Dooley's Rentschler Field Expansion Dream

[ct06111]

We don't need an overhang. European soccer fans are total .

FIFY

 

[uconNYC]

Miami Dolphins are adding a roof.

 

[UConnFranklin]

A friend of mine who is a Finance Professor actually submitted a plan to UConn and the State of CT to add a canopy around then entire stadium about 1 year before construction of the Rent began. In his plan he had calculated a way to have the cost of the canopy be $0 to the State and UConn and be totally absorbed by fans and private business. After submitting the plan he never heard back from either party. Too bad, his plan made economical sense.

 

[Adios]

We don't need an overhang. American soccer fans are total .

are very tough.

 

[BugsyCT]

What's the price tag on a retractable roof stadium?

 

[FartMan69]

What's the price tag on a retractable roof stadium?

they could build 2 more Rents right next door and it would still be less than a retractable roof.

 

[Dooley]

What's the price tag on a retractable roof stadium?

Now we're talking billions and way out of any reasonable price tag. My point is that a canopy can be put in now with little additional support structure needed (using the soccer field pic as example) and not that much of an additional cost. Gameday experience. Most fans, the ones we need to fill the stadium again (read: casual to semi-casual), don't want to experience weather. And if a canopy can enhance the atmosphere and turn the noise of 55-60K into 100K noise, then our "small" stadium becomes much less of an issue.

 

[John]

With all of this talk about the Rockcats and XL Center, I think the biggest fish for the State to consider is expanding Rentschler Field. We all know UCONN isn't going anywhere but the AAC with a 40K stadium. Without an expanded/renovated Rentschler Field, the state won't have to worry about building a new downtown Hartford arena because attendance levels to watch UCONN vs Tulane hoops would barely fill Gampel. So, with that in mind, I think our state government should strongly consider planning for an expanded Rentschler Field. If everyone can excuse the 3rd grade level graphics, this is what I dream of for a Rent expansion...

1. Add ~ 20,000 seats to bring capacity to ~60,000: everything in between yellow lines is added seating. Add symmetry to the stadium by connecting the upper corners of the 2nd deck on both sides of the stadium. Elevate the larger video board to atop the 2nd deck on the Gold lot side and add a smaller video board atop the student section side. Ribbon boards should wrap the 2nd deck facings between the 1st and 2nd levels all away around the stadium. A third deck should be added behind the UCONN sideline. This would get stadium capacity to roughly 60K, by my estimation.

Note: if anyone with a sharper eye and IQ for graphic design wants to take a stab at picture below, feel free.

2. Standing area transformation: the standing area on the Gold lot side of the stadium will be transformed into "The Airfield Sports Bar". The space between the lower and 2nd deck on the Gold lot side should be completely open to optimize viewing. The bar will be open-air (no enclosing glass) with a standing area along the current "red line" and seating areas behind the standing area. Install several HDTVs hanging from the ceiling to allow for fans standing and seated in the bar to watch the game and see replays. Ceiling fans and heating stands should be added for fan comfort. Open a full bar with access to a variety of food trucks along the back wall of the stadium. Install a men's and women's bathroom. Maximum bar capacity: 500. Anyone with a game ticket over the age of 21 can be admitted.

3. Covered seating: this serves two purposes if done correctly. One, it enhances fan comfort at games while still allowing UCONN to take advantage of our New England climate. Fans might be less likely to leave games early and more likely to get to their covered seats earlier if they are comfortable while watching the game. Second, the covering adds an acoustic element to our stadium. We won't ever have a stadium as big as Michigan or Ohio State, but that doesn't mean it can't be as loud (or louder) . Designing the covering so that it traps sound inside the stadium transforms the screams and cheers of around 60K into 100K (think Quest Field in Seattle). The covered seating likely caps the stadium capacity at whatever it would be after this renovation and that is fine. With HDTVs and an increased number of fans choosing to watch sports at home, you don't need a huge stadium...you need one that maximizes fan comfort and atmosphere. This does both (you won't get rained or snowed on while enjoying the game in a LOUD venue).

4. Third deck ramp: two spiral walking ramps should be added to the 2 gate areas on the Blue lot parking side of the stadium (one ramp at each end of the deck). Handicap accessibility also added by means of UTC (Otis) elevators and escalators.

5. Third deck amenities: the outer wall of the added third deck would now serve as the expanded corridor area on the UCONN sideline side of the stadium. Install bathrooms, simple beer carts (like those that wrap the standing areas around the stadium), and quick food service (hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, water, etc.). For enhanced food/drinks, those can be located on the first level expanded area.


View attachment 6205

All in all, the cost for my dream expansion/renovation would likely be double (or more) the cost of the original stadium construction. But this is the expense that will be necessary to elevate UCONN into the B1G or ACC and keep other CT venues like the XL Center and Gampel (and, in extension, downtown Hartford) vibrant. The footings are already in place for the added third deck on the UCONN sidelines so that expedites the project and helps keep the cost down a touch. Why would the State allocate the bonding funding for this? Simple. With UCONN in the B1G or ACC, downtown Hartford's top entertainment draw keeps the XL Center afloat and booked through the winter. With UCONN in the AAC, it would make more sense for UCONN to schedule all home games at Gampel since attendance will be down a touch. Allocating big money to Rentschler Field and capping the capacity at around 60K with the seating covering addresses a huge concern against UCONN. The State could use the land area around the Rent to build hotels, restaurants, and outlet shopping similar to Patriot Place in Foxboro to attract businesses to Connecticut. The infrastructure cost to accommodate the increased traffic won't be too bad. 84 is a DJ Hernandez throw away from the west end zone. About the only thing that could be added is an extra lane on both sides of Silver Lane and other entrance way streets. If the State loves the busway, how's about extending it to East Hartford in the future? And if you want to keep cars off the roads, the State can open CT Transit lines on game days/nights from various corners of the state. Also, opening a RV lot 24 hours in advance cuts down on some traffic and opening gates 6 hours before kickoff and staying open 2 hours after kickoff thins out the congestion a bit.

Putting the money into the Rent now can buy the state some more time to decide what to do with XL Center. They can afford to throw "lipstick on a pig" for a lower cost that can extend the life of the downtown arena for another 10-15 years when UCONN goes back to playing against top competition again. If B1G/ACC hoops and maybe hockey demand calls for a new arena, then the state has plenty of time to hammer out the logistics of where and when to build. But without addressing Rentschler Field first, you might as well board up the XL Center and allow UCONN to play all of its home games on-campus.

For UCONN, if a 60K stadium is too tiny 20-30 years from now, then they can look into using some of their $1B+ endowment to construct a larger, on campus stadium. But this would do just fine while UCONN builds up its football program back to consistent P5 levels, like pre-Pasqualoni.

Awesome plans and love the details and vision. Couple of points I wanted to clarify :
1. Where's the Hathaway dunk tank going to be located?
2. Interested in the planned trajectory for Emmert when he's shot out of a cannon after every victory.

Thanks.

 

[ZOOCONN]

Now we're talking billions and way out of any reasonable price tag. My point is that a canopy can be put in now with little additional support structure needed (using the soccer field pic as example) and not that much of an additional cost. Gameday experience. Most fans, the ones we need to fill the stadium again (read: casual to semi-casual), don't want to experience weather. And if a canopy can enhance the atmosphere and turn the noise of 55-60K into 100K noise, then our "small" stadium becomes much less of an issue.

the huskies stadium already has a roof..... see what I did there? anyway I don't see why this wouldn't be plausible for the rent, or something along these lines.

 

[Palatine]

One thing I think could improve the Rent is mid-level luxury boxes. These would go on the concourse level between the 20-yard lines. This would do two things. First, it puts elite seating close to the field without having to do much new construction, thereby improving the financial ceiling of the stadium.

Second, it would remove the standing area between the 20s putting many folks back into their seats. This is especially important at the beginning of games when the stadium looks empty because thousands are watching from under the overhang.

 

[Dooley]

One thing I think could improve the Rent is mid-level luxury boxes. These would go on the concourse level between the 20-yard lines. This would do two things. First, it puts elite seating close to the field without having to do much new construction, thereby improving the financial ceiling of the stadium.

Second, it would remove the standing area between the 20s putting many folks back into their seats. This is especially important at the beginning of games when the stadium looks empty because thousands are watching from under the overhang.

That would also help trap more noise inside the stadium too. I would be all for it. I have heard from a few people that the original stadium plans called for luxury boxes between the 100 and 200 sections.

 

[John]

That would also help trap more noise inside the stadium too. I would be all for it. I have heard from a few people that the original stadium plans called for luxury boxes between the 100 and 200 sections.

please explain this luxury box thing - what does a patron get with one?

 

[tiger paw]

Add extra seats on ground level. There is way too much extra room between the sidelines and 1st row. Drop the playing field 10-20 feet. Current row 1 would now be row 11. Fans would be on top of action Convert to artificial turf. Notice big time programs have stadiums like that. Is the Rent for football or futbol ? Total expansion to 60k, but where will everyone park ? All 3 lots along P&W have been closed or sold. Think no longer part of P&W. Cabella's was built, the lot next to it was closed last year (sold). The lot behind it that went all way to the tower was closed. Lots are 95% filled with crows of 27 - 30k.

 

[Waquoit]

Is the Rent for football or futbol ?

Yes

 

[CTBasketball]

I don't think the stadium should have wrap around upper decks. I think we should make it as asymmetrical as possible for character and uniqueness. That of course, drives cost up.

 

[CTMike]

Add extra seats on ground level. There is way too much extra room between the sidelines and 1st row. Drop the playing field 10-20 feet. Current row 1 would now be row 11. Fans would be on top of action Convert to artificial turf. Notice big time programs have stadiums like that. Is the Rent for football or futbol ? Total expansion to 60k, but where will everyone park ? All 3 lots along P&W have been closed or sold. Think no longer part of P&W. Cabella's was built, the lot next to it was closed last year (sold). The lot behind it that went all way to the tower was closed. Lots are 95% filled with crows of 27 - 30k.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I don't think the stadium should have wrap around upper decks. I think we should make it as asymmetrical as possible for character and uniqueness. That of course, drives cost up.

Wrap around the UConn bench side, around the student section and over to the sky boxes.

Leave the side open that has the view to the Hartford skyline. As I said in another post, keep that end zone open and make it a standing room only bar. You can easily fit 1000 fans behind there with cocktail tables and some pergolas for the early games. When Ma Nature gets a bit more testy, have some heavy canvas tops.

 

[Nostical]

Remove the standing area between the 20s putting many folks back into their seats. This is especially important at the beginning of games when the stadium looks empty because thousands are watching from under the overhang.

Music to my ears.

 

[Carduccib]

more seats not needed yet, we struggle enough to fill a 40k stadium.

 

[CL82]

more seats not needed yet, we struggle enough to fill a 40k stadium.

We'd fill it soon enough if we played quality opponents.

Sellouts at Rentschler Field:

October 19, 2007 Louisville W 21-17 40,000
November 03, 2007 Rutgers W 38-19 40,000
November 17, 2007 Syracuse W 30-7 40,000
September 13, 2008 Virginia W 45-10 40,000
October 25, 2008 Cincinnati W 40-16 40,000
November 01, 2008 West Virginia L 35-13 40,000
October 17, 2009 Louisville W 38-25 40,000
November 28, 2009 Syracuse W 56-31 40,000
October 02, 2010 Vanderbilt W 40-21 40,000
October 29, 2010 West Virginia W 16-13 40,000
November 27, 2010 Cincinnati W 38-17 40,000
September 21, 2013 Michigan L 24-21 42,704

 

[BlueandOG]

We'd fill it soon enough if we played quality opponents.

Sellouts at Rentschler Field:

October 19, 2007 Louisville W 21-17 40,000
November 03, 2007 Rutgers W 38-19 40,000
November 17, 2007 Syracuse W 30-7 40,000
September 13, 2008 Virginia W 45-10 40,000
October 25, 2008 Cincinnati W 40-16 40,000
November 01, 2008 West Virginia L 35-13 40,000
October 17, 2009 Louisville W 38-25 40,000
November 28, 2009 Syracuse W 56-31 40,000
October 02, 2010 Vanderbilt W 40-21 40,000
October 29, 2010 West Virginia W 16-13 40,000
November 27, 2010 Cincinnati W 38-17 40,000
September 21, 2013 Michigan L 24-21 42,704

We didn't sell out against Baylor?

 

[UConnFranklin]

more seats not needed yet, we struggle enough to fill a 40k stadium.

I've given these attendance figures earlier but I'll give a summary again for those of you who have no clue and just run off your mouth.
Since 2003 when the Rent opened we have had 31 sell outs. Approximately 40% of our games have been sell outs. Our average attendance over this time is 36,800 for approximately 92% capacity. Only in the last 2 or 3 years have attendance figures been below 30,000. Even with that our attendance is up from 2014 to 2015.

You pessimistic post puts out the wrong message. If you can't be optimistic at least be realistic and know your facts.

 

[CL82]

We didn't sell out against Baylor?

So I searched for the answer and I found some interesting things. First, it was not a sell out but was close at 38,870.

From the pre game press packet:

SELLOUTS THE NORM
The Huskies have sold out 25 of their first 40 dates at Rentschler Field, including a stretch of 12 in a row.
UConn has played to 96-percent of capacity all-time in East Hartford, drawing 1,542,680 fans, or an average of 38,567 per game.

HUSKIES MAKE NATIONAL POLLS
Connecticut earned a spot in both national polls on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008 following its win at Louisville. UConn was ranked 23rd in the USA Today coaches' poll and 24th in the Associated Press poll. The Huskies fell out of both polls following a loss to North Carolina. During the 2008 season, UConn was ranked in the AP top 25 one week and received votes in ten of the other 16 polls. In the USA Today poll, UConn was ARV in every week but two.

UConn earned its first national rankings in 2007 as it appeared in four AP polls: 16 on Oct. 28, 16 on Nov. 14, 25 on Nov. 11 and 20 on Nov. 18. It also appeared in three USA Today polls: 20 on Oct. 28, 16 on Nov. 4 and 21 on Nov. 18.

FASTEST FROM DIVISION I-AA TO THE POLLS
SCHOOL I-A DEBUT FIRST RANKING
Marshall 1997 Two years, four weeks (9/12/99)
CONNECTICUT 2002 Five years, 10 weeks (10/28/07)
South Florida 2001 Six years, three weeks (9/9/07)
Boise State 1996 Six years, 13 weeks (11/10/02)
​

This really needs to be added to the @Dooley database. We hear a lot that we've never been ranked in the top 25. That's just not accurate. Same as the whole 'they've never sold out their stadium' line of crap. Diaco can help change that narrative this year. I do think that we are going to be a much more compelling team to watch.

 

[rich1122]

We'd fill it soon enough if we played quality opponents.

Sellouts at Rentschler Field:

October 19, 2007 Louisville W 21-17 40,000
November 03, 2007 Rutgers W 38-19 40,000
November 17, 2007 Syracuse W 30-7 40,000
September 13, 2008 Virginia W 45-10 40,000
October 25, 2008 Cincinnati W 40-16 40,000
November 01, 2008 West Virginia L 35-13 40,000
October 17, 2009 Louisville W 38-25 40,000
November 28, 2009 Syracuse W 56-31 40,000
October 02, 2010 Vanderbilt W 40-21 40,000
October 29, 2010 West Virginia W 16-13 40,000
November 27, 2010 Cincinnati W 38-17 40,000
September 21, 2013 Michigan L 24-21 42,704

Though is was 25K

 

[rich1122]

Get rid of that space under the scoreboard so people have to sit in their seats instead of standing and making the place look empty.