Nobody missed anything ... because it wasn't there. The announcement for the field renovations at the current site was made in February 2020.
https://niuhuskies.com/news/2020/2/19/ni...-plan.aspx
That was it ... the only announcement/reveal.
At the time, I suggested that since NIU couldn't afford to do it all at once, use the existing field while phasing in development on the new site over a few years. No big deal if it took a little snow, rain, etc. It's an outdoor stadium, and would have artificial turf. Gee whiz ... that happens when anything is built outdoors over several years. But for that I absorbed some heat from others on this board who wanted it all at once, all at once, all at once when NIU obviously couldn't afford the (then-est.) $4 1/2 million pricetag.
Hey guess what? That is exactly what they're going to do with this three-phase project anyway at the current site. And still end up with the field facing the wrong way. And spend $4 million doing it.
Not bragging, but we usually skirt the edge of the personal around here. I spent several decades dealing directly and indirectly with land, site, project and real estate developers, including stormwater retention and drainage, transportation and landscape planners. The only thing I added to the stadium idea was common sense.
What this boils down to is STF & Co. needing something to show for their years of planning plans to make more plans ... i.e., "who cares if it's wrong and we'll be stuck with it? Let's just DO something." Well, kiss that new (and proper) stadium design/location good-bye.
Now, let's see, where DID we put that plan to sell naming rights to the Convo? (Out to bids approved in 2018).
Screw it. I wouldn't give them 10 cents for a physical project until they make a real plan that makes sense, and stick to it. Bitter, but at least I feel better.