat, first thought was what does the Rent and Coins have to do with each other, then I realized USMNT wasn't the US Mint.
Have to go with Jimmy, Americans
Do not GAFF about soccer. Why let an obscure sport rule the prime tenant?

Field turf is the best, put it in and make it US flag blue!

 

[Husky25]

Means longer lines...

Keeps the pi$$ off my shoes...for the most part.

 

[Waquoit]

Soccer haters are so cute.

 

[Redding Husky]

100% agree on both points.

For example, this history of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is impressive; but,t eh stadium itself is underwhelming and I could not for the life of me figure out who they fit +100K into it (this was before the 2010 renovation). Tailgating is also an adventure

As for the Rent, there is not reason that a new stadium that sees maybe 10 events a year on it (6-8 UConn football + a soccer game or 2) has such poor turf. I can't remember it being that bad the first few years. Maybe the soil has something to do with it? The stadium is below ground level, so maybe it has to do with a high water table and/or polluted water table as it was built on an old, industrial airport. That said, such issues would be well known and I assume if such a problem present, they would have capped the water table around the stadium, built in good drainage, and piled a lot of good, clean soil above it.

There was a Michigan poster on these boards years ago who joked that Michigan's "remodeling/stadium expansion" involved just painting the lines between the seats a little closer together, enabling them to fit more people into the same space.

 

[UCFBfan]

There was a Michigan poster on these boards years ago who joked that Michigan's "remodeling/stadium expansion" involved just painting the lines between the seats a little closer together, enabling them to fit more people into the same space.

I was convinced Penn State did this. Used to go to games every year growing up and by my late teens I swear the space got smaller (no it wasn't just because I was growing!). When they added the two end zone tiers I was convinced they also shrank seat sizes. I love the Rent because I never feel like someone is sitting on top of me or that I'm trapped in the middle of a row!

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I think that if there are any around willing to attest, the playing surface that was memorial stadium on campus was one of the best fields around. I agree with the sentiment that if the school actually had a program that involved grounds maintenance for the natural grass field, that there wouldn't be an issue ever, as to the quality of the playing surface.

The thing about Rentschler field, is that no matter what ever happens, it all boils down to the simple fact that UCONN does not own the facility and is a lessee.

There are positive and negative aspects to everything, and being a renter - the negative is that it's the landlord's discretion really, as to what kinds of structural and maintenance, etc....types of things are going to done that aren't specified exactly in the rental contracts. Usually if it's not in the contract, it's not getting done.

Check the contracts as to maintenance of the field. I bet you'd find that everything is being done that is specified.

I think it was generally regarded as a really good playing field, when I was in school a crew seemed to be constantly working on it, watering it.... Coast Guard had a really good natural grass field too but they went artificial awhile back. Don't remember that amount of sand underlying at Memorial, This stuff seems to rip up more easily . The roots cant seem to anchor down in it. Different grass type.

 

[31GuardTrap]

100% agree on both points.

For example, this history of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is impressive; but,t eh stadium itself is underwhelming and I could not for the life of me figure out who they fit +100K into it (this was before the 2010 renovation). Tailgating is also an adventure

As for the Rent, there is not reason that a new stadium that sees maybe 10 events a year on it (6-8 UConn football + a soccer game or 2) has such poor turf. I can't remember it being that bad the first few years. Maybe the soil has something to do with it? The stadium is below ground level, so maybe it has to do with a high water table and/or polluted water table as it was built on an old, industrial airport. That said, such issues would be well known and I assume if such a problem present, they would have capped the water table around the stadium, built in good drainage, and piled a lot of good, clean soil above it.

The grass at The Rent was replaced in 2012. Prior to that, the field was always in very good condition with the exception being after the Rolling Stones concert...their "rolling stage" chewed up the west endzone and G-10 yd line. The new sod they laid down in 2012 has not been as good.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Let's not forget the hideous Colonials logo clearly visible under the UCONN logo in the end zones. That was especially small time.

 

[Jimdish255]

Boat, first thought was what does the Rent and Coins have to do with each other, then I realized USMNT wasn't the US Mint.
Have to go with Jimmy, Americans
Do not GAFF about soccer. Why let an obscure sport rule the prime tenant?

Field turf is the best, put it in and make it US flag blue!

Soccer is an obscure sport...lol

 

[Padutch5]

Agree, West Point is a great venue. My only gripe with going there is the traffic in and out of the stadium. Notre Dame's stadium was great, Touch Down Jesus and all the memorials but especally the win. Also have been to Happy Valley and Ohio State's stadium. Agree with you about BC, almost felt like a High School venue. I think the Carrier Dome is overrated and nowhere near as nice as advertised.

Norte Dame and Penn State are great only because of the fan atmosphere. The seating is not anywhere as good as the Rent. Very cramped, particularly if you are wearing winter gear. The Rose Bowl is even worse. I'm only 6 foot and I can't sit straight in my seat. Thank goodness the seat next to me was empty so I could sit side saddle.

 

[Padutch5]

Boat, first thought was what does the Rent and Coins have to do with each other, then I realized USMNT wasn't the US Mint.
Have to go with Jimmy, Americans
Do not GAFF about soccer. Why let an obscure sport rule the prime tenant?

Field turf is the best, put it in and make it US flag blue!

Were the turf lovers at the UCONN games last year? The grass held up very well despite some crappy weather. It was the team that didn't hold up very well.
Agree the grass in 2013 was terrible.

 

[UConnFranklin]

I was at the UConn/Michigan game in Ann Arbor. The atmosphere was exhilarating, but the outcome of the game was a disappointment (we could have won that game), and the seating was unbelievably cramped. If Michagan gave the same amount of space given to each person that The Rent allows, it would seat only 75,000 not the 110,000 that were at the game. I travel to many of the away games and the seating at The Rent is superior to most. We just need and addition of 15,000 to 20,000 seats. And an improvement in the amenities such as the addition of a raised bar seating under the scoreboard.

 

[Confident Carl]

Norte Dame and Penn State are great only because of the fan atmosphere. The seating is not anywhere as good as the Rent. Very cramped, particularly if you are wearing winter gear. The Rose Bowl is even worse. I'm only 6 foot and I can't sit straight in my seat. Thank goodness the seat next to me was empty so I could sit side saddle.

If I were to judge football stadiums by seat comfort, I would never go to a college football game. My lazy boy recliner, 60 inch Sam Sung smart TV and fridge full of Silver bullets trump any stadium for comfort. Come to think of it, everyone could have brought their Lazyboy's to the SMU game and we still would not have filled the Tent by a long shot!

 

[hardcorehusky]

The only real sign of wear and tear other than a few seats cracked and metal benches bent is there are cracks in the concrete where the water pours through on a rainy day. The field has nothing to do with the age of the stadium.