RE: NIU Prez Freeman on state of NIU
Good point. Northern already has physical elements of a plan, a future, if it will recognize them. I actually feel pretty good that Northern has not committted to major athletic capital projects, because it can now right-size and adjust. And Ms. Freeman has shown she deserves our support restoring the band, as one e.g.).
For example ... Huskie Stadium. Does Northern need a stadium of 35,000 seats? Consider this: in 55 years since the west grandstand was built, and more than 300 home games, attendance has topped 27,000 just six times. The last time was in 2004.
But it has some terrific elements. Most stadiums are surrounded by blacktop parking, but HS has green lawns on both sides. Terrific tailgating atmosphere (and you can't stick a tailgate tent pole in blacktop). And there's not a bad seat in the house. What it needs is refurbishing, more rail bencback and chairback seating (think no back pain) instead of plain benches. The west side interior needs more lobby, concession and (clean) restroom space. The east side needs more ground-level wind/cold shielding. And a bigger scoreboard, to complete with the big-screen TV at home. Maybe an elevated south end zone grandstand, also providing restrooms for, and a partial rooftop over, Touchdown Village. A refurbished skybox/press box (the roof leaks). Maybe 25,000 capacity (23,595 now) ... but all for the fans.
To get that done, though, Northern needs to play that "other" game of dominos, the one where you line them up in a pattern, knock over the first one and the rest fall in line. To get C, A and B have to fall first. To get B, A has to fall first. So you start with A.
A is an Olympic Village facility, because soccer, gymnastics and wrestling have some facilities inside the west grandstand that is needed for the lobby, concession and restroom space. But not the way the "official" plan calls for it (freestanding). Instead, you build an addition on the athletic admin building east side, so teams like gymnastics and wrestling don't have to go outside to get to the Convocation Center where they compete (especially in winter). Fans aren't going to be in the OV, so only coaches and teams going through admin. Point is, if you're going to spend money, since you can't afford a do-over, do it right.
That's a rambling example of what a real plan might look like (imo), putting the elements in the correct order and using common sense. Anyone can invest in anything any time, but what works is the right investment in the right place at the right time. If you start with the OV and explain how it gets to HS, that is something people can understand and might support ... because it makes sense.
Getting old. Gray Hair. Stuck at home. Nothing to do but think and ramble. Ignore at will.
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