East Hartford’s Rentschler Field needs $63 million upgrade, new study says. ‘like walking into a time capsule’

[Hoophound]

That is NEVER happening. Anyone who actually thinks taxpayer would ever allow UConn to even consider building a new 35k+ capacity football stadium in Storrs with public funds has absolutely zero common sense. And no one at CCSU has any interest in using a 40K-seat stadium in East Hartford for anything - even if it was a free "gift" for a single game. The State can't even get a MLS team here to pay to use that stadium. Hartford/Connecticut has died as a professional sports market. That is UConn's home for better or worse.

The State/Hartford/UConn has a massive problem with the Civic Center. That is the #1 priority and there are few good options and little public funding available. I would worry about the home for the flagship athletic teams (M/W Basketball), instead of a football program that might not exist in 20 years.

The Rent was built on free, flat land and still cost $70M more than 2 decades ago. It would cost 4x that today. UConn is playing there as long as they still have a team. Yes, the State will dump millions of dollars in "maintenance and upgrades" but it still far cheaper than building new on campus.

If anyone at UConn wants to help CCSU (which of course they do not want to do in any way, shape or form) - just send us a State appropriation for an extra $30M per year and we'll use it for academics and athletic in New Britain. We need $$$ to build dorms, hire faculty, enhance athletics, etc. - we do not need a football stadium in East Hartford

You mad bro?

 

[Iceman03]

Well I've personally spoken to my State Representative and State Senator, and stressed that "Not One Dime Back" for the Mistake at the landing strip. Let nature take it's course, let it die a slow death.

 

[uconnbill]

Build high density housing

Kills your tax base as it adds students which adds tax dollars to the city budget. Mixed use would be better for the community and taxes for the residents.

 

[Nostical]

U of Houston Football Stadium:
Broke ground
February 8, 2013
Opened August 29, 2014
Construction cost $128M


“In designing a highly complex sports facility with the interest of maximizing the investment, we, the architectural design partnership of the Page/DLR Group studied stadiums of relative capacities either recently constructed or enhanced by major renovations. The information generated from that exercise guided the vision of what TDECU Stadium would become.

TDECU Stadium Comparators

• Stanford - 2006 (Major Renovation)
• University of Central Florida - 2007 (New Construction
• University of Minnesota - 2009 (New Construction)
• University of North Texas - 2011 (New Construction)
• Florida Atlantic University - 2011 (New Construction)
• Texas Christian University - 2012 (Major Renovation)

These stadiums range in size from 23,500 seats to 50,400 seats, which we believe to be reasonable comparisons to TDECU Stadium which has a 40,000 seat layout.

The family of former marching band member Bert Winston made a generous donation to build a new home for the Cougar marching band on the east end of the Stadium. The Band enters the east stadium concourse directly from the Winston Center, and sets up in the student section of the East lower bowl.

We can build a stadium on campus. And Waquoit should lead the fundraising effort.

 

[Waquoit]

We can build a stadium on campus. And Waquoit should lead the fundraising effort.

Honestly, could there possibly be a bigger waste of money?

 

[Chin Diesel]

That is NEVER happening. Anyone who actually thinks taxpayer would ever allow UConn to even consider building a new 35k+ capacity football stadium in Storrs with public funds has absolutely zero common sense. And no one at CCSU has any interest in using a 40K-seat stadium in East Hartford for anything - even if it was a free "gift" for a single game. The State can't even get a MLS team here to pay to use that stadium. Hartford/Connecticut has died as a professional sports market. That is UConn's home for better or worse.

The State/Hartford/UConn has a massive problem with the Civic Center. That is the #1 priority and there are few good options and little public funding available. I would worry about the home for the flagship athletic teams (M/W Basketball), instead of a football program that might not exist in 20 years.

The Rent was built on free, flat land and still cost $70M more than 2 decades ago. It would cost 4x that today. UConn is playing there as long as they still have a team. Yes, the State will dump millions of dollars in "maintenance and upgrades" but it still far cheaper than building new on campus.

If anyone at UConn wants to help CCSU (which of course they do not want to do in any way, shape or form) - just send us a State appropriation for an extra $30M per year and we'll use it for academics and athletic in New Britain. We need $$$ to build dorms, hire faculty, enhance athletics, etc. - we do not need a football stadium in East Hartford

XL Center isn't a UConn problem. If XL was demolished tomorrow every UConn sports team has on campus facilities to support the programs.

XL is a city/state problem only in that they want to keep it but don't want to make it viable. And by saying they don't want to make it viable I mean they aren't willing to spend the money to make it a competitive facility in the region.

 

[BlueandOG]

Well I've personally spoken to my State Representative and State Senator, and stressed that "Not One Dime Back" for the Mistake at the landing strip. Let nature take it's course, let it die a slow death.

This is fantastic! I'm sure they made note that Iceman03 is grouchy about the Rent.

 

[Kolumbo]

Some highway projects didn't get finished 50 years ago so we should build a new FB stadium on-campus today? You convinced me!

at the same time, if you never had to drive from Hartford to Springfield before I-91was upgraded you are a lucky person. Many long stretches of the major highways have been drastically improved over the years.

 

[Waquoit]

XL Center isn't a UConn problem. If XL was demolished tomorrow every UConn sports team has on campus facilities to support the programs.

True. But overall support for those programs would take a big hit. It's not just a charity case, it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

 

[Marbles90]

US-7 Norwalk to Danbury
US-6 (I-84/384) Manchester to Providence
I-291 Rocky Hill to Windsor (Hartford Bypass West)
(I-484) Whitehead Highway
CT-34 New Haven to West Haven
CT-2A (Circumferential around Norwich)
CT-11 Colchester to Waterford

I also know there was also a proposal to connect rt 25 to I-84. When I was buying my first house in Monroe 30 years ago, realtors were steering us away from houses that were near that proposed route. I saw the proposal so I know it was out there. I am sure it died the same death as all the others...

 

[CCSU97]

XL Center isn't a UConn problem. If XL was demolished tomorrow every UConn sports team has on campus facilities to support the programs.

XL is a city/state problem only in that they want to keep it but don't want to make it viable. And by saying they don't want to make it viable I mean they aren't willing to spend the money to make it a competitive facility in the region.

Everything about UConn is ultimately a State problem. UConn didn't pay a dime for construction of the Rent - it was State funded and is State owned. This isn't Texas, where the university has enough non-public funds to make their own decisions.

UConn Basketball is a marquee program that can win National Championships. For better or worse, basketball also needs a facility in Hartford. Our State politics require that UConn play some games in our Capitol City for the benefit of corporate interests and taxpayers. It has been this was since the 1970s and it isn't changing anytime soon. Sure, UConn athletics can choose to abandon Hartford for lack of an acceptable facility, but expect State legislators and a large portion of UConn boosters/alumni/fans to revolt. So yes, this is a State/City problem which they want to spend $$$ and build a new facility, but numerous budgetary and other challenges remain. As I said, this is priority #1 for the State.

My point was that the State has limited taxpayer funds o address the XL problem before they can even think about appropriating a dime to build a new football stadium in Storrs - especially when they have an existing State-funded stadium in East Hartford that can simply be "maintained and upgraded" at a far lesser amount. UConn football doesn't have the same potential or interest as basketball, regardless of what a few fans on this board post. The State and the university has to prioritize its limited resources and a new stadium in Storrs is not going to make the list right now. If the football program can't make do at the Rent, it will cease to exist at some point in the future - it is that simple.

Even ice hockey and baseball now have to have some presence in Hartford to keep the politicos and others happy. This is the burden that UConn faces and what helps keep the spigot of $$$ flowing from the legislature. Abandoning East Hartford simply won't happen despite anyone's suggestions on this board that it "makes sense" - simply because it doesn't. Any stadium plans for Storrs are really proposing to make CT taxpayers pay a huge expense for just a few weekends for a handful of fanatical football fans here.

A new football stadium in Storrs is a wild dream and fantasy of some here because it simply doesn't have the political or budget support required by the legislature and appropriators in Hartford to get any type of "plans" on paper.

 

[CCSU97]

You mad bro?

Not at all - but why do you feel so entitled to a new stadium?

I shared a dose or reality from a CT taxpayer that isn't a UConn alum or fan. The State already spends a ton of $$$ on its flagship university and underfunds the State University system and that is certainly a complaint I have.

But the bigger point here is the State already built a $70M football stadium in E. Hartford that is just 20 years old and no one outside of a handful of fans here thinks that building a new one is a good idea or use of taxpayer funds.

How many people build a new house and "abandon it" after just 20 years? Thie Civic Center is almost 50 years old and we are still using it despite its current condition.

 

[CL82]

True. But overall support for those programs would take a big hit. It's not just a charity case, it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Not at all - but why do you feel so entitled to a new stadium?

I shared a dose or reality from a CT taxpayer that isn't a UConn alum or fan. The State already spends a ton of $$$ on its flagship university and underfunds the State University system and that is certainly a complaint I have.

But the bigger point here is the State already built a $70M football stadium in E. Hartford that is just 20 years old and no one outside of a handful of fans here thinks that building a new one is a good idea or use of taxpayer funds.

How many people build a new house and "abandon it" after just 20 years? Thie Civic Center is almost 50 years old and we are still using it despite its current condition.

It’s not used all that much, and I might add that the basketball team already has an on campus venue while the football team does not.

 

[CL82]

Not at all - but why do you feel so entitled to a new stadium?

I shared a dose or reality from a CT taxpayer that isn't a UConn alum or fan. The State already spends a ton of $$$ on its flagship university and underfunds the State University system and that is certainly a complaint I have.

But the bigger point here is the State already built a $70M football stadium in E. Hartford that is just 20 years old and no one outside of a handful of fans here thinks that building a new one is a good idea or use of taxpayer funds.

How many people build a new house and "abandon it" after just 20 years? Thie Civic Center is almost 50 years old and we are still using it despite its current condition.

Stadiums are not homes. The useful life for them is about 20 years. I have no problem with extending the Rent out as much as 30 years, but at some point it makes sense to rebuild rather than continue dumping money into the facility. If we are going to do that the state should take a long look at putting it in Storrs rather than East Hartford.

As “a Connecticut taxpayer“ do you really care whether a rebuild happens in East Hartford or Storrs? It’s the same money either way.

(you do sound mad though.)

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Not at all - but why do you feel so entitled to a new stadium?

I shared a dose or reality from a CT taxpayer that isn't a UConn alum or fan. The State already spends a ton of $$$ on its flagship university and underfunds the State University system and that is certainly a complaint I have.

But the bigger point here is the State already built a $70M football stadium in E. Hartford that is just 20 years old and no one outside of a handful of fans here thinks that building a new one is a good idea or use of taxpayer funds.

How many people build a new house and "abandon it" after just 20 years? Thie Civic Center is almost 50 years old and we are still using it despite its current condition.

How exactly do you know this? Have you asked Ned Lamont? Or Dave Benedict? Or Jim Mora? Or the Board of Trustees?

 

[DoctorWho85]

If the on-campus stadium were to happen, I think Lamont being a big supporter of the university would give the best opportunity to get Hartford on board with the idea. But nothing's happening until we start to win consistently again.

 

[CCSU97]

Stadiums are not homes. In the useful life for them is about 20 years. I have no problem with extending the rent out as much as 30 years, but at some point it makes sense to rebuild rather than continue dumping money into the facility. If we are going to do that the state should take a long look at putting it in Storrs rather than East Hartford.

As “a Connecticut taxpayer“ do you really care whether a rebuild happens in East Hartford or Storrs? It’s the same money either way.

(you do sound mad though.)

Really - 20 years? If demand warrants, renovation or expansion - sure. But abandon and rebuild a new stadium every 20 years? The State bonds haven't even been paid off yet. How in the world do you manage your own personal finances?

Yale Bowl (1914)
Rose Bowl (1922)
Michie Stadium (1924)
Wallace Wade Stadium (1929)

It is not the same money either way. Taxpayers want, in fact demand, the lowest costs possible on a football stadium - which is simply the minimum required maintenance expenses on their original investment in East Hartford.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Really - 20 years? If demand warrants, renovation or expansion - sure. But abandon and rebuild a new stadium every 20 years? The State bonds haven't even been paid off yet. How in the world do you manage your own personal finances?

Yale Bowl (1914)
Rose Bowl (1922)
Michie Stadium (1924)
Wallace Wade Stadium (1929)

It is not the same money either way. Taxpayers want, in fact demand, the lowest costs possible on a football stadium - which is simply the minimum required maintenance expenses on their original investment in East Hartford.

New Aloha Stadium (2025)

Hawaii’s Aloha Stadium to Undergo $400M Revitalization

The New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) will develop commercial, residential, and retail buildings surrounding the site.

frontofficesports.com

 

[Chin Diesel]

True. But overall support for those programs would take a big hit. It's not just a charity case, it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

You can say it's mutually beneficial but it isn't equally (or near equal) beneficial. State gets much more out of UConn playing at XL than UConn gets out of playing at XL.

 

[CL82]

Really - 20 years? If demand warrants, renovation or expansion - sure. But abandon and rebuild a new stadium every 20 years? The State bonds haven't even been paid off yet. How in the world do you manage your own personal finances?

Yale Bowl (1914)
Rose Bowl (1922)
Michie Stadium (1924)
Wallace Wade Stadium (1929)

It is not the same money either way. Taxpayers want, in fact demand, the lowest costs possible on a football stadium - which is simply the minimum required maintenance expenses on their original investment in East Hartford.

Yeah, you are definitely sounding angry. Relax you’ll live longer.

I suppose if the state wanted to dig into the ground create a bowl and pour a concrete stadium for us we might be able to keep it for 100 years, but they didn’t do that. Who knows, perhaps they will do that for the stadium in Storrs?

If you go back and look at the link above that discusses stadium life you will see that that is the norm. That isn’t me arbitrarily deciding it, that’s the standard. If you’re curious, go find the link above. At some point it stops making sense to continue to pour money into something that has outlived its useful life.

Let me give you an example that might be more relatable to you. At some point, you probably decide to stop repairing your car and purchase a new one, right? Continually pumping “ The minimum amount of money possible“ into it to keep it running doesn’t make financial sense after a point. The same is true about structures as well. Particularly stadiums with exposed framing.

I hope that helped!

 

[Waquoit]

How exactly do you know this? Have you asked Ned Lamont? Or Dave Benedict? Or Jim Mora? Or the Board of Trustees?

We have a gubernatorial election going on. I'm stunned such a great idea has yet to be brought up during the campaign. Actually. I'm not. Because anyone who said they want to spend $300M (400, 500?) to build UConn a FB stadium would get crushed.

 

[CCSU97]

New Aloha Stadium (2025)

Hawaii’s Aloha Stadium to Undergo $400M Revitalization

The New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) will develop commercial, residential, and retail buildings surrounding the site.

frontofficesports.com

Not sure what you point is. Aloha Stadium was built in 1975, has hosted NFL Pro Bowls is an economic engine for the State, and served as the home of Hawaii football for nearly 50 years with limited investment. Only now is the State proposing in a huge mixed-use entertainment district in the same site in an logical attempt to lure back the NFL and further enhance tourism.

How does any of that apply to some ideas floated here to build a new college football stadium in rural Storrs?

 

[CCSU97]

You can say it's mutually beneficial but it isn't equally (or near equal) beneficial. State gets much more out of UConn playing at XL than UConn gets out of playing at XL.

Wrong - the relationship is more beneficial to UConn that you are giving it credit.

Don't you think that that UConn splitting its home basketball schedule between Storrs and Hartford for many years, including putting many Nationally-important TV games at the Civic Center and winning over the State fanbase, laid the necessary political and taxpayer goodwill for the General Assembly to approve UConn's upgrade to FBS and the construction of a stadium in East Hartford?

You can suggest that UConn can move out of Hartford because of the condition of the Civic Center - but they can't. The university isn't dumb enough to bite the hand that feeds them.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Not sure what you point is. Aloha Stadium was built in 1975, has hosted NFL Pro Bowls is an economic engine for the State, and served as the home of Hawaii football for nearly 50 years with limited investment. Only now is the State proposing in a huge mixed-use entertainment district in the same site in an logical attempt to lure back the NFL and further enhance tourism.

How does any of that apply to some ideas floated here to build a new college football stadium in rural Storrs?

The old Aloha stadium to which you refer is being completely demolished and a new one is being built in its place. It applies because the old stadium because of age is in such a need of extensive repairs that parts of it can’t even be used anymore, basically the same issues as the Rent. Instead of applying a short term band-aid fix the state has decided to demolish it and build a new stadium on the site. They’re not trying to lure anyone, the steel used to build it is in terrible condition. They’re doing it the right way.