Rentschler Field facing its largest loss since opening as UConn football attendance plummets

[CL82]

They tried numerous times. The state legislators would not approve the funding for an on campus stadium.

Just one serious proposal, IIRC, which they dramatically overbid. Then came the Kraft non-sense, then Pratt offer to donate the land. It was a perfect storm of stupidity.

 

[uconnbill]

Drop d1 football. Play on campus on the soccer field.

Go pound sand

 

[Waquoit]

This is a ridiculous angle. UConn is a customer of Rentschler Field. UConn is not in control of Rentschler Field's finances.

What makes it not ridiculous for me is that The Rent was built for UConn. Full stop. UConn isn't holding up their end of the deal.

 

[Yup!]

Congratulations on your release.

Oh

 

[pepband99]

What makes it not ridiculous for me is that The Rent was built for UConn. Full stop. UConn isn't holding up their end of the deal.

The ridiculousness of it is the deal, specifically the other party.

 

[ZooCougar]

Get more events in there. Make some money. Seems like it is really underused.

 

[Husky25]

Get more events in there. Make some money. Seems like it is really underused.

Major caveat: Unless the event is a guaranteed lock to make money, UConn must give their consent or else they will not pick up the first $250,000 of losses. It really affects the CDRA from low balling other venues around the state on use and making up the difference on concessions, merch, and parking.

It's like the CDRA is a welfare abuse stereotype. "I can't get a job. I'll lose my check from the government."

The irony is thick here.

 

[ZooCougar]

Major caveat: Unless the event is a guaranteed lock to make money, UConn must give their consent or else they will not pick up the first $250,000 of losses. It really affects the CDRA from low balling other venues around the state on use and making up the difference on concessions, merch, and parking.

It's like the CDRA is a welfare abuse stereotype. "I can't get a job. I'll lose my check from the government."

The irony is thick here.

Sounds like a strange arrangement.

 

[Husky25]

Sounds like a strange arrangement.

But well documented.

Medic in post #2 above and this from last year:

...
The reason is the lease with UConn. Aside from paying a $172,000 per game fee and the $250,000 subsidy to offset losses, the lease stipulates that the stadium cannot book events that don’t break even.
...

Tough to have this stipulation at the event level.

 

[CL82]

But well documented.

Medic in post #2 above and this from last year:

...
The reason is the lease with UConn. Aside from paying a $172,000 per game fee and the $250,000 subsidy to offset losses, the lease stipulates that the stadium cannot book events that don’t break even.
...

Tough to have this stipulation at the event level.

If the CDRA really felt like there were viable opportunities out there they could waive the $250,000 loss guarantee and book whatever they want. As I noted above they have never run anything at a profit. The state needs to get out of the venue management business. It isn't good at it.

 

[Husky25]

If the CDRA really felt like there were viable opportunities out there they could waive the $250,000 loss guarantee and book whatever they want. As I noted above they have never run anything at a profit. The state needs to get out of the venue management business. It isn't good at it.

I thought Global Spectrum manages the venue, but the CDRA certainly ties their hands.

 

[huskymedic]

I thought Global Spectrum manages the venue, but the CDRA certainly ties their hands.

Yup... they are now called Spectra Venue Management (Comcast).

 

[CL82]

I thought Global Spectrum manages the venue, but the CDRA certainly ties their hands.

Last summer Lamont was talking about a review of the quasi-public agencies in Connecticut. Did it ever go anywhere?

Lamont Wants An ‘Intrusive’ Look Into State’s Quasi-Public Agencies | CT News Junkie

Gov. Ned Lamont (Christine Stuart / ctnewsjunkie) HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced investigations this week of incidents at both the Connecticut

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