CSNbbs

(07-18-2013 04:17 PM)Monarchy Anarchy Wrote: [ -> ]I don't see them building a new stadium after the investments they already put into the Anslie complex, and it already sounds like BW and the coaches are hyping an expanded Foreman Field with recruits.

As it stands now, there appears to be enough room behind either clam shell to add additional structures to accommodate suites, press/coaches boxes, and additional seating. If the clamshells are not altered they wouldn't need to be upgraded to modern ADA standards. Add in an enclosed and expanded north endzone, and seating capacity would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 35k-40k when its finished.

Some Charlotte poster had some mock ups earlier in this thread that do a decent job of illustrating how it could be accomplished by cantilevering the new stands over the existing ones. A good architect could incorporate the claim shells into the new designs by using arches, brickwork, glass & steel to make something that looks both classic and modern.

Problem is that if you revisit the Charlotte poster's image, the only possible way to get to the seats above the clamshells is with a grappling hook. Anything above the clamshells will have to comply with ADA and if it physically touches the clamshells, the entire stadium will no longer be grandfathered and will have to comply with ADA. At least that is my understanding. In other words, there would have to be ramp access to the new seating above the clamshells. There just isn't enough room back there to build those, even if you make them spiral. Any money we throw at the current stadium is going into a money pit as we will have to build a new stadium anyway... at least if we grow to where everyone seems to want to be.

We're going to have to deal with ADA upgrades. We might as well figure that into any future renovation costs.

History is a great thing and the Clamshell is a nice design. However, for the future of ODU it is functionally obsolete. We must move on and i believe the current administration will realize that.

Just talked with my friend again. His kids are at Larchmont and his wifes on the PTA. The plan is to build a new Larchmont school just beside the old one in that field.

(07-19-2013 08:50 AM)Cr8n Wrote: [ -> ]Just talked with my friend again. His kids are at Larchmont and his wifes on the PTA. The plan is to build a new Larchmont school just beside the old one in that field.

If true, that should end any speculation of our using that space for a new stadium.

the more I think about it, the more I'm thinking they're going build on the space we already have. not that its a bad thing, but as someone who had seats near the field for 3 years and not being able to see the game b/c of the players on the sidelines makes me wish they'd eliminate that. maybe they still can, but it was so bad that I had my seats moved to the end zone for the last season. that wasn't great, but at least I could see the game.

(07-19-2013 08:15 AM)EverRespect Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-18-2013 04:17 PM)Monarchy Anarchy Wrote: [ -> ]I don't see them building a new stadium after the investments they already put into the Anslie complex, and it already sounds like BW and the coaches are hyping an expanded Foreman Field with recruits.

As it stands now, there appears to be enough room behind either clam shell to add additional structures to accommodate suites, press/coaches boxes, and additional seating. If the clamshells are not altered they wouldn't need to be upgraded to modern ADA standards. Add in an enclosed and expanded north endzone, and seating capacity would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 35k-40k when its finished.

Some Charlotte poster had some mock ups earlier in this thread that do a decent job of illustrating how it could be accomplished by cantilevering the new stands over the existing ones. A good architect could incorporate the claim shells into the new designs by using arches, brickwork, glass & steel to make something that looks both classic and modern.

Problem is that if you revisit the Charlotte poster's image, the only possible way to get to the seats above the clamshells is with a grappling hook. Anything above the clamshells will have to comply with ADA and if it physically touches the clamshells, the entire stadium will no longer be grandfathered and will have to comply with ADA. At least that is my understanding. In other words, there would have to be ramp access to the new seating above the clamshells. There just isn't enough room back there to build those, even if you make them spiral. Any money we throw at the current stadium is going into a money pit as we will have to build a new stadium anyway... at least if we grow to where everyone seems to want to be.

I still can't see ODU throwing away the $29 million they have already invested in the current site and trying to sell the public on spending another $80 million somewhere else when they already have infrastructure in place. It’ll be a whole lot easier to sell an expansion over a new stadium and location. They're definitely not going to try build new on any land acquired through eminent domain, that would be a PR nightmare.

There isn't a modern stadium of 30k+ that doesn't have ramps and elevators nowadays, so those would need to be built anyway. If you want a significant number of seats in an upper deck, you'll need ramps to just to help with fan movement and egress. These can all be designed and incorporated into any new structures that would house additional seats, suites, concessions, rest rooms, etc. ODU does have a space problem, but a good architect can plan for all of these to help maximize the space that's available on the current Foreman Field site.

(07-19-2013 09:35 AM)Monarchy Anarchy Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-19-2013 08:15 AM)EverRespect Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-18-2013 04:17 PM)Monarchy Anarchy Wrote: [ -> ]I don't see them building a new stadium after the investments they already put into the Anslie complex, and it already sounds like BW and the coaches are hyping an expanded Foreman Field with recruits.

As it stands now, there appears to be enough room behind either clam shell to add additional structures to accommodate suites, press/coaches boxes, and additional seating. If the clamshells are not altered they wouldn't need to be upgraded to modern ADA standards. Add in an enclosed and expanded north endzone, and seating capacity would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 35k-40k when its finished.

Some Charlotte poster had some mock ups earlier in this thread that do a decent job of illustrating how it could be accomplished by cantilevering the new stands over the existing ones. A good architect could incorporate the claim shells into the new designs by using arches, brickwork, glass & steel to make something that looks both classic and modern.

Problem is that if you revisit the Charlotte poster's image, the only possible way to get to the seats above the clamshells is with a grappling hook. Anything above the clamshells will have to comply with ADA and if it physically touches the clamshells, the entire stadium will no longer be grandfathered and will have to comply with ADA. At least that is my understanding. In other words, there would have to be ramp access to the new seating above the clamshells. There just isn't enough room back there to build those, even if you make them spiral. Any money we throw at the current stadium is going into a money pit as we will have to build a new stadium anyway... at least if we grow to where everyone seems to want to be.

I still can't see ODU throwing away the $29 million they have already invested in the current site and trying to sell the public on spending another $80 million somewhere else when they already have infrastructure in place. It’ll be a whole lot easier to sell an expansion over a new stadium and location. They're definitely not going to try build new on any land acquired through eminent domain, that would be a PR nightmare.

There isn't a modern stadium of 30k+ that doesn't have ramps and elevators nowadays, so those would need to be built anyway. If you want a significant number of seats in an upper deck, you'll need ramps to just to help with fan movement and egress. These can all be designed and incorporated into any new structures that would house additional seats, suites, concessions, rest rooms, etc. ODU does have a space problem, but a good architect can plan for all of these to help maximize the space that's available on the current Foreman Field site.

I agree 100%. My question is where do you put the ramps? On one side, you'd probably have to close Bluestone and possible take some houses via imminent domain anyway and that would be a PR nightmare in itself. On the other side, you'd have to tear down Rollins. Those ramps take up a ton of space.

(07-19-2013 10:24 AM)EverRespect Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-19-2013 09:35 AM)Monarchy Anarchy Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-19-2013 08:15 AM)EverRespect Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-18-2013 04:17 PM)Monarchy Anarchy Wrote: [ -> ]I don't see them building a new stadium after the investments they already put into the Anslie complex, and it already sounds like BW and the coaches are hyping an expanded Foreman Field with recruits.

As it stands now, there appears to be enough room behind either clam shell to add additional structures to accommodate suites, press/coaches boxes, and additional seating. If the clamshells are not altered they wouldn't need to be upgraded to modern ADA standards. Add in an enclosed and expanded north endzone, and seating capacity would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 35k-40k when its finished.

Some Charlotte poster had some mock ups earlier in this thread that do a decent job of illustrating how it could be accomplished by cantilevering the new stands over the existing ones. A good architect could incorporate the claim shells into the new designs by using arches, brickwork, glass & steel to make something that looks both classic and modern.

Problem is that if you revisit the Charlotte poster's image, the only possible way to get to the seats above the clamshells is with a grappling hook. Anything above the clamshells will have to comply with ADA and if it physically touches the clamshells, the entire stadium will no longer be grandfathered and will have to comply with ADA. At least that is my understanding. In other words, there would have to be ramp access to the new seating above the clamshells. There just isn't enough room back there to build those, even if you make them spiral. Any money we throw at the current stadium is going into a money pit as we will have to build a new stadium anyway... at least if we grow to where everyone seems to want to be.

I still can't see ODU throwing away the $29 million they have already invested in the current site and trying to sell the public on spending another $80 million somewhere else when they already have infrastructure in place. It’ll be a whole lot easier to sell an expansion over a new stadium and location. They're definitely not going to try build new on any land acquired through eminent domain, that would be a PR nightmare.

There isn't a modern stadium of 30k+ that doesn't have ramps and elevators nowadays, so those would need to be built anyway. If you want a significant number of seats in an upper deck, you'll need ramps to just to help with fan movement and egress. These can all be designed and incorporated into any new structures that would house additional seats, suites, concessions, rest rooms, etc. ODU does have a space problem, but a good architect can plan for all of these to help maximize the space that's available on the current Foreman Field site.

I agree 100%. My question is where do you put the ramps? On one side, you'd probably have to close Bluestone and possible take some houses via imminent domain anyway and that would be a PR nightmare in itself. On the other side, you'd have to tear down Rollins. Those ramps take up a ton of space.

Hehe yeah.
Blusetone is a public right-of-way.

The new eminent domain (Virginia constitutional amendment) proscriptions in Virginia will make it virtually impossible take Bluestone, or surrounding individual properties; unless somehow the stadium could be designated for "public use". That is extremely unlikely.

You angle the ramps on existing space. Design firm will have to take this issue into account. However, you don't necessarily need ramps in all 4 corners. And since 1st phase is a lower level horseshoe, it might be a moot point right now.

(07-19-2013 11:26 AM)odusteeler Wrote: [ -> ]You angle the ramps on existing space. Design firm will have to take this issue into account. However, you don't necessarily need ramps in all 4 corners. And since 1st phase is a lower level horseshoe, it might be a moot point right now.

Exactly, a lot depends on what they do with the north endzone. Seems like BW and his coaches have already been telling recruits they'll enclose the endzone into a horseshoe. What they build there will help determine how much space will be left for vertical expansion around the clamshells.

This definitely has the feel of a multiyear expansion that will be completed in phases as attendence and demand dictate. I'm sure ramps can be incorporated rather seemlessly into whichever phase includes an upper deck.

(07-19-2013 11:26 AM)odusteeler Wrote: [ -> ]You angle the ramps on existing space. Design firm will have to take this issue into account. However, you don't necessarily need ramps in all 4 corners. And since 1st phase is a lower level horseshoe, it might be a moot point right now.

What existing space? The 20 feet of grass between the entrance in the arches where they sell ODU gear and line the bathrooms? And that is only 1 side of it.

It isn't a moot point if you have to build a new stadium later because there is no room for the ramps. In that case, why go through with phase 1 to begin with? Either that or go through with phase 1 and we accept 30-35k is our ceiling for about the next 20 years until we have our ducks and finances in a row to build new because really, other than closing the horseshoe, the space just isn't there.

(07-19-2013 11:53 AM)EverRespect Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-19-2013 11:26 AM)odusteeler Wrote: [ -> ]You angle the ramps on existing space. Design firm will have to take this issue into account. However, you don't necessarily need ramps in all 4 corners. And since 1st phase is a lower level horseshoe, it might be a moot point right now.

What existing space? The 20 feet of grass between the entrance in the arches where they sell ODU gear and line the bathrooms? And that is only 1 side of it.

It isn't a moot point if you have to build a new stadium later because there is no room for the ramps. In that case, why go through with phase 1 to begin with? Either that or go through with phase 1 and we accept 30-35k is our ceiling for about the next 20 years until we have our ducks and finances in a row to build new because really, other than closing the horseshoe, the space just isn't there.

There's space in the southwest corner behind the clamshell and above the parking garage, and room in the northeast corner by Rollins where the annex is currently located. Elevators would be centrally located in new structures to be built directly behind each clamshell leading up to the upperdeck, pressbox, and suites. It would be a tight fit, but its entirely possible with the space that's currently there. I think this along with the north endzone redesign could eventually get capacity up to 40k if it was done right.

If there is not space to eventually get to 55 to 60K, I think it would be a misstep to expand FF@SBB. We certainly need to get to 35 to 40K now, but, IMO, it would be short-sighted to expand the current facility if it could not be further expanded at a later date.

That said, "Que sera, sera."

To paraphrase President Reagan.

Mr. Broderick - Tear down these 'shells.

Who says part, if not all, of Rollins isn't torn down to make way for a ramp behind the endzone? The ramps don't need to be in the corners necessarily. And more to the point, if it's built in phases, it probably won't be symmetrical for quite some time. Look no further than the phased construction of DFS. They have an upper deck on one side of the stadium. Look at Autzen (which is what I think we should be emulating) - it is larger on one side than the other. Symmetry is not a necessity to a great venue!

(07-19-2013 01:18 PM)paintedblue Wrote: [ -> ]To paraphrase President Reagan.

Mr. Broderick - Tear down these 'shells.

+1

(07-18-2013 09:21 PM)bigblueodu Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-18-2013 08:21 PM)ODU Oldtimer Wrote: [ -> ]

ODU Master Plan (Athletic Facilities) Aim High a 10 year Vision for our Future

1). Starting in the Spring/ Summer of 2014 finalized plans for the new Basketball Practice facility to have a completion date scheduled for the fall of 2015.

2) A three phase development plan for the expansion of SB Ballad Stadium. (Phase I & II~2014 -2015 *conditioned on the financing / and design maybe 2015-2016. with a final Phase III~2019-2020)

Phase I - North End of SB Ballad (student section) and the North ends of both the east and west clamshell section to be completed into a horseshoe design that will be a seamless continuation of seating with tunnels under the design to accommodate a new visitors locker room, additional press rooms, restrooms and concession facilities. Phase I completed by the start of the 2014? or 2015* football season. At this time SB Ballad will have a capacity to hold 28,000 -30,000 fans.

Phase II will began at the conclusion of the 2014? 2015* season. The remaining construction, expansion to complete the horseshoe. The remaining clamshell to bridge the Ainslie building. All three sides to have a capacity of 40,000 fans with ADA requirements and new west side press box, along with a new parking garage. To be completed before the start of the 2015? or 2016* season.

Initial cost for Phase I & II an estimated $70 -90 million.

Phase III 2019 or 2010 expansion of SB Ballad will require a second level on both sides and have a stadium capacity of 55,000 - 60,000. This number will be strongly influenced by ticket sales from the demand from previous years.


Phase III an estimated $70 -100 million.

*conditioned on the financing / and the approved final design time limitations.

Just putting my 2 cent in the pot.[/align]

Is this inside information..... or are you just pulling this from your... dreams?

No.... and not a dream. If I were king I would start from scratch. However from just picking up information from different sources, It sounds like a gutting of the clamshell or demolition in stages. One source has intimated that it will be 3 phases of expansion. 2 phases to reach our immediate goals of approximately 35K -40K, with a future final expansion to around 50-60K. I have heard that they will have to comply with ADA requirements with expansion.

I feel very uncomfortable with the last tidbit of information, stadium funding. This may in fact force our fan base to be patient. After the study is revealed and bids selected, designs approved the legislature will have to approve. It was my understanding this may take 24 months or longer for this to be accomplished. It leaves me unsettled on the massive amount of work that is still to be done before we see our vision of a shinny new stadium on the hill.

With that said, I am just connecting dots. The information may all be wrong. I am speculating from what seems to be the only information we have. I know no more or no less. I am very anxious, excited but cautious of the information that seems to be available.

I am looking forward to the information, news or stadium unavailing on the eve of ODU's fan appreciation day at SB Ballard Stadium, scheduled in August. Planned for the week before the start of the 2013 football season.

Go Monarchs

I'm going to be so excited if we get rid of the clam shells. Why not go with functionality? The shells scream FCS. They are too far from the field and too low to the ground. Space seems to be an issue but clam shells are the least efficient design possible from a seating capacity vs space perspective. A horseshoe against Ainslie would be awesome.

(07-19-2013 06:17 PM)Fatalisk Wrote: [ -> ]I'm going to be so excited if we get rid of the clam shells. Why not go with functionality? The shells scream FCS. They are too far from the field and too low to the ground. Space seems to be an issue but clam shells are the least efficient design possible from a seating capacity vs space perspective. A horseshoe against Ainslie would be awesome.

I'd be for this all the way. My opinion is that the seating of the new horseshoe should be elevated to the level of the 200s seating on the Ainslie complex behind the south end zone. That way we mimic the sunken effect and everyone gets a decent view of the game. This would also provide an interesting opportunity to play into our mascot (a lion, albeit one with a crown on its head.) This place could be like a coliseum. Opposing teams thrown to our lions on the field, that sort of thing. Kind of a dark comparison, but that is what comes to mind.