UConn's FBS Football Program - what is our mission?

[CONN78SEJ]

Here we go, digging up another argument that died years ago.

Would I prefer that we had an on campus football stadium that could hold about 45k and be expanded when that becomes necessary? Yes, without question.

Is there any chance outside of private donations that the school would be able to sink $600+ million to put a football stadium on campus? I personally don't see it as a possibility.

Is there a chance some benevolent billionaire(s) will donate the money? I don't see that happening.

If by some miracle we were to find the funding, what are the chances the state would let the school render Rentschler Field obsolete? None.

What the school needs to do is demonstrate that we can consistently perform at or above the level we reached last season. Once we do that we can work on the next goal.

Worrying about the location of the stadium is a waste of time and effort. Worrying about whether the remediation of the soil under the stadium (who's field and lower level were built below ground level) will become an issue if and when hazardous chemicals begin emitting from the ground. I also can't see how that would be the school's problem unless the field becomes the school's property, so this may on fact become our out that leads to an on campus stadium.

UAB built their new stadium for just under $200 million.

 

[Patman]

UCF is an unheard of school?

They were in the early 2000s

 

[FfldCntyFan]

UAB built their new stadium for just under $200 million.

I have a coworker who's father retired to Alabama a couple years ago (he was stationed there when in the Army and decided from a young age that he would retire there).

He sold his house (I believe in New Fairfield) for $700k (it would have been worth about $1.1mm where I am) bought land and built a bigger house down in Alabama for ~$260k.

Things are a bit less expensive there.

I'd also like to see how it was built (concrete vs steel). If it's similar to the tuna can that UCF built I'm not sure how solid if a structure it would be.

 

[huskymedic]

Things are a bit less expensive there.

I'd also like to see how it was built (concrete vs steel). If it's similar to the tuna can that UCF built I'm not sure how solid if a structure it would be.

Protective Stadium: UAB Blazers

The City of Birmingham and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have had discussions for 35 years on how to replace Legion Field (UAB Home Field…

galvanizeit.org

 

[Jetskies]

Protective Stadium: UAB Blazers

The City of Birmingham and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have had discussions for 35 years on how to replace Legion Field (UAB Home Field…

galvanizeit.org

thx for sharing! intersting.

while UAB's stadium is no embarassment at all and certainly a home worthy of a program like UAB, something about it feels soulless, like the architects/engineers went with a default design in the CAD program and just built it for a generic use for the city of birmingham, which it probably is meant for anyway. Hopefully our future stadium doesn't look so generic.

 

[Kolumbo]

thx for sharing! intersting.

while UAB's stadium is no embarassment at all and certainly a home worthy of a program like UAB, something about it feels soulless, like the architects/engineers went with a default design in the CAD program and just built it for a generic use for the city of birmingham, which it probably is meant for anyway. Hopefully our future stadium doesn't look so generic.

the term "glass house" comes to mind. Not to pile on, but The Rent isn't exactly an architectural marvel. I agree though, hopefully our future stadium has some unique features.

It's kind of amazing that UAB virtually folded, then got a football stadium while the city already has Legion Field. I guess Legion can't be torn down but it can't be modernized either.

 

[UCFBfan]

The bottom line on all this is the ACC, Big 12 or Big Ten would view a move by UConn in light of past environmental concerns to at least explore moving the football program on campus in a very favorable light.

I'm sorry but this is a load of crap. UConn continues to invest in on campus training facilities, a huge factor in recruiting and showing commitment. They are updating locker rooms at the Rent and it's up to the state to devote more money to update the rest of the facility. UConn can't do anything about that. However, to say that conferences are turning their noses down at us because our stadium is off campus is rather ludicrous. There are plenty of legit reasons (winning, attendance, winning) that are what stops any serious conversation.

 

[SU1968]

A new stadium will cost you north of $200 million. Syracuse spent $120 million just to upgrade the Dome. The money came from 100% private donations BEFORE construction started. You are a larger school and need to go after your donors/alumni.

 

[Kolumbo]

UCF is getting a lazy river so they have that going for them, which is nice. Let's face it. Nothing in East Hartford will ever be top of the line because it's just not worth the investment there. I've accepted that CT will always do things half-way. At least we can tell recruits "we'll take a nice drive down 44 so you can see our new locker rooms."

"As part of Mission XII, the Knights’ strategic athletics fundraising campaign to ensure a successful transition into the Big 12 Conference, this commitment will help fund construction of a new football administration and coaches building as part of the Hagle Football Gateway project."

"UCF is creating a one-of-a-kind football campus to help the football team succeed at the highest levels of competition and enhance the fan experience. These initiatives are part of the larger Mission XII program to expand and enhance game and practice facilities for all of the Knights’ teams throughout the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village."

UCF Alumnus Taylor A. Gerring Pledges $5.5 Million for New Football Building

ucfknights.com

 

[Duncan Idaho]

UCF is getting a lazy river so they have that going for them, which is nice. Let's face it. Nothing in East Hartford will ever be top of the line because it's just not worth the investment there. I've accepted that CT will always do things half-way. At least we can tell recruits "we'll take a nice drive down 44 so you can see our new locker rooms."

"As part of Mission XII, the Knights’ strategic athletics fundraising campaign to ensure a successful transition into the Big 12 Conference, this commitment will help fund construction of a new football administration and coaches building as part of the Hagle Football Gateway project."

"UCF is creating a one-of-a-kind football campus to help the football team succeed at the highest levels of competition and enhance the fan experience. These initiatives are part of the larger Mission XII program to expand and enhance game and practice facilities for all of the Knights’ teams throughout the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village."

UCF Alumnus Taylor A. Gerring Pledges $5.5 Million for New Football Building

ucfknights.com

Guessing that averaging 10 wins a year while playing in the top G5 conference during the Edsall 2.0 years has consequences just like averaging 2 wins a year during the same time has consequences. Or perhaps it was the struggle to beat the FCS schools on the schedule for a decade? An on-campus stadium would be nice, but one season of decent ball is not going to make it happen.

 

[Kolumbo]

Guessing that averaging 10 wins a year while playing in the top G5 conference during the Edsall 2.0 years has consequences just like averaging 2 wins a year during the same time has consequences. Or perhaps it was the struggle to beat the FCS schools on the schedule for a decade? An on-campus stadium would be nice, but one season of decent ball is not going to make it happen.

I'm not sure what your post has to do with mine. No number of wins is going to get us an on-campus stadium. The only way UConn might get an on-campus stadium is if a P4 conference made it a requirement for an invitation, and even then CT would probably find a way to mess it up.

 

[UConnJim]

That may be what holds UConn back. USF is making the commitment. We want UConn to be included but we are trying to get there on the cheap.

"When Weatherford sought final financing approval from the state, he highlighted the Bulls’ four American Athletic Conference peers — Houston, Cincinnati, SMU and rival UCF — that earned spots in the Big 12 or ACC."

So, let's look at the new various stadiums. SMU holds 32k, Cincy has been expanded to 40k, Houston is 40k, UCF is 44.2k, and the new USF stadium is 35k. The Rent is ~40k and can had 42.7k for the Michigan game. The Rent did not hold back UConn getting a P5/4 invite, but the play of the field and the lack of football history did.

I have been to a number of college football stadiums and the Rent is a perfectly find football stadium and it can be expanded to 60k. Go to some of the P4 stadiums and you will find no legroom, narrow seats, and inadequate concessions and restrooms. In some cases, difficult tailgating. The Rent has very easy parking, access, and tailgating as well as good legroom and seat spacing.

 

[Kolumbo]

So, let's look at the new various stadiums. SMU holds 32k, Cincy has been expanded to 40k, Houston is 40k, UCF is 44.2k, and the new USF stadium is 35k. The Rent is ~40k and can had 42.7k for the Michigan game. The Rent did not hold back UConn getting a P5/4 invite, but the play of the field and the lack of football history did.

I have been to a number of college football stadiums and the Rent is a perfectly find football stadium and it can be expanded to 60k. Go to some of the P4 stadiums and you will find no legroom, narrow seats, and inadequate concessions and restrooms. In some cases, difficult tailgating. The Rent has very easy parking, access, and tailgating as well as good legroom and seat spacing.

The bottom line is the stadium is in the East Hartford wasteland. Programs fly to CT and all they see are Bradley and Retnschler Field. It's college football. Not abandoned airfield football. The stadiums you mentioned are all nice on-campus stadiums which is a far superior model than ours. That's just the way it is.

 

[UCFBfan]

The bottom line is the stadium is in the East Hartford wasteland. Programs fly to CT and all they see are Bradley and Retnschler Field. It's college football. Not abandoned airfield football. The stadiums you mentioned are all nice on-campus stadiums which is a far superior model than ours. That's just the way it is.

Back when the stadium opened and we were winning 8-10 games regularly and playing solid programs, that stadium was packed. It sure felt like a college stadium to me. I sat in the student section when Tyler Placko false started or had a delay of game 3 straight downs from their own 20 because the student section was so loud. Winning cures all. Win and the fans come back and your stadium that you keep complaining about will feel like a college stadium again.

At the beginning we parked on a runway and had to tailgate close to our cars so we didn't get fun over. Now there are larger fields for true tailgates. All that's missing are the wins and we'll be back.

 

[Kolumbo]

Back when the stadium opened and we were winning 8-10 games regularly and playing solid programs, that stadium was packed. It sure felt like a college stadium to me. I sat in the student section when Tyler Placko false started or had a delay of game 3 straight downs from their own 20 because the student section was so loud. Winning cures all. Win and the fans come back and your stadium that you keep complaining about will feel like a college stadium again.

At the beginning we parked on a runway and had to tailgate close to our cars so we didn't get fun over. Now there are larger fields for true tailgates. All that's missing are the wins and we'll be back.

Sure the games are fun and tailgating is top notch. I suppose you could poll students who don't go to many games because of the distance. Students who don't go to games but might if they were on campus. Alumni who haven't been to the campus in years. You don't have to agree that an on-campus stadium would be far better than East Hartford. But the proof is in the vast majority of college campuses which have stadiums on campus and use those stadiums all the time.

 

[jostar1]

The bottom line is the stadium is in the East Hartford wasteland. Programs fly to CT and all they see are Bradley and Retnschler Field. It's college football. Not abandoned airfield football. The stadiums you mentioned are all nice on-campus stadiums which is a far superior model than ours. That's just the way it is.

It has been said that the ease of getting from Bradley to the stadium is a plus for visiting teams.

 

[Kolumbo]

It has been said that the ease of getting from Bradley to the stadium is a plus for visiting teams.

Those Rent supporters are ambitious. I am sure college football players are all about the bus ride from the airport to the stadium. It's all about the bus ride. In fact UMass is considering building a new stadium not on campus but in Agawam to be closer to Bradley. and 6 Flags.

 

[jostar1]

Those Rent supporters are ambitious. I am sure college football players are all about the bus ride from the airport to the stadium. It's all about the bus ride. In fact UMass is considering building a new stadium not on campus but in Agawam to be closer to Bradley. and 6 Flags.

It has nothing to do with the football players. It has to do with those who are scheduling games.

 

[jostar1]

To admin: Thread should be locked.

 

[Kolumbo]

It has nothing to do with the football players. It has to do with those who are scheduling games.

haha. come on. the ride from Bradley to East Harford has zero to do with anything. at least if we are talking DI football.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I have a coworker who's father retired to Alabama a couple years ago (he was stationed there when in the Army and decided from a young age that he would retire there).

He sold his house (I believe in New Fairfield) for $700k (it would have been worth about $1.1mm where I am) bought land and built a bigger house down in Alabama for ~$260k.

Things are a bit less expensive there.

I'd also like to see how it was built (concrete vs steel). If it's similar to the tuna can that UCF built I'm not sure how solid if a structure it would be.

My brother has a house in New Fairfield on one and an half acre, the house is modest but it was recently appraised at $1.2 Mil. New Fairfield is not cheap, especially if you’re anywhere near Lake Candlewood.

 

[spsct]

To admin: Thread should be locked.

Meh, they'll just hijack another thread with the same fever dream pink unicorn search.

 

[CL82]

It has been said that the ease of getting from Bradley to the stadium is a plus for visiting teams.

Of course, that easy drive from the airport "isn't getting us into a P4" either.

Put me on team "the Rent is perfectly fine". It is, it's just a half hour too far West. For those who say that having our football stadium, a half hour's drive campus isn't the reason we're not in a P4, I'm inclined to agree, but it definitely isn't helping us. In fact, in our last big 12 dalliance, it was specifically mentioned as a negative factor by big 12 athletic directors. Not having a on campus stadium is taken as a statement that we're not "serious" about football.

On the other hand, it is a perfectly fine stadium with great tailgating, and not a bad seat in the place. I am grateful to have it and there isn't a reason in the world why we should abandon the place. But it is reaching the end of its useful life at 20 years old. Maybe there's 10 years left in it with nominal investment to keep it going. But at that point it will require significant investment. It seems prudent then to think about whether that investment makes more sense in East Hartford or actually on campus.

The Rent is "perfectly fine" today. Maybe our goal should be for something more than "perfectly fine" for tomorrow.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Of course, that easy drive from the airport "isn't getting us into a P4" either.

Put me on team "the Rent is perfectly fine". It is, it's just a half hour too far West. For those who say that having our football stadium, a half hour's drive campus isn't the reason we're not in a P4, I'm inclined to agree, but it definitely isn't helping us. In fact, in our last big 12 dalliance, it was specifically mentioned as a negative factor by big 12 athletic directors. Not having a on campus stadium is taken as a statement that we're not "serious" about football.

On the other hand, it is a perfectly fine stadium with great tailgating, and not a bad seat in the place. I am grateful to have it and there isn't a reason in the world why we should abandon the place. But it is reaching the end of its useful life at 20 years old. Maybe there's 10 years left in it with nominal investment to keep it going. But at that point it will require significant investment. It seems prudent then to think about whether that investment makes more sense in East Hartford or actually on campus.

The Rent is "perfectly fine" today. Maybe our goal should be for something more than "perfectly fine" for tomorrow.

Odd. ITS never mentioned by any of their ADs publically we had become in a linear fashion a bad football program as a measure of our commitment to football but the stadium the stadium. It's where they have the stadium that's holding back their votes. 7-8 wins a year and this would be a nothing burger.

 

[CL82]

Odd. ITS never mentioned by any of their ADs publically we had become in a linear fashion a bad football program as a measure of our commitment to football but the stadium the stadium. It's where they have the stadium that's holding back their votes. 7-8 wins a year and this would be a nothing burger.

I'm not sure that seven or eight wins a year will make a difference one way or the other. If we get invited to a P4 it is unlikely that will be because they need us to improve the quality of their football. It it will, in all likelihood, be due to some geographic or demographic reason which improves the target conference's overall financial health. In the case of the big 12, it may, in fact, be due to the strength of our basketball programs, which, would be ironic.

That said, not having our own stadium and being forced to lease a Stadium a half hour away from campus owned by a regional redevelopment agency makes a statement about our apparent commitment to football. I agree that if someone wants us, it won't matter. But if someone doesn't want us, it becomes part of the litany against our admission.

 

[huskymedic]

That said, not having our own stadium and being forced to lease a Stadium a half hour away from campus owned by a regional redevelopment agency makes a statement about our apparent commitment to football.

I know you know but for clarification for the casual fans: The State of Connecticut owns Pratt & Whitney Stadium.

 

[Kolumbo]

Of course, that easy drive from the airport "isn't getting us into a P4" either.

Put me on team "the Rent is perfectly fine". It is, it's just a half hour too far West. For those who say that having our football stadium, a half hour's drive campus isn't the reason we're not in a P4, I'm inclined to agree, but it definitely isn't helping us. In fact, in our last big 12 dalliance, it was specifically mentioned as a negative factor by big 12 athletic directors. Not having a on campus stadium is taken as a statement that we're not "serious" about football.

On the other hand, it is a perfectly fine stadium with great tailgating, and not a bad seat in the place. I am grateful to have it and there isn't a reason in the world why we should abandon the place. But it is reaching the end of its useful life at 20 years old. Maybe there's 10 years left in it with nominal investment to keep it going. But at that point it will require significant investment. It seems prudent then to think about whether that investment makes more sense in East Hartford or actually on campus.

The Rent is "perfectly fine" today. Maybe our goal should be for something more than "perfectly fine" for tomorrow.

This is really the gist. At some point it will require much much more investment. If a P4 invite comes then we need a much better stadium in either location. It would make more sense if there were another tenant or two to share the cost and usage but for one football program, it's a very expensive proposition. We can all agree the stadium is fine. For P4 we would need expansion and a great deal of improvements. If we stay G5 or <gulp> go FCS, then smaller and better makes sense.

Look at Gillette. It's not in Boston but the stadium and all their offices are there. Shopping retail and dining. Many other events held at the stadium.

Analogy: You have your home mansion and you own a small summer cottage. You would install a magnificent inground pool at your home and use an intex pool at your cottage because the intex pool works fine. Loo

 

[CL82]

I know you know but for clarification for the casual fans: The State of Connecticut owns Pratt & Whitney Stadium.

Yep. It's owned by the state, but managed by the CDRA who hire Oak View Group to be management company for the management company. Ironically, I think it's a part of the Office of Policy and Management. Apparently running the football stadium requires three layers of management.

So the state of Connecticut pays the University of Connecticut, who in turn funds the athletic department, to pay the CDRA so that it's annual loss is smaller, but the annual loss is paid for by the state of Connecticut. It would seem to me that there's some efficiency in simply allowing this university to play at the Rent for free rather than have the state pay us to pay them, which appears to be a mechanism to hide part of the CDRA's annual multimillion dollar loss in the athletic department's budget.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

It was always a problem because its 30-40 minutes from campus

They were getting 30k crowds well into Diaco's third season after a 6-win season the year before. Not fielding competitive football will always be the problem.

 

[UCFBfan]

People want to support a winning team. If you win, they will come. CT fans are very fair weather. We all know this.