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

[ZooCougar]

And which potential events did we lose out on because of the lack of a $64 million investment in fiber optic cable? That’s kind of critical information to know, right? Otherwise it’s impossible to evaluate whether they would be any ROI in making the expenditure.

The upgrade to fiber optics isn’t maintenance. The caulking that they stopped doing, that’s maintenance and it should’ve been done annually. Their not doing annual maintenance, for years, hides their lack of profitability because after things get bad enough they talk about the need for to make a capital investment which is really the disguised catch-up cost for all the annual maintenance they’ve been blowing off.

Impossible to answer. It’s not like potentials aren’t aware that infrastructure wise for tv the Rent is an antiquated facility infrastructure wise. It’s likely it gets ruled out before anyone seriously considers it at this point.

And why even be a fan if you are going to be absurdly critical of even the most basic requirements? You guys are out of your minds.

 

[ZooCougar]

I'd be in for that roof. Could play basketball there instead of the XL.

Are we not playing a hockey game or two there are already? XD

 

[CL82]

Impossible to answer. It’s not like potentials aren’t aware that infrastructure wise for tv the Rent is an antiquated facility infrastructure wise. It’s likely it gets ruled out before anyone seriously considers it at this point.

And why even be a fan if you are going to be absurdly critical of even the most basic requirements? You guys are out of your minds.

Perhaps because we’re not convinced it’s the most basic of requirements? No? Well maybe because the CDRA is a perennial multi million dollar money loser that has yet to run any organization in the black one, thus seems to merit scrutiny? Maybe both?

 

[Exit 4]

Pratt & Whitney Stadium Report – Volume 1
Pratt & Whitney Stadium Report – Volume 2

I hope CRDA gets a lot more out of this report (supplements/follow up/other content) than we are seeing for 330k. In the land of building reports this looks like a 50k-75k job if this is all they get.

As for the report - yep the stadium is sorely lacking in a lot basic curb appeal these days. Its definitely tired by 2022 standards.

 

[McLovin]

And which potential events did we lose out on because of the lack of a $64 million investment in fiber optic cable? That’s kind of critical information to know, right? Otherwise it’s impossible to evaluate whether they would be any ROI in making the expenditure.

The upgrade to fiber optics isn’t maintenance. The caulking that they stopped doing, that’s maintenance and it should’ve been done annually. Their not doing annual maintenance, for years, hides their lack of profitability because after things get bad enough they talk about the need for to make a capital investment which is really the disguised catch-up cost for all the annual maintenance they’ve been blowing off.

I doubt it’s the case with CT (because I think the CDRA is just inept) but in Nashville we are going through something similar with Nissan Stadium.

Built the same time as The Rent, last year they paid a consulting firm to assess what it would take to renovate the structure (mostly fix the concrete) to keep it useable.

The estimate came back at $600 million.

Then 1 week later the Titans and the city of Nashville released a plan for a new (roofed) football stadium that would “only” cost $1.2 billion to build. Instantly making the pitch that this is the better investment, as it would allow Nashville to host Final Fours, CFP Championships, Super Bowls and year round stadium concerts.

Maybe. Just maybe… that’s UConns strategy here too in order to get public support for an on campus stadium lol.

 

[uconnric]

It's a fair criticism but we seem to find excuses while just about every other college finds a way. There is plenty of land for the stadium. Parking and travel is what it is, but it's 6 saturdays a year. Perhaps a program struggling this badly and having an off-campus stadium isn't the secret recipe for success which other programs are missing.

Sure we’re struggling with attendance right now and your idea is to put the stadium where is much less accessible to most of the state because “it belongs on campus”? The rent sold out regularly when we were competitive. That’s the key. Building a stadium in Storrs, which is not going to happen, does not fix anything.

 

[ZooCougar]

I doubt it’s the case with CT (because I think the CDRA is just inept) but in Nashville we are going through something similar with Nissan Stadium.

Built the same time as The Rent, last year they paid a consulting firm to assess what it would take to renovate the structure (mostly fix the concrete) to keep it useable.

The estimate came back at $600 million.

Then 1 week later the Titans and the city of Nashville released a plan for a new (roofed) football stadium that would “only” cost $1.2 billion to build. Instantly making the pitch that this is the better investment, as it would allow Nashville to host Final Fours, CFP Championships, Super Bowls and year round stadium concerts.

Maybe. Just maybe… that’s UConns strategy here too in order to get public support for an on campus stadium lol.

Would be nice except $63M spread over 5 years is peanuts.

 

[Hoophound]

The Rent needs to be somewhat updated. We are trying to get our school into a power conference. Fix the place up, dress for success, but most of all, maintain the place. The idea that it’s appropriate to let it sink into disrepair waiting for the team to win is a terrible one. That’s not how grown ups treat major assets.

 

[KembaKek]

Sure we’re struggling with attendance right now and your idea is to put the stadium where is much less accessible to most of the state because “it belongs on campus”? The rent sold out regularly when we were competitive. That’s the key. Building a stadium in Storrs, which is not going to happen, does not fix anything.

Students did not care nearly as much about the football team when they were at their best as bball because they were not in Storrs. It makes no sense to say East Hartford makes more sense. This isn’t pro football. Besides, 50 minutes gets you from New Haven to Storrs.

 

[wheelerdog]

I get that there are structural repairs that need to be made. But who care about TV folks that have to come in and run cable

 

[freescooter]

When you look at the list, it totally makes sense. The facility is 20 years old and some components need replacement because they are wearing out. And some need replacement due to technological changes. My company owns a number of apartment buildings and I was in a meeting today discussing this very thing. We just received a capital needs study from a consultant, which is essentially what the Rentschler report was, and it laid out a 5 year plan

 

[Hogoff]

No, I'm pretty sure it's in Columbia still

That’s valid.

 

[Nostical]

Would love to see the open spaces between the seats and concurse closed up. Thosuands stand between the upper and lower deck giving the seating an empty appearance. Yes, I've done it myself. But since the stadium also acts as a TV studio, we should be sure that it shows itself as a great place to be.

My pet peeve since 2003.

 

[John]

Students did not care nearly as much about the football team when they were at their best as bball because they were not in Storrs.

That's absolutely not correct.

 

[Kolumbo]

Sure we’re struggling with attendance right now and your idea is to put the stadium where is much less accessible to most of the state because “it belongs on campus”? The rent sold out regularly when we were competitive. That’s the key. Building a stadium in Storrs, which is not going to happen, does not fix anything.

I concur. Being competitive is the key, no matter where the stadium is. I disagree however with your final point. Building a stadium in Storrs fixes the biggest problem: No on-campus stadium.

 

[kemba]

Students did not care nearly as much about the football team when they were at their best as bball because they were not in Storrs. It makes no sense to say East Hartford makes more sense. This isn’t pro football. Besides, 50 minutes gets you from New Haven to Storrs.

Students did not care as much about the football team as the basketball team because the basketball team is one of the elite programs in the country.

But football regularly sold out student season tickets when we were at our best

 

[zls44]

The CDRA is the most inapt “quasipublic“ agency I’ve ever seen, and that is a pretty low standard. These guys consistently miss manage and lose money for every property they operate. Football stadiums, little soccer fields, the XL Center, all different types of agencies all losing money. What’s the common denominator? They’re all run by the CDRA.

They're impressively bad at everything they do. Everything. Its insane.

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

If one reads the Hartford Courant article comments, the responses are overwhelmingly negative. Some of the commenters who are opposed to UConn football are even alumni!

The people that comment on any Hartford Courant article are always very negative - don't use it as a barometer. They're toxic people.

 

[Kolumbo]

Have @ it Boneyard (nobody crowdsources like this group of multipurpose generational experts).

Pratt & Whitney Stadium Comprehensive Building Assessment Executive Summary

-> The four most critical capital investments include:

1) Roof replacement in the Tower Building and roof repairs in certain outbuildings.
2) Technology upgrades to make the building more compatible and user friendly for UConn,
event producers and broadcasters, as well as safer, more efficient and more welcoming to
patrons.
3) Investments to counter the wear and tear of twenty years to elevators, concourse areas,
walkways, stairwell and various mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems; and
4) Life cycle replacements related to irrigation and drainage systems on the playing field and to
the overall site

Populous estimates that over the next five years, investments are expected to cost $63.3 million and can be phased over several state capital budget cycles with an initial budget projection of $24 million for the upcoming 2023-25 biennial budget. <-

-> Major Deficiencies

1) Roofs - The Stadium facility includes ten separate buildings, including the central Tower. No major deficiencies were found on seven of the building roofs. The thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply membrane on the roof of the Tower, however, is original to the building and is in very poor condition. Moisture leaks into the building’s interior have occurred. The other two buildings cited are linked by an expansion joint and the membrane over that joint has detached and the area is no longer watertight.

Populous recommends replacing the Tower roofing membrane and installing a new membrane over the expansion joint linking the other two buildings cited. Populous did caution that the need to relocate cell tower antennas currently located on the Tower roof is expected to add to the complexity and cost of the roof replacement.

2) Technology / Security - Capital budgets have been insufficient for the Stadium to secure and maintain the technology required for a first-class Division I facility. The presence of outdated technology impedes not only game day operations (e.g., IT, sound, video production, broadcast capabilities), but also the State’s ability to operate the Stadium in a safe and responsible manner.

The most visible example is in the area of security. The Stadium’s video surveillance system has been updated over the years in an ad hoc manner. It is comprised of both analog and IP-based cameras of which 18 of the 35 cameras on site are not currently functioning properly. The parking lot cameras, which were installed in 2016, do not have reliable wireless connectivity to the building network for monitoring. There is no active video recording system for surveillance, which poses an issue in operational functionality. Deficiencies in the building’s access control system, intercom system and motion detectors were also noted.

Populous recommends replacing the video surveillance system management and adding new Network Video Recording (NVR). Replacement of existing cameras and cabling and the addition of new pole-mounted cameras in the parking lots were also suggested. Additional recommendations included the replacement of the existing access system and installation of new access controls to certain back of house spaces.

3) Architecture - Cosmetic damage caused by daily wear and maintenance operations, as well as more substantial damage caused by environmental exposure and end of life cycles, has occurred in the building. These deficiencies include rust and water damage on outside stairs, railings, ticket windows, signage and ceiling tiles, cracked asphalt and deteriorating concrete sealant. Entry lobbies and related graphics are outdated.

Recommendations include the sanding and repainting of rusted metal stairs and railings along with the replacement of old signage and concourse asphalt. Ticket window layout should be assessed and windows replaced, while entry lobbies should be updated.

3) Playing Field and Site - Irrigation piping under and around the playing field is original to the building and is at the end of its useful life. Perimeter trench drains are damaged and need to be replaced. The asphalt track around the field is too narrow for maintenance and game day operations and it displays significant cracking and gaps left from the installation of underground conduits. Asphalt parking lots also display significant cracking.

Populous recommends that the replacement of underground piping should be undertaken at such time when the playing field is next replaced. Asphalt should be repaired along the field perimeter and in the parking lots. <-

Much more detail in link above and within…

Pratt & Whitney Stadium Report – Volume 1
Pratt & Whitney Stadium Report – Volume 2

A flaw with having such a large facility off campus: It is hardly ever used given its size. An on-campus stadium would contain offices, technology, locker rooms, security cameras, suites, all the stuff Rentschler has, but it would be used every day. This place has a lot of redundant stuff sitting over there in East Hartford collecting dust and mold all year long. It's just an inefficient use of funds all around. It only makes sense to have a bare bones football facility when it only hosts 6 UCONN football games a year.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

Have @ it Boneyard (nobody crowdsources like this group of multipurpose generational experts).

Pratt & Whitney Stadium Comprehensive Building Assessment Executive Summary

-> The four most critical capital investments include:

1) Roof replacement in the Tower Building and roof repairs in certain outbuildings.
2) Technology upgrades to make the building more compatible and user friendly for UConn,
event producers and broadcasters, as well as safer, more efficient and more welcoming to
patrons.
3) Investments to counter the wear and tear of twenty years to elevators, concourse areas,
walkways, stairwell and various mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems; and
4) Life cycle replacements related to irrigation and drainage systems on the playing field and to
the overall site

Populous estimates that over the next five years, investments are expected to cost $63.3 million and can be phased over several state capital budget cycles with an initial budget projection of $24 million for the upcoming 2023-25 biennial budget. <-

-> Major Deficiencies

1) Roofs - The Stadium facility includes ten separate buildings, including the central Tower. No major deficiencies were found on seven of the building roofs. The thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply membrane on the roof of the Tower, however, is original to the building and is in very poor condition. Moisture leaks into the building’s interior have occurred. The other two buildings cited are linked by an expansion joint and the membrane over that joint has detached and the area is no longer watertight.

Populous recommends replacing the Tower roofing membrane and installing a new membrane over the expansion joint linking the other two buildings cited. Populous did caution that the need to relocate cell tower antennas currently located on the Tower roof is expected to add to the complexity and cost of the roof replacement.

2) Technology / Security - Capital budgets have been insufficient for the Stadium to secure and maintain the technology required for a first-class Division I facility. The presence of outdated technology impedes not only game day operations (e.g., IT, sound, video production, broadcast capabilities), but also the State’s ability to operate the Stadium in a safe and responsible manner.

The most visible example is in the area of security. The Stadium’s video surveillance system has been updated over the years in an ad hoc manner. It is comprised of both analog and IP-based cameras of which 18 of the 35 cameras on site are not currently functioning properly. The parking lot cameras, which were installed in 2016, do not have reliable wireless connectivity to the building network for monitoring. There is no active video recording system for surveillance, which poses an issue in operational functionality. Deficiencies in the building’s access control system, intercom system and motion detectors were also noted.

Populous recommends replacing the video surveillance system management and adding new Network Video Recording (NVR). Replacement of existing cameras and cabling and the addition of new pole-mounted cameras in the parking lots were also suggested. Additional recommendations included the replacement of the existing access system and installation of new access controls to certain back of house spaces.

3) Architecture - Cosmetic damage caused by daily wear and maintenance operations, as well as more substantial damage caused by environmental exposure and end of life cycles, has occurred in the building. These deficiencies include rust and water damage on outside stairs, railings, ticket windows, signage and ceiling tiles, cracked asphalt and deteriorating concrete sealant. Entry lobbies and related graphics are outdated.

Recommendations include the sanding and repainting of rusted metal stairs and railings along with the replacement of old signage and concourse asphalt. Ticket window layout should be assessed and windows replaced, while entry lobbies should be updated.

3) Playing Field and Site - Irrigation piping under and around the playing field is original to the building and is at the end of its useful life. Perimeter trench drains are damaged and need to be replaced. The asphalt track around the field is too narrow for maintenance and game day operations and it displays significant cracking and gaps left from the installation of underground conduits. Asphalt parking lots also display significant cracking.

Populous recommends that the replacement of underground piping should be undertaken at such time when the playing field is next replaced. Asphalt should be repaired along the field perimeter and in the parking lots. <-

Much more detail in link above and within…

Pratt & Whitney Stadium Report – Volume 1
Pratt & Whitney Stadium Report – Volume 2

1) Roofs
thro a big tarp over that badboy, like the rest of us do.
2) Technology / Security
buy some new gopros and a bunch of wireless routers.
3) Architecture
couple of wire brushes and a few 5 gallon pails of rustoleum ought to do it.
3) Playing Field and Site
a few 5 gallon pails of jennite ought to do it, and a few reels of new hosepipe.

problem solved. what's that, only 5 or 10 million for this fix?
i gotta guy.

 

[dvegas]

A lot of this is not maintenance. Its repairs due to !deferred maintenance.

 

[uconnfan68]

Are we not playing a hockey game or two there are already? XD

We’d fill it for basketball. ;^)

 

[uconnric]

I concur. Being competitive is the key, no matter where the stadium is. I disagree however with your final point. Building a stadium in Storrs fixes the biggest problem: No on-campus stadium.

Yup, that on campus stadium has done wonders for UMass

 

[billybud]

Just my two cents...from my home stadium experience and from visiting many college stadiums...

An on campus stadium is bigger than football.

It can provide a unique shared campus experience for students that contributes to the culture and spirit of the university. It gives alumni and community members a place to return and experience the campus and the energy of the students. It becomes a place where memories are built across generations. It, for me and many of my ages ago classmates, is still a touchstone. Our children and their children continue the pilgrimage as our generation passes the torch.

I have seen the effects of Miami moving from the Orange Bowl to the Hard Rock stadium...a corporate rent a field with the barest connection to the campus and student body.

Just my $.02.

 

[Bongo Fury]

Yup, that on campus stadium has done wonders for UMass

They do get students to go but overall attendance is less than UCONN. People complain more about much less investment there