(09-28-2022 06:42 PM)HuskieDave Wrote: [ -> ]https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/20...yan-field/
I can't say I like the design.
It doesn't look like a college football stadium and definitely doesn't fit what I think of a football stadium for a school like Northwestern should be.
But...it's not up to me. So, I wonder what the reception is among the fanbase/alumni/donors/etc.
I figure the big donors love it because they'll be catered upon immensely. Not sure if the rest of their season ticket holders and/or semi-regular attendees will think of it.
To me, it looks like a scaled down version of an NFL stadium merged with an MLS soccer stadium. Basically a modern day multi-purpose stadium.
And nothing about it says Northwestern to me, although it will fit in well along the lake.
I mean, I think it's cool. Kind of crazy that they shot low and are actually looking at reducing overall capacity to 35,000 (are they planning on bumping down to the MAC so they can get a few Ws and a conference championship?). They are far and away going to be the smallest stadium in the Big 10.
It a big little stadium. You are right on it being a hybrid between an NFL stadium and an MLS stadium.
There's a hint of the feel of the old stadium. But is totally going a completely different direction. You are right in that it doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the school (maybe more aligned with Kellogg, that parking garage by the lake, and the athletic center). I thought it would have been cooler to keep the bones of the old stadium and build on that. As this doesn't have that collegiate, old style of architecture to it. But I guess they want to be futuristic.
IMO look at the complete remodel of the NU basketball/indoor sports facility, the state-of-the-art football/soccer/etc. practice facility on the Lake Michigan lakefront, and other NU projects designed to modernize create a style its own.
NU has the Ryan family, which means really, really big bucks. If NIU had somebody like that, we'd be dancing in the streets. The video also says they're not using public dollars, Evanston economic and activity benefits will be huge, it will reduce traffic by downsizing 12,000 seats, be more energy-efficient, etc etc etc.
As to "traditional" design, NU sounds smart to me. For example, why does anyone -- even a P5 -- need more than 35,000 capacity with the growth if broadcast platforms everywhere? The days of building mega-stadiums unless you have a humongous live-attendance fanbase ... Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, e.g. -- is foolish. Just look at the B1G TV money NU is going to get every year. I've heard as much as $80 million. Not to mention NU has an $11 billion endowment, more than three times UofI.
Take care opinions don't creep over to jealousy. NIU can't even afford a new mega-video board on top of a new Touchdown Village (my first choice for HS improvements).
(Also note: video says its a "rebuild" not an all-new stadium. Not sure about that. Been to Ryan Field when it was still called Dyche Stadium. Even then it was not "traditional" in design.)
(09-28-2022 07:29 PM)pvk75 Wrote: [ -> ]IMO look at the complete remodel of the NU basketball/indoor sports facility, the state-of-the-art football/soccer/etc. practice facility on the Lake Michigan lakefront, and other NU projects designed to modernize create a style its own.
NU has the Ryan family, which means really, really big bucks. If NIU had somebody like that, we'd be dancing in the streets. The video also says they're not using public dollars, Evanston economic and activity benefits will be huge, it will reduce traffic by downsizing 12,000 seats, be more energy-efficient, etc etc etc.
As to "traditional" design, NU sounds smart to me. For example, why does anyone -- even a P5 -- need more than 35,000 capacity with the growth if broadcast platforms everywhere? The days of building mega-stadiums unless you have a humongous live-attendance fanbase ... Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, e.g. -- is foolish. Just look at the B1G TV money NU is going to get every year. I've heard as much as $80 million. Not to mention NU has an $11 billion endowment, more than three times UofI.
Take care opinions don't creep over to jealousy. NIU can't even afford a new mega-video board on top of a new Touchdown Village (my first choice for HS improvements).
(Also note: video says its a "rebuild" not an all-new stadium. Not sure about that. Been to Ryan Field when it was still called Dyche Stadium. Even then it was not "traditional" in design.)
I caught the "rebuild" term as well but, I'm pretty sure, the last paragraph in the article says they're currently evaluating sites to build on. So, "rebuild" is an odd term to use in this.
Granted, if they do intend to build on the current site, there isn't any shortage of venues they could play in for a year or two (like Illinois did when the renovated Memorial Stadium.
Plus, I'm not even sure how long it will be for them to break ground and how that coincides with the Chicago Fire becoming the primary residents of Soldier Field...
(09-28-2022 07:16 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ]I mean, I think it's cool. Kind of crazy that they shot low and are actually looking at reducing overall capacity to 35,000 (are they planning on bumping down to the MAC so they can get a few Ws and a conference championship?). They are far and away going to be the smallest stadium in the Big 10.
It a big little stadium. You are right on it being a hybrid between an NFL stadium and an MLS stadium.
There's a hint of the feel of the old stadium. But is totally going a completely different direction. You are right in that it doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the school (maybe more aligned with Kellogg, that parking garage by the lake, and the athletic center). I thought it would have been cooler to keep the bones of the old stadium and build on that. As this doesn't have that collegiate, old style of architecture to it. But I guess they want to be futuristic.
Yeah, 2020 Citrus Bowl W, T10 ranking was so long ago. 5 T25 final rankings in 10 year span. 4-0 in bowls since 2016.
Yeah, quite the failures.
(09-28-2022 07:46 PM)Big Red Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:29 PM)pvk75 Wrote: [ -> ]IMO look at the complete remodel of the NU basketball/indoor sports facility, the state-of-the-art football/soccer/etc. practice facility on the Lake Michigan lakefront, and other NU projects designed to modernize create a style its own.
NU has the Ryan family, which means really, really big bucks. If NIU had somebody like that, we'd be dancing in the streets. The video also says they're not using public dollars, Evanston economic and activity benefits will be huge, it will reduce traffic by downsizing 12,000 seats, be more energy-efficient, etc etc etc.
As to "traditional" design, NU sounds smart to me. For example, why does anyone -- even a P5 -- need more than 35,000 capacity with the growth if broadcast platforms everywhere? The days of building mega-stadiums unless you have a humongous live-attendance fanbase ... Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, e.g. -- is foolish. Just look at the B1G TV money NU is going to get every year. I've heard as much as $80 million. Not to mention NU has an $11 billion endowment, more than three times UofI.
Take care opinions don't creep over to jealousy. NIU can't even afford a new mega-video board on top of a new Touchdown Village (my first choice for HS improvements).
(Also note: video says its a "rebuild" not an all-new stadium. Not sure about that. Been to Ryan Field when it was still called Dyche Stadium. Even then it was not "traditional" in design.)
I caught the "rebuild" term as well but, I'm pretty sure, the last paragraph in the article says they're currently evaluating sites to build on. So, "rebuild" is an odd term to use in this.
Granted, if they do intend to build on the current site, there isn't any shortage of venues they could play in for a year or two (like Illinois did when the renovated Memorial Stadium.
Plus, I'm not even sure how long it will be for them to break ground and how that coincides with the Chicago Fire becoming the primary residents of Soldier Field...
Good points, but what they showed seemed to be on the foundation of current Ryan Field, even the closing scenic shot. They also indicated a lot more community input is planned, and it sounded like a sales pitch ... they have yet to get Evanstonites totally on board (??). It will all unfold before our very eyes.
Give us half of what they're gonna spend and we could ... ahh, dream on.
(09-28-2022 07:52 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:16 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ]I mean, I think it's cool. Kind of crazy that they shot low and are actually looking at reducing overall capacity to 35,000 (are they planning on bumping down to the MAC so they can get a few Ws and a conference championship?). They are far and away going to be the smallest stadium in the Big 10.
It a big little stadium. You are right on it being a hybrid between an NFL stadium and an MLS stadium.
There's a hint of the feel of the old stadium. But is totally going a completely different direction. You are right in that it doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the school (maybe more aligned with Kellogg, that parking garage by the lake, and the athletic center). I thought it would have been cooler to keep the bones of the old stadium and build on that. As this doesn't have that collegiate, old style of architecture to it. But I guess they want to be futuristic.
Yeah, 2020 Citrus Bowl W, T10 ranking was so long ago. 5 T25 final rankings in 10 year span. 4-0 in bowls since 2016.
Yeah, quite the failures.
They lost to Miami Ohio with a backup QB. Nebraska was once a thing, not long ago. Are you bleeding purple now?
Think we can get their Jumbotron at a massive discount or free for on top of the yordon?
(09-28-2022 09:00 PM)pvk75 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:46 PM)Big Red Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:29 PM)pvk75 Wrote: [ -> ]IMO look at the complete remodel of the NU basketball/indoor sports facility, the state-of-the-art football/soccer/etc. practice facility on the Lake Michigan lakefront, and other NU projects designed to modernize create a style its own.
NU has the Ryan family, which means really, really big bucks. If NIU had somebody like that, we'd be dancing in the streets. The video also says they're not using public dollars, Evanston economic and activity benefits will be huge, it will reduce traffic by downsizing 12,000 seats, be more energy-efficient, etc etc etc.
As to "traditional" design, NU sounds smart to me. For example, why does anyone -- even a P5 -- need more than 35,000 capacity with the growth if broadcast platforms everywhere? The days of building mega-stadiums unless you have a humongous live-attendance fanbase ... Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, e.g. -- is foolish. Just look at the B1G TV money NU is going to get every year. I've heard as much as $80 million. Not to mention NU has an $11 billion endowment, more than three times UofI.
Take care opinions don't creep over to jealousy. NIU can't even afford a new mega-video board on top of a new Touchdown Village (my first choice for HS improvements).
(Also note: video says its a "rebuild" not an all-new stadium. Not sure about that. Been to Ryan Field when it was still called Dyche Stadium. Even then it was not "traditional" in design.)
I caught the "rebuild" term as well but, I'm pretty sure, the last paragraph in the article says they're currently evaluating sites to build on. So, "rebuild" is an odd term to use in this.
Granted, if they do intend to build on the current site, there isn't any shortage of venues they could play in for a year or two (like Illinois did when the renovated Memorial Stadium.
Plus, I'm not even sure how long it will be for them to break ground and how that coincides with the Chicago Fire becoming the primary residents of Soldier Field...
Good points, but what they showed seemed to be on the foundation of current Ryan Field, even the closing scenic shot. They also indicated a lot more community input is planned, and it sounded like a sales pitch ... they have yet to get Evanstonites totally on board (??). It will all unfold before our very eyes.
Give us half of what they're gonna spend and we could ... ahh, dream on.
I wonder if someone or some group could get Ryan Field designated as a historical landmark.
It was build in 1926. The Bears have played there and it hosted the 1932 Women's and 1948 Men's US Olympic trials for Track and Field.
It doesn't have the greatest list of events but, I'm sure some places have gotten that distinction for much less.
(09-28-2022 06:53 PM)Big Red Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 06:42 PM)HuskieDave Wrote: [ -> ]https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/20...yan-field/
I can't say I like the design.
It doesn't look like a college football stadium and definitely doesn't fit what I think of a football stadium for a school like Northwestern should be.
But...it's not up to me. So, I wonder what the reception is among the fanbase/alumni/donors/etc.
I figure the big donors love it because they'll be catered upon immensely. Not sure if the rest of their season ticket holders and/or semi-regular attendees will think of it.
To me, it looks like a scaled down version of an NFL stadium merged with an MLS soccer stadium. Basically a modern day multi-purpose stadium.
And nothing about it says Northwestern to me, although it will fit in well along the lake.
Agree with all of the above. They don’t have enough fans to fill that either.
I'm just saying but with what NW described their new smaller stadium to be they may generate a lot more revenue than the current Ryan field. What will happen to the bread and butter fans? Increased ticket prices due to smaller capacity of 12,000 Less seats, rooftop covered chairback seats for all and top notch concessions as in restaurant food. This looks more like a playground for wealthy alums than average fans.
(09-28-2022 09:47 PM)Big Red Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 09:00 PM)pvk75 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:46 PM)Big Red Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:29 PM)pvk75 Wrote: [ -> ]IMO look at the complete remodel of the NU basketball/indoor sports facility, the state-of-the-art football/soccer/etc. practice facility on the Lake Michigan lakefront, and other NU projects designed to modernize create a style its own.
NU has the Ryan family, which means really, really big bucks. If NIU had somebody like that, we'd be dancing in the streets. The video also says they're not using public dollars, Evanston economic and activity benefits will be huge, it will reduce traffic by downsizing 12,000 seats, be more energy-efficient, etc etc etc.
As to "traditional" design, NU sounds smart to me. For example, why does anyone -- even a P5 -- need more than 35,000 capacity with the growth if broadcast platforms everywhere? The days of building mega-stadiums unless you have a humongous live-attendance fanbase ... Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, e.g. -- is foolish. Just look at the B1G TV money NU is going to get every year. I've heard as much as $80 million. Not to mention NU has an $11 billion endowment, more than three times UofI.
Take care opinions don't creep over to jealousy. NIU can't even afford a new mega-video board on top of a new Touchdown Village (my first choice for HS improvements).
(Also note: video says its a "rebuild" not an all-new stadium. Not sure about that. Been to Ryan Field when it was still called Dyche Stadium. Even then it was not "traditional" in design.)
I caught the "rebuild" term as well but, I'm pretty sure, the last paragraph in the article says they're currently evaluating sites to build on. So, "rebuild" is an odd term to use in this.
Granted, if they do intend to build on the current site, there isn't any shortage of venues they could play in for a year or two (like Illinois did when the renovated Memorial Stadium.
Plus, I'm not even sure how long it will be for them to break ground and how that coincides with the Chicago Fire becoming the primary residents of Soldier Field...
Good points, but what they showed seemed to be on the foundation of current Ryan Field, even the closing scenic shot. They also indicated a lot more community input is planned, and it sounded like a sales pitch ... they have yet to get Evanstonites totally on board (??). It will all unfold before our very eyes.
Give us half of what they're gonna spend and we could ... ahh, dream on.
I wonder if someone or some group could get Ryan Field designated as a historical landmark.
It was build in 1926. The Bears have played there and it hosted the 1932 Women's and 1948 Men's US Olympic trials for Track and Field.
It doesn't have the greatest list of events but, I'm sure some places have gotten that distinction for much less.
Kudos to Northwestern. Not only do they have nice renderings of a new stadium, but they also have the funds on hand to make it a reality starting at the end of this season. I can't foresee them having any issues with the city of Evanston, particularly if they are not asking them for any municipal funds. Biggest question will be where do they play for two seasons while the new stadium is constructed. In an article I read they suggested they might ask NIU to use Huskie stadium for an early season game while waiting for Wrigley or Guaranteed Rate to become available after the baseball season. Not sure they will be able to use Soldier Field with the Bears and Fire having dibs.
I think it's wise to go smaller, 12K fewer seats. I 'think', with a few exceptions, college FB attendance is trending down. That will look and feel more full with 15K in it, as opposed to the current setup. And certainly, it seems like it caters to the well healed crowd, and will make it more of a destination for the other big 10 school's fan bases.
As far as the average fan, unless NU is having a really good year, my experience is you can find reasonably priced NU tickets. I mean, who wouldn't want to sit in a driving rain storm with a raw unrelenting wind blowing and the temperature dropping 20 degrees during the game. I'm actually surprised they didn't put a retractable dome on the thing!
(09-28-2022 10:52 PM)NIU84 Wrote: [ -> ]I think it's wise to go smaller, 12K fewer seats. I 'think', with a few exceptions, college FB attendance is trending down. That will look and feel more full with 15K in it, as opposed to the current setup. And certainly, it seems like it caters to the well healed crowd, and will make it more of a destination for the other big 10 school's fan bases.
As far as the average fan, unless NU is having a really good year, my experience is you can find reasonably priced NU tickets. I mean, who wouldn't want to sit in a driving rain storm with a raw unrelenting wind blowing and the temperature dropping 20 degrees during the game. I'm actually surprised they didn't put a retractable dome on the thing!
Yeah, the weather up there can be brutal that close to the lake, especially in November. Which, I suppose that's why they put that extended roof over the seats. Granted, once the wind blows, who knows what that will look like inside the stadium. It could be calm or a tornado.
Either way, probably a better (more comfortable) gameday experience than the current Ryan Field. But better is not always better.
It'll be a cool place to check out.
I wonder if they'll try to get into hosting some or all of the IHSA football championships with that new field becoming a competitor with NIU in the bidding process? Gotta figure they'll try to get as many events in there as possible. I'm sure it'll have turf, so there's no risk in tearing up the field.
(09-29-2022 07:43 AM)Big Red Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 10:52 PM)NIU84 Wrote: [ -> ]I think it's wise to go smaller, 12K fewer seats. I 'think', with a few exceptions, college FB attendance is trending down. That will look and feel more full with 15K in it, as opposed to the current setup. And certainly, it seems like it caters to the well healed crowd, and will make it more of a destination for the other big 10 school's fan bases.
As far as the average fan, unless NU is having a really good year, my experience is you can find reasonably priced NU tickets. I mean, who wouldn't want to sit in a driving rain storm with a raw unrelenting wind blowing and the temperature dropping 20 degrees during the game. I'm actually surprised they didn't put a retractable dome on the thing!
Yeah, the weather up there can be brutal that close to the lake, especially in November. Which, I suppose that's why they put that extended roof over the seats. Granted, once the wind blows, who knows what that will look like inside the stadium. It could be calm or a tornado.
Either way, probably a better (more comfortable) gameday experience than the current Ryan Field. But better is not always better.
It'll be a cool place to check out.
I wonder if they'll try to get into hosting some or all of the IHSA football championships with that new field becoming a competitor with NIU in the bidding process? Gotta figure they'll try to get as many events in there as possible. I'm sure it'll have turf, so there's no risk in tearing up the field.
The lake can have a mitigating effect. IMO, there is no worse weather than DeKalb, although I would never sit outside in November in either stadium. Going to school in DeKalb has redefined for me what truly bone-chilling, nasty weather is.
(09-28-2022 09:12 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:52 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:16 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ]I mean, I think it's cool. Kind of crazy that they shot low and are actually looking at reducing overall capacity to 35,000 (are they planning on bumping down to the MAC so they can get a few Ws and a conference championship?). They are far and away going to be the smallest stadium in the Big 10.
It a big little stadium. You are right on it being a hybrid between an NFL stadium and an MLS stadium.
There's a hint of the feel of the old stadium. But is totally going a completely different direction. You are right in that it doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the school (maybe more aligned with Kellogg, that parking garage by the lake, and the athletic center). I thought it would have been cooler to keep the bones of the old stadium and build on that. As this doesn't have that collegiate, old style of architecture to it. But I guess they want to be futuristic.
Yeah, 2020 Citrus Bowl W, T10 ranking was so long ago. 5 T25 final rankings in 10 year span. 4-0 in bowls since 2016.
Yeah, quite the failures.
They lost to Miami Ohio with a backup QB. Nebraska was once a thing, not long ago. Are you bleeding purple now?
No, just not letting my emotions shape my opinion over facts followed by the need to twist and then make pointless and baseless accusations.
(09-28-2022 09:12 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:52 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:16 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ]I mean, I think it's cool. Kind of crazy that they shot low and are actually looking at reducing overall capacity to 35,000 (are they planning on bumping down to the MAC so they can get a few Ws and a conference championship?). They are far and away going to be the smallest stadium in the Big 10.
It a big little stadium. You are right on it being a hybrid between an NFL stadium and an MLS stadium.
There's a hint of the feel of the old stadium. But is totally going a completely different direction. You are right in that it doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the school (maybe more aligned with Kellogg, that parking garage by the lake, and the athletic center). I thought it would have been cooler to keep the bones of the old stadium and build on that. As this doesn't have that collegiate, old style of architecture to it. But I guess they want to be futuristic.
Yeah, 2020 Citrus Bowl W, T10 ranking was so long ago. 5 T25 final rankings in 10 year span. 4-0 in bowls since 2016.
Yeah, quite the failures.
They lost to Miami Ohio with a backup QB. Nebraska was once a thing, not long ago. Are you bleeding purple now?
I bled purple while I was at Northwestern for 4 years. It caused some problems when I had my blood tests. After I went to NIU, my blood turned red, and it's been that way since. When my blood turns black, I'll know it's time to hang 'em up!
My brother-in=law played at NU, he was showing me drawing last night, look nice. Not sure about the overall design, new capacity though.
(09-29-2022 08:45 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 09:12 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:52 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote: [ -> ] (09-28-2022 07:16 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote: [ -> ]I mean, I think it's cool. Kind of crazy that they shot low and are actually looking at reducing overall capacity to 35,000 (are they planning on bumping down to the MAC so they can get a few Ws and a conference championship?). They are far and away going to be the smallest stadium in the Big 10.
It a big little stadium. You are right on it being a hybrid between an NFL stadium and an MLS stadium.
There's a hint of the feel of the old stadium. But is totally going a completely different direction. You are right in that it doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the school (maybe more aligned with Kellogg, that parking garage by the lake, and the athletic center). I thought it would have been cooler to keep the bones of the old stadium and build on that. As this doesn't have that collegiate, old style of architecture to it. But I guess they want to be futuristic.
Yeah, 2020 Citrus Bowl W, T10 ranking was so long ago. 5 T25 final rankings in 10 year span. 4-0 in bowls since 2016.
Yeah, quite the failures.
They lost to Miami Ohio with a backup QB. Nebraska was once a thing, not long ago. Are you bleeding purple now?
No, just not letting my emotions shape my opinion over facts followed by the need to twist and then make pointless and baseless accusations.
Calm down. It's not that serious. I was just busting their chops. I do resent NU. I worked on that campus for 4 years. Bad times right now, but I think Fitzgerald is a great coach. Hopefully they give him grace this season.