Proposed $24 million in repairs, upgrades at Rentschler Field comes as UConn football reaches agreement to extend playing at East Hartford stadium

[zls44]

10) HI - yes, state supported, but again seems the Rainbow Warriors have some natural limits

Hawaii is spending almost a half a billion to re-build Aloha Stadium!

 

[Gburyhusky]

Here is the secret to being a fan of big time college sports: Never apply logic, rationality or common sense to this enterprise because none of it makes any sense. In just about every state in the country the highest paid state employee is a football or basketball coach. Make any sense? Of course not. It is what it is and UConn did not invent it. Of course I am a taxpayer and so I dont want to state to waste money. However I am also a fan of the sport and supporter of the program so I have long ago dispensed with any pretense of objectiveness. Maintain and upgrade the stadium.

 

[zls44]

Transferring the ownership of The Rent from OPM to UConn is fine with me - if UConn pays the remaining G.O. Bonds. Then the University can run it as an special fund enterprise or something. I have no issues with UConn trying to make it work out financially on their own books.

This would be my ideal outcome for the situation. And what Patrick Sellers is doing with CCSB MBB in that gym is incredible.

 

[CTBasketball]

Really, the Rose Bowl that was built in 1922? The stadium wasn't the home of UCLA until 1982? Horrible example.

Name another stadium built in the last 40 years built off campus for the exclusive use of a FBS teams and paid 100% by the State.

The UConn situation is unique and complex. The school needed a FBS stadium, but didn't have the land, or capital to viable build one on their own. The State borrowed money (bonded $70M) to build a facility and yes, that has to be paid back through user fees. As the primary (and basically only) tenant, UConn bears that burden. If CDRA could get more events or another tenant (MLS team, etc), the costs to UConn would be reduced.

The State built the Civic Center in the 1970s and the Whalers paid rent and had limited revenues from ancillary uses. The State had to pay off its investment.

The football stadium was not a gift from CT taxpayers to UConn - it was a loan. A loan that has to be paid off. The fact that UConn is not a P5 caliber program and generates limited revenues is not my problem.

Transferring the ownership of The Rent from OPM to UConn is fine with me - if UConn pays the remaining G.O. Bonds. Then the University can run it as an special fund enterprise or something. I have no issues with UConn trying to make it work out financially on their own books.

The problem we have here is everyone things these capital facilities are free gifts from taxpayers and yet UConn athletic finances are probably not enough to cover full operations and capital repairs/maintained.

Yes, CCSU is absolutely envious of this open checkbook you expect from the State. Central plays in a gym built in 1965 and UConn fans complain about the conditions of Gampel built in 1990 as another 'gift' from the State.

Brutally hard to pill to swallow but you are correct.

 

[CCSU97]

Generally I am a fiscal conservative and in most circumstances I take the view that economic development lead by the state is a dubious venture with poor results and no accountability. And so your question is not wrong here with respect to the state flagship and its athletics. However, I have a counter question, why is it that a good 39-42 other states have no trouble supporting such ventures?

Really, the other state's not playing in the top tier of athletics and academics;
1) Maine
2) NH
3) VT
4) RI
5) DE
6) ND
7) SD
8) MT
bubble states:
9) NM - not sure we can really consider the NM schools as competing top tier
10) HI - yes, state supported, but again seems the Rainbow Warriors have some natural limits
11) NY - support is sort of diluted across too many SUNY schools.

In a world that keeps growing while CT stays the same size, our state flagship university is one of the very few things that gives this state a brand in North America. This is our state marketing tool. And part of that entire package is having a school that operates in the same manner the majority of state flagships. This is, in part, about competing for students too and top academic talent as well. And increasing out of state enrollment which is also important for our economy and national reputation.

First, simply because Connecticut is closer to those states that do NOT support FBS flagships. The State (and region) has more established private schools with deep alumni and endowments. Yale was Connecticut's premier college athletic program through the 1970s. UConn is NEVER going to be like an ACC or BigTen school - it doesn't have the history or culture, period. Prior to Calhoun's arrival, this was a regional 'mid-major" program. Sure, currently UConn athletics is very successful, but it doesn't have the deep pockets of traditional P5 schools.

Second, the State of Connecticut is dying. With a population of just 3.5 million in the 3rd smallest state in area - we will never compare to some of these other States. Why can Utah (with a similar population) support multiple D-I programs - Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Southern Utah and still compete with BYU in its borders? Connecticut can barely afford UConn and CCSU isn't even an afterthought.

A few others have posted great points on the history/culture/CT politics that apply to our unique situation. Those are the posters that make the most sense and can see both sides of the issue. Anyone who thinks the State should just keep spending on UConn without restraint/controls is absurd.

I'm not so much anti-UConn, but some of these posts do not match the fiscal political reality of our state. Finally, I feel if UConn did more to support and partner with CCSU (both academically and athletically), instead of doing everything behind the scenes at the State level to hold us back from resources, some of us might be more supportive of these types of major State investments.

 

[Bongo Fury]

Don't disagree at all with what you say. However, as a business owner, you need to look at your long term profits and ways of getting there. Being a UConn alumni has nothing to do with it. Putting in money now increases your chances of making a profit in the future, hopefully the near future (conference realignment). Running a business is a risk and putting in money into the Rent and being concerned about the athletic budget is understandable right now. However, understanding why it is that why and the best way to get out of it, is being a better business IMO.

If you do not invest you may fall further behind. UMass is an example of less investment. Overall UConns athletic program is more successful and the school is perceived to be slightly better.

 

[CL82]

Find another state school that pays rent in a facility that was built exclusively for that team. UCLA, but even that's a dubious claim (the Rose Bowl was NOT built to house UCLA football).

We get it. CCSU is envious of the funding. Duly noted. Don't pretend you have any other motivation.

Yep. Note how he lists the expenses expressly, but makes no mention of the payments the university has made to the state for the use of the facility. That would seem to be an indicator that the numbers are not what’s motivating him.

 

[Drew]

The state providing the funding for Rentschler Field with UConn not owning/operating it is really the source of where all problems lie here. It’s a circle really (Same issue exists with XL Center too to an extent):

Step 1: UConn avoids having to fundraise and navigate politicking for a local facility on campus by using a facility in Hartford that is built/funded/operated by the state

Step 2: The school then has to accept a good amount of “non-favorable” terms to lease the building and play games there

Step 3: The state can’t find other tenants to fill the facility because no other tenants exist that would make sense, which then increases the state’s reliance on UConn to play games there and not “waste” the money that was spent

Step 4: Building gets old and requires $$ to repair, but tax payers don’t want to pay for it and UConn won’t either because they don’t own the building. Can gets kicked down the road annually and every year there is a “new” plan to renovate/update the facility that ultimately doesn’t pan out

In my personal opinion- the state would be better served saving the $63M earmarked for updates to XL and Rentschler and put it towards infrastructural improvements around Storrs. As a result, UConn would then have a longer term plan to move their home games to campus play 3-4 “home” games in men’s/women’s hoops throughout the state on an annual basis (1 in Bridgeport, multiple in Hartford, 1 at Mohegan or something similar). UConn would then be on the hook for raising funds to upgrade/buildout these “new” facilities and the state would be responsible for right-sizing Rentschler/XL Center and modernizing it to become a profitable entity for the state. UConn could promise some amount of revenue annually from on-campus games which slowly reduces over the course of time to help fund the renovations in Hartford. It’s not a sustainable relationship the way it’s setup now- someone needs to address it and find a viable solution for both parties.

 

[whalerfan]

The time to invest in this is now. All you have to do is look at Louisville. They invested in their program and got the lifeline out of AAC hell.
Wether anyone in this state likes it or not, that is our stadium and it needs to be kept up. There aren't other events happening because of the NIMBY crowd around the facility. Remember there used to be concerts? If you think an on-campus stadium will happen don't hold your breath. Rentschler is fine. Yes it "costs" the university too much to play there as does the XL Center. Those costs need to be re-examined. That being said, things are looking up and realignment is in motion yet again. Fix the damn thing and get out there and enjoy the product. Unlike the Whalers, they aren't moving to another state.

 

[gioff2323]

The problem is that you see The Rent as being built EXCLUSIVELY for UConn. It was not. It never was and never will be. Yes it was an accommodation to fast track UConns move to 1A, but had it been intended to be a gun to our head permanently that likely should have been disclosed.

There is no state that holds its school hostage like CT. We can argue over the accounting of the deficit, but never once has a politician had the guts to stand up and defend the school when our beloved state funded business in Bristol makes it a top headline, annually.

How much has the state recouped in the 20 years since it was built? Are the GO bonds 50 year bonds? It was 70 million. Most states would write a check. Not here.

I’m sorry CCSU is treated like the red headed step child it is. Maybe you should play at the rent or HCC.

And since you seem to need another example. See USCe. I could point to Miami but you’d say that was built for the fins while ignoring the rent has been and could be used for soccer, spring football, concerts and even hockey.

Such a frigging backward state. An investment in CCSU would likely return a max of 2%, likely negative. An investment in UConn has added countless to the state coffers. But no one does the math right, and every transaction is a 1-off.

Your rant is symbolic of a state that continues to fight over each Penny with no plan for growth. The only thing you’re all willing to spend countless billions on are state pensions.

 

[CL82]

Brutally hard to pill to swallow but you are correct.

Lol, is he though? Because if he is, whenever the state makes a capital investment in a state owned entity it’s a gift. That’s not exactly GAAP.

 

[CL82]

First, simply because Connecticut is closer to those states that do NOT support FBS flagships. The State (and region) has more established private schools with deep alumni and endowments. Yale was Connecticut's premier college athletic program through the 1970s. UConn is NEVER going to be like an ACC or BigTen school - it doesn't have the history or culture, period. Prior to Calhoun's arrival, this was a regional 'mid-major" program. Sure, currently UConn athletics is very successful, but it doesn't have the deep pockets of traditional P5 schools.

Second, the State of Connecticut is dying. With a population of just 3.5 million in the 3rd smallest state in area - we will never compare to some of these other States. Why can Utah (with a similar population) support multiple D-I programs - Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Southern Utah and still compete with BYU in its borders? Connecticut can barely afford UConn and CCSU isn't even an afterthought.

A few others have posted great points on the history/culture/CT politics that apply to our unique situation. Those are the posters that make the most sense and can see both sides of the issue. Anyone who thinks the State should just keep spending on UConn without restraint/controls is absurd.

I'm not so much anti-UConn, but some of these posts do not match the fiscal political reality of our state. Finally, I feel if UConn did more to support and partner with CCSU (both academically and athletically), instead of doing everything behind the scenes at the State level to hold us back from resources, some of us might be more supportive of these types of major State investments.

So the problem with UConn is that it doesn’t do enough to support CCSU. I see.

 

[DoctorWho85]

First, simply because Connecticut is closer to those states that do NOT support FBS flagships. The State (and region) has more established private schools with deep alumni and endowments. Yale was Connecticut's premier college athletic program through the 1970s. UConn is NEVER going to be like an ACC or BigTen school - it doesn't have the history or culture, period. Prior to Calhoun's arrival, this was a regional 'mid-major" program. Sure, currently UConn athletics is very successful, but it doesn't have the deep pockets of traditional P5 schools.

Second, the State of Connecticut is dying. With a population of just 3.5 million in the 3rd smallest state in area - we will never compare to some of these other States. Why can Utah (with a similar population) support multiple D-I programs - Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Southern Utah and still compete with BYU in its borders? Connecticut can barely afford UConn and CCSU isn't even an afterthought.

A few others have posted great points on the history/culture/CT politics that apply to our unique situation. Those are the posters that make the most sense and can see both sides of the issue. Anyone who thinks the State should just keep spending on UConn without restraint/controls is absurd.

I'm not so much anti-UConn, but some of these posts do not match the fiscal political reality of our state. Finally, I feel if UConn did more to support and partner with CCSU (both academically and athletically), instead of doing everything behind the scenes at the State level to hold us back from resources, some of us might be more supportive of these types of major State investments.

Simple answer the the Utah question. Mormons have deep pockets. Look at BYU.

 

[DoctorWho85]

This dude just sounds salty CCSU is the little brother to UConn in every measurable metric both academically and athletically

 

[Waquoit]

The problem is that you see The Rent as being built EXCLUSIVELY for UConn. It was not. It never was and never will be.

When you read that, you know the commenter is not dealing in good faith. If that was the actual statement at the time the legislature voted on it, it never would have passed. UConn needs to raise more money on their own for the FB program to show support instead of always crying for more from the state. UConn fans here underestimate the disdain non-UConn fans in the state feel towards UConn. They is a big chunk of people out there that think UConn FB is a waste of money and they vote, too.

 

[CCSU97]

The problem is that you see The Rent as being built EXCLUSIVELY for UConn. It was not. It never was and never will be. Yes it was an accommodation to fast track UConns move to 1A, but had it been intended to be a gun to our head permanently that likely should have been disclosed.

There is no state that holds its school hostage like CT. We can argue over the accounting of the deficit, but never once has a politician had the guts to stand up and defend the school when our beloved state funded business in Bristol makes it a top headline, annually.

How much has the state recouped in the 20 years since it was built? Are the GO bonds 50 year bonds? It was 70 million. Most states would write a check. Not here.

I’m sorry CCSU is treated like the red headed step child it is. Maybe you should play at the rent or HCC.

And since you seem to need another example. See USCe. I could point to Miami but you’d say that was built for the fins while ignoring the rent has been and could be used for soccer, spring football, concerts and even hockey.

Such a frigging backward state. An investment in CCSU would likely return a max of 2%, likely negative. An investment in UConn has added countless to the state coffers. But no one does the math right, and every transaction is a 1-off.

Your rant is symbolic of a state that continues to fight over each Penny with no plan for growth. The only thing you’re all willing to spend countless billions on are state pensions.

Where do you get this revisionist history?

Once the Patriots killed the Downtown Hartford stadium proposal, the Rent was approved and funded by the General Assembly (with full UConn legislative support) and was for all intent and purposes EXCLUSIVELY for UConn football. They had no other major tenant committed, and any other event (concerts, soccer) would have simply helped to pay off costs that were already committed.

The land was donated by Pratt and Whitney and the construction/infrastructure costs were paid by 100% the State. At the time (and currently), UConn had no viable options to build a FBS stadium on their own in Storrs. It was E. Hartford or nothing - that is the reality UConn faced at the time (and still does).

The fact you think $$$ grows on trees - how would the State pay off 30 year G.O. bonds if UConn events weren't the source of payment? You are the example of someone that has no idea how state government or private financing works. I hope you are not a UConn grad.

I 100% agree that State pensions are a huge liability and have had a negative effect on State economic growth. But you don't acknowledge that UConn and the UConn Medical Center are the largest contributor to the State pension problem. Again, you can't have it both ways.

The entire UConn enterprise isn't the economic engine and net benefit to the State that you think it is when pensions and athletics are drowning in red ink.

 

[CTBasketball]

Lol, is he though? Because if he is, whenever the state makes a capital investment in a state owned entity it’s a gift. That’s not exactly GAAP.

He is, in a way. I believe he was being facetious about the gift aspect however. But UConn does not own Rentschler Field, nor do they own the XL Center. The options are:

1. Use the state-owned facilities
2. Don’t use the state-owned facilities

If the answer is 1), then expect to pay rent. You don’t own something and you want to use it, there’s a fee associated with that. If the facilities are falling apart, then either the landlord makes the case to improve it or you go somewhere else.

If the answer is 2), then okay great go play somewhere else. In the case of basketball, UConn can play at Gampel Pavilion. That’s a hand they can leverage in the lease discussions (keeping alienating the fan base and Hartford out of this). In the case for football, there is no where else to play. UConn can build an on-campus arena so they can run it how they desire, but we all know the costs associated with that and how Mansfield hates that idea.

If the lease deal sucks, go renegotiate. And don’t bring some idiot to the table and expect a different result every time, which is my gripe with the contracts at XL & Rentschler.

 

[mikedog10]

The ability of people to make similar points while completely disagreeing with each other is astounding. Interesting convo, some good off-season material for sure.

For $24M, I was at least hoping to see some more fan-experience improvements… getting excited about rubber caulk, what is this a bachelorette party?

 

[JustbrewitMan]

If CDRA could get more events or another tenant (MLS team, etc), the costs to UConn would be reduced.

This is one of the main issues. The CDRA needs to have its collective feet held to the fire. Quite possibly the most incompetent quasi-state department/group of the lot. No discernable desire to do anything that could result in a big ROI.

Their main purpose seems to be a department to transfer state money in and out of. Skimming off a % along the way as salaries for their largely-incompetent department members.

 

[Drew]

I really want to know what happened to the idea of the Coors Light End Zone Club. It was a great idea and an incentive to buy season tickets. You’re telling me they couldn’t find another solution to move forward with this after the situation with the Jazz statue came up? Ridiculous how few “premium” seating options exist across UConn sports

 

[LBird33]

I’m taking my caulking and headed to the rent. Who is with me !!!!!!

 

[CL82]

The land was donated by Pratt and Whitney and the construction/infrastructure costs were paid by 100% the State. At the time (and currently), UConn had no viable options to build a FBS stadium on their own in Storrs. It was E. Hartford or nothing - that is the reality UConn faced at the time (and still does).

There are four “viable” sites on campus for an on campus stadium in Storrs. All are on University owned property. The issue was that the state justified building the stadium 30 minutes off-campus in East Hartford as a deliberate decision to revitalize the east Hartford economy. It’s revisionist to suggest that East Hartford was the only place, or even the best place, for a football stadium for UConn. The same $70 million spent in East Hartford would have paid for a stadium that was built on campus.

Now, the state owns a bit of a white elephant, but they own it by choice. The notion that the upkeep on the stadium shouldn’t be borne by the state, the the owner of the stadium, or is somehow. “a gift to UConn” is silly.

 

[CL82]

I really want to know what happened to the idea of the Coors Light End Zone Club. It was a great idea and an incentive to buy season tickets. You’re telling me they couldn’t find another solution to move forward with this after the situation with the Jazz statue came up? Ridiculous how few “premium” seating options exist across UConn sports

It seems like the A.D.’s office caved as soon as there was an articulated objection by some of the people who led the fundraising effort for the monument. If I recall correctly, their primary objection was just that neither they nor Jazz’s family were contacted prior to the renovation being announced. From conversations I’ve had with them, the issue can potentially be resolved, they just want to be in the loop.

From my personal perspective, I always felt like the Jazz monument was misplaced in the stands. I get the idea behind it. It was to make it accessible to the fans. In my opinion, it makes far more sense to put it on the field by the tunnel so that running out and touching it can be a part of the team’s game day ritual. It seems a more fitting tribute to me.

 

[Drew]

It seems like the A.D.’s office caved as soon as there was an articulated objection by some of the people who led the fundraising effort for the monument. If I recall correctly, their primary objection was just that neither they nor Jazz his family were contacted prior to the renovation being announced. From conversations I’ve had with them, the issue can potentially be resolved, they just want to be in the loop.

From my personal perspective, I always felt like the Jazz monument was misplaced in the stands. I get the idea behind it. It was to make it accessible to the fans. In my opinion, it makes far more sense to put it on the field by the tunnel so that running out and touching it can be a part of the team’s game day ritual. It seems a more fitting tribute to me.

Yes to all accounts here

 

[CL82]

This is one of the main issues. The CDRA needs to have its collective feet held to the fire. Quite possibly the most incompetent quasi-state department/group of the lot. No discernable desire to do anything that could result in a big ROI.

Their main purpose seems to be a department to transfer state money in and out of. Skimming off a % along the way as salaries for their largely-incompetent department members.

This x100.