It’s Football Season

[CTBasketball]

I just renewed my tickets for what feels like the 100th year in a row, would like to see some energy or maybe a touchdown.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Just wanted to point out that there already is parking for the at least 20,000 plus that already live, work, or go to school on campus. Those people would just walk to the stadium. Both you and the other on campus stadium complainers are so self-centered it’s laughable. The world does not revolve around 3, 4 or 5000 season ticket holders. If you don’t like it stay home and watch it on tv.

You never been to a well-attended football game or any football game on campus? Are you implying the entire Storrs community gives a about football?

 

[Duncan Idaho]

……….or 4 or 5 times, if they decide to play one or two home games at the Rent.

Ye, lets bond 300 miilion for an on campus stadium and play 2 games in East Hartford. That will fly through the state legislative process,

 

[DoctorWho85]

If Mansfield stop being populated with NIMBYs, maybe. However, what should we do with The Rent? Should we give it to Goodwin or should we tear it down? I'm not sure if it should be torn down. Maybe if Hartford gets a UFL team (rumored) maybe it would be nice to get an on campus stadium.

Give it to Hartford FC

 

[jayfromfla]

Ok enough of the on campus football stadium. Here is a compromise. Build on the UConn campus at Waterbury. It’s on campus. It is serviced by 2 major highways. You can buy the Waterbury green. Fairfield fans will be be an hour closer without going thru New Haven and Hartford. People west of the Connecticut river will be happy

 

[DoctorWho85]

You never been to a well-attended football game or any football game on campus? Are you implying the entire Storrs community gives a about football?

For real. I would guess that the best solution would be a large ramp garage and smaller sized parking lot.

 

[CL82]

Thank you...I get the Alum who want to relive an on campus trip in the fall but 80% of the fans I've tailgated with, meet or brought to Uconn games over 30 plus years as a donor and season TX holder are CT sports fan in general not Uconn grads. Who like Uconn, enjoy the games but can care less about on campus. Uconn's been an off campus, entire state supported "franchise" with more Hartford than Storrs season ticket holders for close to 50 years. Just look at Hockey everyone screamed about an on campus arena. Well they got it, lost half the hockey fan base, and now the shinny new place and the mediocre coach have turned it into an on campus morgue. # Winning period !

Questionable design choices hurt the the experience at Toscano. Hopefully, the AD will correct some of them in off season. I'm not sure who thought putting a concrete block house in the middle of the stands was a good idea. It takes up valuable seats and obscures the views of the ones it leaves. Similarly, the ice level lounge break up the bowl. That may work in larger areas but, again it's taking up valuable real estate that could be seats.

For what it's worth, I love how there is a group of posters who post how it impossible to build a stadium on campus, in pretty much every thread, and they're the same group of posters who complain when people reply to their posts to dispel the myths about building on campus that they try to propagate.

 

[CL82]

A) Maybe a map of where this sort of stadium could be built on campus

It's been talked about a lot, and I suspect most people know what the sites are, but since you asked for a map:

B) Layout the parking situation which is presently not easy on campus. Where would parking for 40K plus be located?

See the map above. There is more than enough room for "parking for 40,000+" at any of the sites.

C) That and the miles of road that would have to be widened to double lanes much to the disdain of the locals to handle traffic.

The vast majority of college football stadiums across the country don't have limited access highways that end up at the front gate. The notion that the state of Connecticut needs to undergo a massive infrastructure project for six weekends a year (occasionally, seven, apparently) is silly. Tailgating will feather the traffic coming in and out of the stadium, just as it does for the vast majority of colleges that play football across the country. Similarly, intelligent traffic management goes along way to moving people out at the end of games. For example, Rutgers uses police to give exiting traffic the right of way and selectively changes roads to one way in order to facilitate emptying their stadium.

D) Last but not least, I truly love the passion some have to get the football team on campus. But as a season ticket holder from the start at the Rent I proffer to tailgate for 3+ hours in East Hartford rather than sitting in traffic in Storrs for who knows how long.

i'm fairly confident if you "tailgate in Storrs for 3+ hours" you won't be sitting in traffic either. That's kind of the point.

 

[huskymedic]

It's been talked about a lot, and I suspect most people know what the sites are, but since you asked for a map:View attachment 101622

The football program seems haunted enough… do you really think it’s a good idea to build a stadium over a cemetery?

 

[CL82]

The football program seems haunted enough… do you really think it’s a good idea to build a stadium over a cemetery?

View attachment 101625

Pssh, yeah! It's not like the current residents are going to complain.

(I've posted that picture here a bunch of times, even after I noticed I had missed Discovery Drive by a bit and have been waiting for this comment since then. )

Edit:
Alright, here's the long overdue updated version:

 

[Hogoff]

Give it to Hartford FC

This. Or try and attract an MLS franchise.

 

[CL82]

what's all this "give" talk? We have to rent the rent.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Ok enough of the on campus football stadium. Here is a compromise. Build on the UConn campus at Waterbury. It’s on campus. It is serviced by 2 major highways. You can buy the Waterbury green. Fairfield fans will be be an hour closer without going thru New Haven and Hartford. People west of the Connecticut river will be happy

Why not build it in Rhode Island right on 95?

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Ye, lets bond 300 miilion for an on campus stadium and play 2 games in East Hartford. That will fly through the state legislative process,

It sure beats playing in Waterbury.

 

[RSTuthill]

Is it July yet?

 

[ScottVib]

Rentschler Field isn't going to be "given" (or assigned) to Hartford FC, Hartford Athletic (which plays in another CRDA managed facility, Dillon Stadium), CCSU or any other entity. The fact is it loses money by opening its doors to less than 20,000 fans (not just tickets sold, but butts in seats to account for the concessions and parking revenue). UConn is required to pay $172k per game plus $3/ticket AND cover up to $250k in losses by the facility (the state picks up the tab for the rest of the losses). The only team in the state that has demonstrated the capability of reaching that mark consistently is UConn Football (albeit about a decade ago at this point). If UConn Football leaves as a tenant, Rentschler Field ceases to be viable and will likely be demolished (the other possible teams wouldn't be able to afford similar lease terms anyways).

 

[huskymedic]

Rentschler Field isn't going to be "given" (or assigned) to Hartford FC, Hartford Athletic (which plays in another CRDA managed facility, Dillon Stadium), CCSU or any other entity. The fact is it loses money by opening its doors to less than 20,000 fans (not just tickets sold, but butts in seats to account for the concessions and parking revenue). UConn is required to pay $172k per game plus $3/ticket AND cover up to $250k in losses by the facility (the state picks up the tab for the rest of the losses). The only team in the state that has demonstrated the capability of reaching that mark consistently is UConn Football (albeit about a decade ago at this point). If UConn Football leaves as a tenant, Rentschler Field ceases to be viable and will likely be demolished (the other possible teams wouldn't be able to afford similar lease terms anyways).

Yup...plug & play (no pun intended). East Hartford Logistics & Technology Park at Rentschler Field

 

[Blades]

Is it July yet?

Not yet, but I'd rather it be August ( 31st to be exact)

 

[CL82]

Rentschler Field isn't going to be "given" (or assigned) to Hartford FC, Hartford Athletic (which plays in another CRDA managed facility, Dillon Stadium), CCSU or any other entity. The fact is it loses money by opening its doors to less than 20,000 fans (not just tickets sold, but butts in seats to account for the concessions and parking revenue). UConn is required to pay $172k per game plus $3/ticket AND cover up to $250k in losses by the facility (the state picks up the tab for the rest of the losses). The only team in the state that has demonstrated the capability of reaching that mark consistently is UConn Football (albeit about a decade ago at this point). If UConn Football leaves as a tenant, Rentschler Field ceases to be viable and will likely be demolished (the other possible teams wouldn't be able to afford similar lease terms anyways).

I think you are referencing this article:

UConn Board of Trustees approves Rentschler Field 5-year lease extension

UConn Board of Trustees voted to extend its lease with Rentschler Field, where UConn hosts football games.

www.ctinsider.com

If so, I think you are misread it a bit.

The $172000 +3 dollar surcharge appears to be the old number, since after negotiation UConn is going to spend an estimated 2.7 million a year to play at the Rent.

Also the 20,000 through the gate breakeven figure is the number the DRA estimates that UConn needs to to break even under the new lease deal.

Finally the $250,000 "loss reimbursement" figure is an annual figure, not a per game figure.

I have no idea what breakeven would be for the facility if it were not being managed by the CDRA. They notoriously haven't been able to make a profit out of any venture they've undertaken. Keep in mind that other potential owners might be able to use the site for more than six football games a year. Extra uses means that the amount that needs to be made on a per use basis to cover carrying costs would be lower.

 

[DoctorWho85]

This. Or try and attract an MLS franchise.

Why not both?

 

[Woof 101]

Just wanted to point out that there already is parking for the at least 20,000 plus that already live, work, or go to school on campus. Those people would just walk to the stadium. Both you and the other on campus stadium complainers are so self-centered it’s laughable. The world does not revolve around 3, 4 or 5000 season ticket holders. If you don’t like it stay home and watch it on tv.

Your knowledge of the situation is negligible at the best, I will not turn to reply with the narcissistic slander you prefer.
I am the last thing anyone I know would call self centered. With out bragging / listing I do many charitable things.
As to your comment on 4 or 5000 season ticket holders. You exposed your lack of knowledge on the subject again. Any idea of who is paying the freight? The NIL money you don't understand is coming from those you call self centered.

One can only hope you are a freshman and will learn in the next few years about infrastructure and reality.

 

[ScottVib]

I think you are referencing this article:

UConn Board of Trustees approves Rentschler Field 5-year lease extension

UConn Board of Trustees voted to extend its lease with Rentschler Field, where UConn hosts football games.

www.ctinsider.com

If so, I think you are misread it a bit.

The $172000 +3 dollar surcharge appears to be the old number, since after negotiation UConn is going to spend an estimated 2.7 million a year to play at the Rent.

Also the 20,000 through the gate breakeven figure is the number the DRA estimates that UConn needs to to break even under the new lease deal.

Finally the $250,000 "loss reimbursement" figure is an annual figure, not a per game figure.

I have no idea what breakeven would be for the facility if it were not being managed by the CDRA. They notoriously haven't been able to make a profit out of any venture they've undertaken. Keep in mind that other potential owners might be able to use the site for more than six football games a year. Extra uses means that the amount that needs to be made on a per use basis to cover carrying costs would be lower.

That's the article, and I did understand it exactly as you described with the 250k a maximum annual cost.

Under the old terms here is UConn's bill for last year:

172k*6 games = 1.032M
3 * (36526+20405+29038+21227+21704+19053) = $443,859
250k (assuming there was a loss)


Total bill = $1,725,859

So UConn has managed to get a worse deal from CRDA in the extension paying approximately an extra million a year.

 

[CL82]

That's the article, and I did understand it exactly as you described with the 250k a maximum annual cost.

Under the old terms here is UConn's bill for last year:

172k*6 games = 1.032M
3 * (36526+20405+29038+21227+21704+19053) = $443,859
250k (assuming there was a loss)


Total bill = $1,725,859

So UConn has managed to get a worse deal from CRDA in the extension paying approximately an extra million a year.

Correct. Bring a captive tenant sucks.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Your knowledge of the situation is negligible at the best, I will not turn to reply with the narcissistic slander you prefer.
I am the last thing anyone I know would call self centered. With out bragging / listing I do many charitable things.
As to your comment on 4 or 5000 season ticket holders. You exposed your lack of knowledge on the subject again. Any idea of who is paying the freight? The NIL money you don't understand is coming from those you call self centered.

One can only hope you are a freshman and will learn in the next few years about infrastructure and reality.

Just admit that you hate this picture and that will expose you for the selfish individual that you undoubtedly are…………

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Just admit that you hate this picture and that will expose you for the selfish individual that you undoubtedly are…………

View attachment 101645

The point is, that unless you start laying $300MM worth of golden eggs, a stadium in Storrs is not happening. What is happening is that the East Hartford stadium is getting $48MM in upgrades over the next two budget cycles.

 

[Hamms30]

Just wanted to point out that there already is parking for the at least 20,000 plus that already live, work, or go to school on campus. Those people would just walk to the stadium. Both you and the other on campus stadium complainers are so self-centered it’s laughable. The world does not revolve around 3, 4 or 5000 season ticket holders. If you don’t like it stay home and watch it on tv.

for what it's worth, last figure I saw was 14k season ticket holders.

 

[CL82]

The point is, that unless you start laying $300MM worth of golden eggs, a stadium in Storrs is not happening. What is happening is that the East Hartford stadium is getting $48MM in upgrades over the next two budget cycles.

And they should keep it going through the end of it useful life in roughly 10 years. At that point in time the university and the state will be faced with a decision, whether to rebuild in East Hartford or whether to join with the vast majority of D1 major colleges and building an on-campus stadium.

There's pros and cons to either decision. On the plus side for building on campus, UConn would free itself of CDRA, an organization which has never run any venture profitably in its existence; have the opportunity to make millions more dollars annually from its football program by avoiding lease cost and being able to earn parking and concession revenues; and by having a football program that's readily accessible to the donor base, the students.

On the plus side for rebuilding in East Hartford, it's more convenient for people who live west of Hartford.

The University and the state will have to weigh those benefits and cost and make a decision. In the meantime, we get to see games at the ramp which is a terrific place to see a game Even with some emerging shortcomings as it ages. Hopefully, more people will get out to the stadium this year as the Team seems to have had a decent upgrade in talent and should be more competitive.

 

[Alum86]

The football program seems haunted enough… do you really think it’s a good idea to build a stadium over a cemetery?

View attachment 101625

Maybe move it a tad left inside the Jungle Quad.

 

[RSTuthill]

Not yet, but I'd rather it be August ( 31st to be exact)

Small steps.

 

[AllHusky]

And they should keep it going through the end of it useful life in roughly 10 years. At that point in time the university and the state will be faced with a decision, whether to rebuild in East Hartford or whether to join with the vast majority of D1 major colleges and building an on-campus stadium.

There's pros and cons to either decision. On the plus side for building on campus, UConn would free itself of CDRA, an organization which has never run any venture profitably in its existence; have the opportunity to make millions more dollars annually from its football program by avoiding lease cost and being able to earn parking and concession revenues; and by having a football program that's readily accessible to the donor base, the students.

On the plus side for rebuilding in East Hartford, it's more convenient for people who live west of Hartford.

The University and the state will have to weigh those benefits and cost and make a decision. In the meantime, we get to see games at the ramp which is a terrific place to see a game Even with some emerging shortcomings as it ages. Hopefully, more people will get out to the stadium this year as the Team seems to have had a decent upgrade in talent and should be more competitive.

There should be plenty of data to point the way for that decision.