The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

A few comments, in regard to stadium design...

* I understand yesterday's article is disappointing news, but we have not seen the final design and/or cost of Phase I yet. Let's let this thing play out, before we all jump off mid-rise.

* I know for a fact that the admin, board and construction department at ODU want the same things we want, but cost and schedule are a major challenge, as you would expect. They are trying to balance immediate need (safety, ADA compliance, etc.), wants (new scoreboard, etc.) and reality (cost and schedule).

* Construction costs are rising quickly at this time so a $55M spend last year is different from a $55M spend next year. This will affect the final product along with whatever fund raising can be accomplished by the time the project starts. In short, although we're closer today then yesterday, the final design and what's included in Phase I is still to be determined.

* "Erector set" with aluminum bleachers may seem like it will look cheap, but that's not necessarily the case, if done properly. I'm encouraged to read that there will be exterior brick used on the East and West sides at the very least. I suspect this will be in the form of precast concrete panels with thin-brick. They are cost effective, can be quickly installed and can be built off site, while demo is on-going - this is a great solution and will look nice (arches can be incorporated into the precast design). In fact, you will find most stadiums with similar facades use this method. Don't expect this this material to extend the full height of the stadium, however. It will most likely be used up to a certain height, in Phase I.

* An added benefit of aluminum, in lieu of concrete, is noise. 20K fans in an aluminum seating bowl will be much louder than 23K in an concrete structure with cushy seating.

* This will be a new facility, which we desperately need, and will be much more comfortable and enjoyable to watch a game.

* I too am disappointed that we may not be getting some "wants" and more than 20K seats in Phase I, but it's not the end of the world. If fundraising continues to increase, then we will get there a lot sooner.