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cmett003 Offline
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Post: #1
Conference USA Football Stadiums
ODU fans can't wait for our old stadium to be torn down and rebuilt. Phase 1 expands the stadium to approx 22k and phase 2 brings Foreman Fields capacity to 30k.

I know that attendance is down across the country but some stadiums are still growing.

What other C-USA stadiums have the possibility for future expansion? Charlotte hopefully one day will be able to grow beyond there current 15k. WKU is at 22k and they could probably bring in a little more. I think LT could close the endzone and hold close to 40k.

What should be a good number for C-USA teams? 35,000 would be my guess. I hope ODU can do 35,000 one day.
06-27-2017 04:04 PM
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Doots4Dawgs Offline
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Post: #2
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 04:04 PM)cmett003 Wrote:  ODU fans can't wait for our old stadium to be torn down and rebuilt. Phase 1 expands the stadium to approx 22k and phase 2 brings Foreman Fields capacity to 30k.

I know that attendance is down across the country but some stadiums are still growing.

What other C-USA stadiums have the possibility for future expansion? Charlotte hopefully one day will be able to grow beyond there current 15k. WKU is at 22k and they could probably bring in a little more. I think LT could close the endzone and hold close to 40k.

What should be a good number for C-USA teams? 35,000 would be my guess. I hope ODU can do 35,000 one day.

If we ever needed it we could definitely get to 40. 30 is a good solid number that I would like us to average near. Max capacity right now is around 28.
(This post was last modified: 06-27-2017 04:18 PM by Doots4Dawgs.)
06-27-2017 04:16 PM
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topper1296 Offline
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Post: #3
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
My theory over the last several years is that programs (outside of maybe the "football factory" programs like OSU, TX, UT, ND...) should on QUALITY of fan experience over QUANTITY of fans mainly because of HDTV.
06-27-2017 04:18 PM
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MoodyBlueRaider Offline
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Post: #4
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 04:04 PM)cmett003 Wrote:  ODU fans can't wait for our old stadium to be torn down and rebuilt. Phase 1 expands the stadium to approx 22k and phase 2 brings Foreman Fields capacity to 30k.

I know that attendance is down across the country but some stadiums are still growing.

What other C-USA stadiums have the possibility for future expansion? Charlotte hopefully one day will be able to grow beyond there current 15k. WKU is at 22k and they could probably bring in a little more. I think LT could close the endzone and hold close to 40k.

What should be a good number for C-USA teams? 35,000 would be my guess. I hope ODU can do 35,000 one day.

I believe architects designed Floyd Stadium (for FBS move-up) to seat a maximum capacity of 31,000. Plans allowed for future expansion to as many as 70,000. Since 1998, MT's only official sellout has been Georgia Tech at 30,502 with Memphis a close second at 28,105. So, unless one of us goes to an Cartel-5 Conference, I think it's realistic to say, you won't ever need to be bigger than 35 to 40,000 maximum capacity.
06-27-2017 04:21 PM
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va-eagle Offline
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Post: #5
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
I think USM is about right at 36K capacity. I don't see us needing more seats. We could probably put some temporary stands above the south endzone suites, for big games if needed.
06-27-2017 04:40 PM
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Side Show Joe Offline
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Post: #6
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
Apogee was designed to be expanded. North Texas has over 37,000 students at our main campus, and over 130,000 alums living within an hour's drive of campus. The stadium was built with accommodations (restrooms, concessions, entrances/exits,...) to support around 55,000 spectators. I believe a second phase of expansion would focus building a second level over the visitors side.

short answer: Yes, North Texas can expand Apogee up to 55K, with the infrastructure already in place.
06-27-2017 04:58 PM
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OwlFamily Offline
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Post: #7
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
FAU can be expanded as well. Not sure on the number, but an upper deck can be built on top of the current one. I think it could get up to 50k. Doubt well ever need it nor do I really want it. I like a smaller, closer experience.
06-27-2017 05:52 PM
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USM@FTL Offline
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RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
YES we need more seats! Are you kidding me?? How are you going to recruit HS talent when your stadium, and support, is smaller than their HS?
06-27-2017 06:02 PM
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BeliefBlazer Offline
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Post: #9
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
Legion Field could be expanded to about 100,000 with an upper deck all the way around. :)
06-27-2017 06:53 PM
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Carolina_Low_Country Offline
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Post: #10
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums




We are expanding our stadium at the end of this year. Bringing capacity to around 53,000.

As an outsider here are my suggestions.
ODU: Game plan is good for their new stadium
Marshall: I would chair back entire stadium in green chair backs. Then I would increase luxury seating above the stands on both sides of the field.
Southern Miss: Chair back the entire stadium in gold chair backs (similar to Pittsburgh). I would then add more seating above the new luxury seating with chair backs as well and a large video board in the middle. That should keep capacity about the same but creating nicer seating and keeping more sound in the stadium and making the stadium to appear much larger.
Rice: Chair entire stadium in Navy seating. Take down one upper deck and build mutlple leavles of luxury seating. With their deep pocket alumi and location in Houston they could get fans in luxury seating.
06-27-2017 06:56 PM
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Carolina_Low_Country Offline
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Post: #11
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
Any update on the new Birmingham stadium?
06-27-2017 06:57 PM
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NTTHOR Offline
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Post: #12
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 04:58 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  short answer: Yes, North Texas can expand Apogee up to 55K, with the infrastructure already in place.

doubt it will ever be needed...and i'm fine with that...not a fan of big crowds...the bowl games freak me out a bit
(This post was last modified: 06-27-2017 07:31 PM by NTTHOR.)
06-27-2017 07:31 PM
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GreekTopper Offline
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Post: #13
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
Here is what what WKU has in its master plan for future expansion if needed:

• WKU's newer side was designed to support a 15,000 seat upper deck
• Club section can be expanded to full length of stadium with 400 to 500 seats
• Current grass bank end zones can have 1500 seats
• Open end zones has a design for 5000 seats with a colonnade that replica the original stadium that is on top of the hill

This would bring capacity to 44,500.
06-27-2017 07:35 PM
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SVHerd Offline
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Post: #14
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums

Marshall's stadium holds a little over 38K. Our largest crowd is 42K and change and the second largest 41K and change - both against WVU. The stadium was designed so that upper decks could be added to increase capacity to around 55K. That will never happen. We'll continue to average around 26-27K each year.
06-27-2017 09:10 PM
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Volkmar Offline
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RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 06:56 PM)Carolina_Low_Country Wrote:  



We are expanding our stadium at the end of this year. Bringing capacity to around 53,000.

As an outsider here are my suggestions.
ODU: Game plan is good for their new stadium
Marshall: I would chair back entire stadium in green chair backs. Then I would increase luxury seating above the stands on both sides of the field.
Southern Miss: Chair back the entire stadium in gold chair backs (similar to Pittsburgh). I would then add more seating above the new luxury seating with chair backs as well and a large video board in the middle. That should keep capacity about the same but creating nicer seating and keeping more sound in the stadium and making the stadium to appear much larger.
Rice: Chair entire stadium in Navy seating. Take down one upper deck and build mutlple leavles of luxury seating. With their deep pocket alumi and location in Houston they could get fans in luxury seating.

Navy chairs throughout an entire stadium in Texas would be blazing hot on some days though, and prolonged exposure to the sun 365 days out of the year down here might also bleach a dark color pretty quickly.
(This post was last modified: 06-27-2017 09:19 PM by Volkmar.)
06-27-2017 09:11 PM
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techdawg28 Offline
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Post: #16
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 06:02 PM)USM@FTL Wrote:  YES we need more seats! Are you kidding me?? How are you going to recruit HS talent when your stadium, and support, is smaller than their HS?

More seats are only necessary if you're filling the ones you have. A small but full stadium looks better than a large empty one.

Note: this is a general response, not specifically about USM.
06-27-2017 09:24 PM
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Mr. Bojangles Offline
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RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
Our AD actually acknowledged stadium expansion yesterday. Nothing really new, but it is groundbreaking that it was publicly acknowledged.

http://charlotte49ers.com/news/2017/6/27...-rose.aspx

"At the same time, I know there is a lot of interest from our fans about future expansion plans at Jerry Richardson Stadium. We are considering options and enhancements to the stadium that will allow us to bring more fans and greater amenities to our fine venue. Keep in mind, we must work diligently to fill the seats we currently have but we are looking into a variety of possibilities. We have worked this past year with Jenkins · Peer Architects to develop preliminary expansion plans so when the time is right we will have a solid starting point. There will not be substantial changes for the 2017 season, but as we look down the road, we all recognize the benefits of expansion and will continue to explore those opportunities."
06-28-2017 09:11 AM
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wh49er Offline
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RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-28-2017 09:11 AM)Mr. Bojangles Wrote:  Our AD actually acknowledged stadium expansion yesterday. Nothing really new, but it is groundbreaking that it was publicly acknowledged.

http://charlotte49ers.com/news/2017/6/27...-rose.aspx

"At the same time, I know there is a lot of interest from our fans about future expansion plans at Jerry Richardson Stadium. We are considering options and enhancements to the stadium that will allow us to bring more fans and greater amenities to our fine venue. Keep in mind, we must work diligently to fill the seats we currently have but we are looking into a variety of possibilities. We have worked this past year with Jenkins · Peer Architects to develop preliminary expansion plans so when the time is right we will have a solid starting point. There will not be substantial changes for the 2017 season, but as we look down the road, we all recognize the benefits of expansion and will continue to explore those opportunities."

A step in the right direction, 22K-25K is a perfect size for us. We really need to off the community a cheaper way to get in the door. I think it's a bit crazy to expect a family of 4 to spend $100-$120 just to get in the stadium.
06-28-2017 09:18 AM
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WKUFan518 Offline
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Post: #19
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 04:04 PM)cmett003 Wrote:  ODU fans can't wait for our old stadium to be torn down and rebuilt. Phase 1 expands the stadium to approx 22k and phase 2 brings Foreman Fields capacity to 30k.

I know that attendance is down across the country but some stadiums are still growing.

What other C-USA stadiums have the possibility for future expansion? Charlotte hopefully one day will be able to grow beyond there current 15k. WKU is at 22k and they could probably bring in a little more. I think LT could close the endzone and hold close to 40k.

What should be a good number for C-USA teams? 35,000 would be my guess. I hope ODU can do 35,000 one day.

I don't think anyone can expand besides ODU....You have to consistently fill up your stadium first before expansion takes precedent....I know with WKU, getting a new press box, sound system is number 1 on list for upgrades......Next hopefully get IPF sometime in the near future..
06-28-2017 09:30 AM
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cr11owl Offline
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Post: #20
RE: Conference USA Football Stadiums
(06-27-2017 09:11 PM)Volkmar Wrote:  
(06-27-2017 06:56 PM)Carolina_Low_Country Wrote:  



We are expanding our stadium at the end of this year. Bringing capacity to around 53,000.

As an outsider here are my suggestions.
ODU: Game plan is good for their new stadium
Marshall: I would chair back entire stadium in green chair backs. Then I would increase luxury seating above the stands on both sides of the field.
Southern Miss: Chair back the entire stadium in gold chair backs (similar to Pittsburgh). I would then add more seating above the new luxury seating with chair backs as well and a large video board in the middle. That should keep capacity about the same but creating nicer seating and keeping more sound in the stadium and making the stadium to appear much larger.
Rice: Chair entire stadium in Navy seating. Take down one upper deck and build mutlple leavles of luxury seating. With their deep pocket alumi and location in Houston they could get fans in luxury seating.

Navy chairs throughout an entire stadium in Texas would be blazing hot on some days though, and prolonged exposure to the sun 365 days out of the year down here might also bleach a dark color pretty quickly.

It's been discussed on the Rice board. Apparently the concrete steps in the stadium are too shallow for chairbacks to have comfortable clearance compared to bleachers.

FYI the next step in our stadium updates is the home side stands. As of last year they were raising money and polling season ticket holders for what sort of luxury club area they should install (nice restaraunts/AC.. etc). Other upgrades for that side would be restrooms, general concessions, electrical, press box and maybe seating. I agree the experience is going to have to change to compete with HD TV.

We currently seat 47k down from 70k for the original design. We could easily seat 55k if we removed the tarp from the south endzone but I don't see that being an issue any time soon.
06-28-2017 09:33 AM
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