Tuberville: New Nippert will be best in America
Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com 8:09 p.m. EDT April 23, 2015


The new press box structure at Nippert Stadium rises five stories above the stadium and will be available for functions throughout the year. (Photo: The Enquirer/Meg Vogel)

Tommy Tuberville and Mike Bohn have been in the sports business a long time, but the University of Cincinnati football coach and athletic director were boyishly enthused to show off Nippert Stadium construction progress Thursday.

Nippert is undergoing an $86 million renovation and expansion, and UC on Thursday gave Cincinnati media members a walk-through tour. Capacity will increase from 35,000 to 40,000 seats, and the Bearcats are set to reopen Nippert on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Alabama A&M (time TBA).

"All the players and recruits that have come in, the parents, have been amazed," Tuberville said. "You're going to see a first-class piece of work."

Tuberville praised Turner Construction for its work, which began shortly after UC completed its 2013 football season. The Bearcats played 2014 home games at the Bengals' Paul Brown Stadium, with Nippert under construction.

"They've put together what's going to be, and will be for a long time, the best on-campus and prettiest on-campus stadium that you'll see," Tuberville said. "And I've been in most of them around the country."

Bohn said nearly $50 million of the $86 million project has been raised. The project is using private donations, with no public funds.

"We couldn't be more inspired by our donor base," Bohn said. "We're on time and we're on budget. Turner (Construction) and our partners across campus with the facilities team are doing a terrific job."

Bohn said the football team should be able to practice in the stadium well before it reopens Sept. 5.

UC announced the project in June 2013, as the school tries to compete in the college football arms race. With upheaval in several leagues, the Bearcats landed outside the so-called Power Five leagues in the American Athletic Conference. Tuberville said UC President Dr. Santa Ono still wants the Bearcats to get a seat at the Power table.

"It's all about Dr. Ono, he had a vision to take our athletic department to another level," Tuberville said. "This is definitely going to do that."

The renovation is the first major facelift for Nippert since 1992.

The expansion mainly will come via premium seating and focuses on the west side of the stadium, adding suites, club seats and loge boxes within a new press box structure.

The press box stretches for almost 130 yards and rises five stories above the stadium concourse, about 1 ½ stories taller than the former press box.

The curvature of the facility will match the upper deck on the east side and it will contain four levels: A press and operations level, suite level, scholarship club level and patio suites mezzanine level.

The west concourse also is being renovated, including concession stands and restrooms. There will be more than double the former amount of both restroom and concession availability, with wider concourses.

A new feature will be the potential usage for events other than football. The expansion will allow for happenings that previously could not be staged, such as weddings, corporate events, meetings and other opportunities.

Nippert Stadium timeline

1901 – UC played its first game on Carson Field. Wood bleachers were built on the surrounding hillside.

1916 – Funds to build a permanent brick and concrete structure were made available by a city bond issue.

1924 – The completed James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium is dedicated, named after late former UC player Jimmy Nippert. Capacity is 12,000.

1936 – Carson Field is lowered 12 feet to allow capacity to expand to 24,000.

1954 – Reed Shank Pavilion is completed to boost capacity to 28,000.

1968-69 – Nippert Stadium also serves as the first home of the Cincinnati Bengals, who move to new Riverfront Stadium in 1970.

1989 – Nippert Stadium closes for renovation. UC plays 1990 home games at Riverfront Stadium.

1991 – Phase I of renovation completed, allowing for UC home games to be played.

1992 – Phase II of renovation completed, with capacity increased to 35,000.

2000-2013 – Additions include new artificial turf surfaces, video boards, locker rooms at field level, Ring of Honor, and 9,000 black cushioned seats.

2014 – Stadium closed for renovation and expansion to 40,000 seats.

2015 – Stadium scheduled to re-open Sept. 5 against Alabama A&M (time TBA).

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/c.../26246973/

Cant wait!!!!! Coming in for a game this year to see the old girl....

Go Cats!!!!

Can't disagree with Tuberville--let's hope the ESPN commentators really talk it up on nationally televised games this season. It will generate lots of positive comments in the world of college football. Will there be a better facility anywhere in the G5?

Our euphoria will be lessened if there are only 21,000 in the stands for the opener. I'm concerned that we're not seeing more promotion NOW to fill the place for that first game. I'm not suggesting giving away tickets; those days are behind us thankfully. I do think they need to pull out all the stops to have the place full and rockin' for Alabama A&M. Sold out the week before that game would be even more impressive.

The ticket office is still working out the season ticket seating.

You will see more promotion when the single game tix go on sale.

I know some people were asking about the scoreboard:


Tom Groeschen @TomGroeschen · 18h 18 hours ago
Tom Groeschen retweeted James Norrick
Not yet. Next phase Tom

James Norrick @James_Norrick
@TomGroeschen is uc going to have a new video board when opening up nippert this fall?

https://twitter.com/tomgroeschen

Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Single game tickets will be on sale sometime late July/early August. Have to preserve the integrity of selling season tickets then mini-plans (if those are done). We will sell out that game for sure. Our best selling games are always night games and with the game likely not being a national tv game we will get to set the time. Thus, a night game. Nippert will be awesome.

(04-24-2015 08:05 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  Cant wait!!!!! Coming in for a game this year to see the old girl....

Go Cats!!!!

Odds are you'll get lost and end up at PBS.

(04-24-2015 10:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

(04-24-2015 11:33 AM)Coopdaddy67 Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 08:05 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  Cant wait!!!!! Coming in for a game this year to see the old girl....

Go Cats!!!!

Odds are you'll get lost and end up at PBS.

low blow lol

Thanks (again) Tip for the article. Had to tweet it, made me smile.

(04-24-2015 12:33 PM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 10:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

(04-25-2015 12:03 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 12:33 PM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 10:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

Excellent idea!

(04-25-2015 07:44 AM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 12:03 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 12:33 PM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 10:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

Excellent idea!

I doubt it will fool anyone but it may make them think about the game more and perhaps go to it.

Not to interfere with Homecoming but I would love to see a pregame intro of Ring of Honor Members (or living relative).

What about $5 or free tickets to workers (and a family member) who rebuilt NIP?

Invite Kasich ® and Portman (Rino) and see if these OSU lovers will come.

This needs to be an extravaganza. Advertise it as Coming Home Weekend. The usual Sky Jumpers. Fireworks (can you do that on campus?), Stealth flyover. Have the Band do Script "CINCY" and have Ono dot the I.

Think BIG!

(04-25-2015 09:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 07:44 AM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 12:03 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 12:33 PM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 10:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

Excellent idea!

I doubt it will fool anyone but it may make them think about the game more and perhaps go to it.

Not to interfere with Homecoming but I would love to see a pregame intro of Ring of Honor Members (or living relative).

What about $5 or free tickets to workers (and a family member) who rebuilt NIP?

Invite Kasich ® and Portman (Rino) and see if these OSU lovers will come.
This needs to be an extravaganza. Advertise it as Coming Home Weekend. The usual Sky Jumpers. Fireworks (can you do that on campus?), Stealth flyover. Have the Band do Script "CINCY" and have Ono dot the I.

Think BIG!

Portman is a Cincinnatian, and U of Michigan Law..

IIRC, UC blew up a sh!tload of fireworks on campus when we joined the BE. Don't see why it would be a problem now. That being said, I'd rather save the money and put it toward a new scoreboard. The current one sucks.

IMO they should honor the 2009 team at halftime. There would be a lot of pop as they unveil Mardy Gilyard in the ROH by playing his highlight reel.

(04-25-2015 09:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 07:44 AM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 12:03 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 12:33 PM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 10:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Some how make sure the stadium is full versus Alabama. I remember Bob Goins saying in the early days of FSU they had band day every week that needed butts in seats to make it look full.

Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

Excellent idea!

I doubt it will fool anyone but it may make them think about the game more and perhaps go to it.

Not to interfere with Homecoming but I would love to see a pregame intro of Ring of Honor Members (or living relative).

What about $5 or free tickets to workers (and a family member) who rebuilt NIP?

Invite Kasich ® and Portman (Rino) and see if these OSU lovers will come.

This needs to be an extravaganza. Advertise it as Coming Home Weekend. The usual Sky Jumpers. Fireworks (can you do that on campus?), Stealth flyover. Have the Band do Script "CINCY" and have Ono dot the I.

Think BIG!

It would be a surprise if the game does not sell out. We had close to 45000 down at Paul Brown for the Miami game this year. Keep in mind that we were a 4 td favorite.

(04-25-2015 09:57 AM)BearcatBeta Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 09:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 07:44 AM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 12:03 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-24-2015 12:33 PM)chatcat Wrote:  Not to be a smartass, but you do realize it's Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical don't you?

Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

Excellent idea!

I doubt it will fool anyone but it may make them think about the game more and perhaps go to it.

Not to interfere with Homecoming but I would love to see a pregame intro of Ring of Honor Members (or living relative).

What about $5 or free tickets to workers (and a family member) who rebuilt NIP?

Invite Kasich ® and Portman (Rino) and see if these OSU lovers will come.
This needs to be an extravaganza. Advertise it as Coming Home Weekend. The usual Sky Jumpers. Fireworks (can you do that on campus?), Stealth flyover. Have the Band do Script "CINCY" and have Ono dot the I.

Think BIG!

Portman is a Cincinnatian, and U of Michigan Law..

I know that since I know Rob from lobbying him when he was a Rep. and I know he is an UM, but look at his Facebook suck up to to$u.

(04-25-2015 10:45 PM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 09:57 AM)BearcatBeta Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 09:37 AM)dossbig Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 07:44 AM)chatcat Wrote:  

(04-25-2015 12:03 AM)dossbig Wrote:  Of course I do, but if I were advertising it the ALABAMA would be BIG and the A&M small.

Excellent idea!

I doubt it will fool anyone but it may make them think about the game more and perhaps go to it.

Not to interfere with Homecoming but I would love to see a pregame intro of Ring of Honor Members (or living relative).

What about $5 or free tickets to workers (and a family member) who rebuilt NIP?

Invite Kasich ® and Portman (Rino) and see if these OSU lovers will come.
This needs to be an extravaganza. Advertise it as Coming Home Weekend. The usual Sky Jumpers. Fireworks (can you do that on campus?), Stealth flyover. Have the Band do Script "CINCY" and have Ono dot the I.

Think BIG!

Portman is a Cincinnatian, and U of Michigan Law..

I know that since I know Rob from lobbying him when he was a Rep. and I know he is an UM, but look at his Facebook suck up to to$u.

Oh Jesus...