"We have some infrastructure that needs to be advanced," Kelly reiterated this week, "and it's Nippert, it's practice facilities, it's an indoor facility. We couldn't even have that conversation when you've got 20,000 people sitting in a stadium that seats 35,000. Now we can start to have that conversation.

"I don't think 35,000 is the number. All you have to do is look at the number at all the conference schools, and 35,000 is clearly below what we would consider a minimum standard. (The next smallest stadium in the Big East is Connecticut's, with a capacity of 40,000.) I think the minimum standard is somewhere in the 40s. We need to get to that number."

link to article

bearcatfan Wrote:"We have some infrastructure that needs to be advanced," Kelly reiterated this week, "and it's Nippert, it's practice facilities, it's an indoor facility. We couldn't even have that conversation when you've got 20,000 people sitting in a stadium that seats 35,000. Now we can start to have that conversation.

"I don't think 35,000 is the number. All you have to do is look at the number at all the conference schools, and 35,000 is clearly below what we would consider a minimum standard. (The next smallest stadium in the Big East is Connecticut's, with a capacity of 40,000.) I think the minimum standard is somewhere in the 40s. We need to get to that number. Or else I'm leaving"

link to article

Changed the above to put in the full quote.

This thread is about Nippert Stadium.

Brian Kelly is smart enough to know it's not going to happen overnight and he also knows that UC has access to Paul Brown Stadium when necessary until Nippert does get an expansion.

IULurker Wrote:

bearcatfan Wrote:"We have some infrastructure that needs to be advanced," Kelly reiterated this week, "and it's Nippert, it's practice facilities, it's an indoor facility. We couldn't even have that conversation when you've got 20,000 people sitting in a stadium that seats 35,000. Now we can start to have that conversation.

"I don't think 35,000 is the number. All you have to do is look at the number at all the conference schools, and 35,000 is clearly below what we would consider a minimum standard. (The next smallest stadium in the Big East is Connecticut's, with a capacity of 40,000.) I think the minimum standard is somewhere in the 40s. We need to get to that number. Or else I'm leaving"

link to article

Changed the above to put in the full quote.

He never said that. That being said, UC plans on expanding the stadium into the 40,000s. Back in 2003 when Big East expansion was happening then-AD Bob Goin said that he wanted to add at least 5,000 seats to Nippert. Until this happens, Kelly and Thomas have agreed to move some UC's bigger games (Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, very possibly West Virginia this year) to Paul Brown Stadium until expansion is complete.

I don't see WVA THIS year moving to Paul Brown...not that the contest isn't worthy of a larger venue...but it's kind of late in the game for that isn't it?


Besides, I DON'T want the game at Paul Brown...we have a real home field advantage with a sold out Nippert...

What is the max that Nippert can be expanded to?

Bearcats#1 Wrote:I don't see WVA THIS year moving to Paul Brown...not that the contest isn't worthy of a larger venue...but it's kind of late in the game for that isn't it?


Besides, I DON'T want the game at Paul Brown...we have a real home field advantage with a sold out Nippert...

Actually I meant next year and I was wrong about THAT to since West Virginia doesn't come back here until 2009.

Wilkie01 Wrote:What is the max that Nippert can be expanded to?

Right now they think 40,000 because there are a few buildings around the stadiums. If they move the locations in the building and take down part of, if not all of the buildings then UC could probably expand it in the neighborhood of 50,000 to 60,000.

I think the BE should set goals of getting seating capacities at all the universities up to 60k. I know you have to fill the seats but the BE has proven it still runs with the thouroghbreds with the passing of Miami, VT , and BC. Its time to plan for bigger homes for the thoroughbreds to run in. Its great that Rutgers and L'ville are expanding. Its great to hear that Cinn and Conn have the potential to expand. Most of the big name schools of the other BCS conferences have 50k - 100+k stadiums. I not saying the BE should go to 80K - 100k stadiums but 60k+ stadiums are feasiable with 3 BE teams already there. Succesful teams will fill those stadiums and pay the bills too. The BE teams could get better teams to come there too with better payouts with the increased revenue. Of course Cuse will have to get a pass on this because they probably can't expand the Dome. However it already can hold 50k can't it and thats reasonable for now. Besides it a nice stadium from what I have seen from the outside looking in when I was there checking the campus out on Labor Day for my kid.

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME - (Winnig helps too!) :dance:

CatsClaw Wrote:

Wilkie01 Wrote:What is the max that Nippert can be expanded to?

Right now they think 40,000 because there are a few buildings around the stadiums. If they move the locations in the building and take down part of, if not all of the buildings then UC could probably expand it in the neighborhood of 50,000 to 60,000.

That would yield a perfect stadium for UC at 60,000.

The plans that hit the internet last week shows 59K or so. Of course, I'm not 100% sure when those plans were developed... I would think it doesn't necessarily mean knocking down any buildings, however.

I'd like to see Mia[O] & Louv played in PBS

templefootballfan Wrote:I'd like to see Mia[O] & Louv played in PBS

Why? Miami averages 15K at home. It would be 80% Louisville fans. IMO, that would just be dumb for UL.

panite Wrote:I think the BE should set goals of getting seating capacities at all the universities up to 60k. I know you have to fill the seats but the BE has proven it still runs with the thouroghbreds with the passing of Miami, VT , and BC. Its time to plan for bigger homes for the thoroughbreds to run in. Its great that Rutgers and L'ville are expanding. Its great to hear that Cinn and Conn have the potential to expand. Most of the big name schools of the other BCS conferences have 50k - 100+k stadiums. I not saying the BE should go to 80K - 100k stadiums but 60k+ stadiums are feasiable with 3 BE teams already there. Succesful teams will fill those stadiums and pay the bills too. The BE teams could get better teams to come there too with better payouts with the increased revenue. Of course Cuse will have to get a pass on this because they probably can't expand the Dome. However it already can hold 50k can't it and thats reasonable for now. Besides it a nice stadium from what I have seen from the outside looking in when I was there checking the campus out on Labor Day for my kid.

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME - (Winnig helps too!) :dance:

I'm glad you mentioned Syracuse because it would be impossible for SU to expand the Carrier Dome, right now we have 49,600 seats.

PusherT Wrote:

panite Wrote:I think the BE should set goals of getting seating capacities at all the universities up to 60k. I know you have to fill the seats but the BE has proven it still runs with the thouroghbreds with the passing of Miami, VT , and BC. Its time to plan for bigger homes for the thoroughbreds to run in. Its great that Rutgers and L'ville are expanding. Its great to hear that Cinn and Conn have the potential to expand. Most of the big name schools of the other BCS conferences have 50k - 100+k stadiums. I not saying the BE should go to 80K - 100k stadiums but 60k+ stadiums are feasiable with 3 BE teams already there. Succesful teams will fill those stadiums and pay the bills too. The BE teams could get better teams to come there too with better payouts with the increased revenue. Of course Cuse will have to get a pass on this because they probably can't expand the Dome. However it already can hold 50k can't it and thats reasonable for now. Besides it a nice stadium from what I have seen from the outside looking in when I was there checking the campus out on Labor Day for my kid.

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME - (Winnig helps too!) :dance:

I'm glad you mentioned Syracuse because it would be impossible for SU to expand the Carrier Dome, right now we have 49,600 seats.

Right now Cuse is sitting good at 49,600 in the BE. They currently have the 4th largest stadium ahead of Rutgers & L'ville who are looking at expansion right now, and Cinn and Conn who just built their stadium a few years ago. Expansion takes time and money but I think the BE schools need to build on the success they are having now to begin that expansion. Bigger stadiums with teams that are winning bring in bigger opponents willing to play home and homes, and the bigger named schools coming into the stadiums will bring more fans and more Saturday afternoon prime time TV dates (bigger TV dollars). When the BE starts enticing upper tier BCS schools into their larger stadiums and beating them the BCS status will never be questioned again.

I am not saying we need 80 and 100k stadiums. I would just like to see the BE take the next step and move in with the same size stadiums that most BCS teams have. Build on success - something the BE under the current commissioner refused to do in the past so as not to have the FB schools leave the smaller BB schools in the dust. That is why Miami, BC, and VT are gone. They were willing to build and grow and increase revenues and their success. VT went from nothing, to a 66k stadium in the BE with annual success, a solid fan base, and solid revenue, to a conference that can give them even more because the ACC was willing to build and grow.

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME - GROW OR BE LEFT BEHIND.

I cannot see UC adding on to Nippert to makie it 60,000 seats and I don't think it needs to be.

Even as good a season as UC is having now, unless they are playing an Ohio State or someone similar (like Oklahoma in a couple of years), I think UC would max out at most at 45,000.

Judging from the demand for tickets, the game tonight could draw 40,000 or a little more than that if the space were available in Nippert, but 45,000 I think would be the limit.

If UC can get Nippert at 42,500-45,000 I think that would be just fine.

Man, you have to think large or you are beaten before you start!

Yeah, it is great for discussion, but until they sell out for another year or so, that this is premature. I think the demand needs to be high and they can increase their season ticket sales, without discount packages. The way UC is packed a agree with some of the talk about doing it in stages. Maybe replacing the press box side w/stands, new press box and boxes to sell to businesses. Then if more demand is needed they can replace the other side w/more seats. Whatever they do it must try and keep all the games on campus. I wouldn't support any project that they have to move games off campus again, even short term.

Louisville went through this attendace thing, we will be expanding to 64,000 soon. UC should go to 45,000 now. And 60,000 at a later date. "Build it and they will come!":ugaexams:

bearcatfan Wrote:I cannot see UC adding on to Nippert to makie it 60,000 seats and I don't think it needs to be.

Even as good a season as UC is having now, unless they are playing an Ohio State or someone similar (like Oklahoma in a couple of years), I think UC would max out at most at 45,000.

Judging from the demand for tickets, the game tonight could draw 40,000 or a little more than that if the space were available in Nippert, but 45,000 I think would be the limit.

If UC can get Nippert at 42,500-45,000 I think that would be just fine.

UC is greatly improving its numbers but I don't think you can draw a comparison to say what is happening at Rutgers where they were scalping tickets last year for 900 dollars a piece.

I definetly think a strong UC is good for the other Ohio schools. If UC can put 45,000 in the stands that will prove you can draw if your name isn't Ohio State. If you are nationally relevant like UC has become in the Big East.

Then we need Ohio State to go through a Nebraska/Penn State period of crappy football to fall off everyones radar.