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

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[CL82]

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.

The issue is, as many people point out here, there is an element of extortion in the scheduling of games at the XL center. At least in terms of mythology UConn must play half of its games in Hartford. Assuming that’s correct, then you can’t say that the University is free to schedule in Hartford or not.

To me, the issue is that the CDRA has taken advantage of the university of Connecticut as a captive tenant to mask its own ineptitude. It needs to be disbanded, at least as a sports management entity. They have yet to turn a profit on anything they’ve done. They lose millions of dollars annually, even after charging the university exorbitant lease rates. Illuminate their salary and expenses and playing in Hartford and East Hartford becomes more affordable.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

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.

Second, the State of Connecticut is dying.
nope. not even close, and now that world has turned to war (sadly) again, well, subs, jet engines, copters, tank stuff, and the software to run them, all add up to 100k+ careers, as far as the eye can see.
im waiting for the geniuses to pop a story where se Ct is one of the best economies on the planet, with high paying job opportunities and reasonably priced homes. it's got beaches, too. people like beaches.
3.5 millions like forever in people size? it's not like we're called 'the land of steady habits,' or is it?

 

[CCSU97]

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.

I generally don't disagree with this point. CDRA itself is an example of a State poor investment. Kinda like the CT Port Authority.

That being said, Connecticut is just not a good market for major events or tenants for these type of sports facilities. Despite their CDRA incompetence, Hartford/CT is just not a market to lure a MLS team, forget about a NHL team again. Minor league franchises won't pay the bills either - regardless if it is hockey/basketball for the Civic Center or soccer/lax for the stadium.

Let's face it, Providence is a better market, or some Boston suburb like Worcester. Despite the size of the Hartford and New Haven DMA, this is not even a mid-major market like Hampton Roads or Austin. There is a real negative economic, political, and cultural reality the State of Connecticut faces that some UConn fans want to ignore.

 

[CCSU97]

Second, the State of Connecticut is dying.
nope. not even close, and now that world has turned to war (sadly) again, well, subs, jet engines, copters, tank stuff, and the software to run them, all add up to 100k+ careers, as far as the eye can see.
im waiting for the geniuses to pop a story where se Ct is one of the best economies on the planet, with high paying job opportunities and reasonably priced homes. it's got beaches, too. people like beaches.
3.5 millions like forever in people size? it's not like we're called 'the land of steady habits,' or is it?

"dying" may not be the correct term - but this State isn't completely healthy. High taxes and cost of living, unfunded pensions, poor urban schools.

More corporations and millionaires have left for the sunbelt states. I love Connecticut, and there are great reasons why so many stay and move here, but we don't have vibrant major urban centers and the wealth we have (fiscal and intellectual) lies spread out among 169 small municipalities. How are we any more competitive than Delaware (small state, corporate friendly, beaches and no income tax)?

Why should we expect UConn to look and be funded like the University of North Carolina, instead of the University of Delaware?

 

[ClifSpliffy]

"dying" may not be the correct term - but this State isn't completely healthy. High taxes and cost of living, unfunded pensions, poor urban schools.

More corporations and millionaires have left for the sunbelt states. I love Connecticut, and there are great reasons why so many stay and move here, but we don't have vibrant major urban centers and the wealth we have (fiscal and intellectual) lies spread out among 169 small municipalities. How are we any more competitive than Delaware (small state, corporate friendly, beaches and no income tax)?

Why should we expect UConn to look and be funded like the University of North Carolina, instead of the University of Delaware?

Delaware?
gdp.
Delaware 88 b.
Connecticut 323 b.
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/stgdppi3q22.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
tho they got subs, too. jersey mikes, methinks.
ive never skied there either. has anyone, ever?

 

[gtcam]

UConn is a microcosm of the state economically. Let the people run things based on popularity, plurality and plain stupidity

 

[gioff2323]

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.

That is false, Donald. Do some research.

 

[gioff2323]

"dying" may not be the correct term - but this State isn't completely healthy. High taxes and cost of living, unfunded pensions, poor urban schools.

More corporations and millionaires have left for the sunbelt states. I love Connecticut, and there are great reasons why so many stay and move here, but we don't have vibrant major urban centers and the wealth we have (fiscal and intellectual) lies spread out among 169 small municipalities. How are we any more competitive than Delaware (small state, corporate friendly, beaches and no income tax)?

Why should we expect UConn to look and be funded like the University of North Carolina, instead of the University of Delaware?

Do some more research. Delaware is generous to its state U - to the point of getting embroiled in lawsuits suggesting del state gets short-changed at every turn.

You can just spout stuff to support your pointless point, that is the downside of sites like this.

You running for office?

 

[CCSU97]

That is false, Donald. Do some research.

Sure, Daffy, but you need to get a clue!

UConn stadium a done deal

n The new stadium guarantees UConn's move to Division I football.

www.registercitizen.com

UConn Football Stadium. PA 99-241 repealed the bond authorization for the stadium and the related laws, following Patriots owner Robert K. Kraft’s decision to pull out of the stadium deal. The act also changed the scope of the original convention center and sports megaplex project. While prior law allowed the convention center project to include a sports megaplex, either as part of the same or as a separate facility in the economic development district, PA 99-241 allowed for the development of a sportsplex as a separate project and authorized the OPM secretary to make agreements with UConn with respect to playing its home football games there. The act gave the OPM secretary broad powers to plan, develop, construct, and operate the sportsplex.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/rpt/2008-R-0592.htm

 

[CCSU97]

Do some more research. Delaware is generous to its state U - to the point of getting embroiled in lawsuits suggesting del state gets short-changed at every turn.

You can just spout stuff to support your pointless point, that is the downside of sites like this.

You running for office?

Clueless? Are you looking in the mirror.

Top UD officials taking pay cut as university grapples with $50 million budget shortfall

As the University of Delaware grapples with millions of dollars in losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, top administrators are taking a pay cut, UD announced Monday.

www.newarkpostonline.com

 

[Exit 4]

UConn Storrs changed lanes back in BE 1.0 era and has been slowly weaving its way up the leaderboard since. We cannot downshift at this point. We have to keep going and that means stepping up with $$ from time to time. We have to see how the landscape changes in the miles ahead as the final leg of this adventure race plays out over the next 5 years or so. Most everything is possible at this moment; the P5 could transform to a P2, P3 or P4 or something like a P2a/P2b pool. Call it what you want, we have a lot invested in this process and we cannot give up now in the last handful of miles. And there wont be an opportunity to re-enter the race should hesitate for even a moment.

The new P-whatever club is likely to dominate for a long while once established given its natural position as a conglomeration from coast to coast of flagship state universities and leading private universities. The domination will feed itself by virtue of the TV time which provides continuous brand building. I think this particularly true if we end up with about 65 to 85 schools in the breakaway, but perhaps less likely (because its too narrow) if we end up with just 30 to 40 schools. In any event, a state like CT should want to be in that club. Its a club that will have numerous networking benefits that will be essential in the decades ahead. Its a dark economic picture for New England if we don't get at least two schools in that club once its formed (sorry folks, but BC is in for now).

Where would UConn's acceptance rate and academic standing be today without all the effort made with athletics? Most certainly it would be much lower because academic rankings are largely influenced by acceptance rates and UConn has been climbing in part because of the high volume of applicants. Athletics leads to exposure which leads to applications which leads to a better student body which leads to more success and the cycle continues. Hard to put a $ value on that.

 

[UCFBfan]

The problem is also that UConn currently has nowhere else to play football and the state knows it. They can charge what they want and do as they please and realistically, UConn can't really do anything.

On the other hand, basketball can do something. If the state wants to mess around with the football team pull out of playing at the XL. If the CCSU guy wants to complain about UConn getting all the money, he can have CCSU play at the XL. I agree 100% that putting money into that place is like throwing it down the drain. Playing all games at Gampel is a win-win for the University but hurts Hartford. I'm a huge Hartford guy and would hate to see the collateral damage that pulling UConn basketball out of the XL would cause. However, if it needs to be done, then do it.