(06-19-2016 08:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  C'mon guys, of course that's a factor, but even if we got so good that we averaged 30k a game, we still wouldn't need that upper deck. An attractive stadium is just one of the many factors that will help us get there, just like nice restrooms, amenities, student participation etc. A stupid fan tarp isn't the majic bullet by itself.

"That upper desk is really ugly. Thats why I didn't come to the game". Said. No. One. Ever.

Lets talk when we get to 30k per game.

(06-19-2016 08:57 PM)Antarius Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  C'mon guys, of course that's a factor, but even if we got so good that we averaged 30k a game, we still wouldn't need that upper deck. An attractive stadium is just one of the many factors that will help us get there, just like nice restrooms, amenities, student participation etc. A stupid fan tarp isn't the majic bullet by itself.

"That upper desk is really ugly. Thats why I didn't come to the game". Said. No. One. Ever.

Lets talk when we get to 30k per game.

Way to really oversimplfy it

(06-19-2016 11:45 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:57 PM)Antarius Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  C'mon guys, of course that's a factor, but even if we got so good that we averaged 30k a game, we still wouldn't need that upper deck. An attractive stadium is just one of the many factors that will help us get there, just like nice restrooms, amenities, student participation etc. A stupid fan tarp isn't the majic bullet by itself.

"That upper desk is really ugly. Thats why I didn't come to the game". Said. No. One. Ever.

Lets talk when we get to 30k per game.

Way to really oversimplfy it

Surprised it took this long... Antarius will take a thread about stadium improvements and start calling it an excuse thread and eventually it will become a fire bailiff thread.

(06-20-2016 06:42 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 11:45 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:57 PM)Antarius Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  C'mon guys, of course that's a factor, but even if we got so good that we averaged 30k a game, we still wouldn't need that upper deck. An attractive stadium is just one of the many factors that will help us get there, just like nice restrooms, amenities, student participation etc. A stupid fan tarp isn't the majic bullet by itself.

"That upper desk is really ugly. Thats why I didn't come to the game". Said. No. One. Ever.

Lets talk when we get to 30k per game.

Way to really oversimplfy it

Surprised it took this long... Antarius will take a thread about stadium improvements and start calling it an excuse thread and eventually it will become a fire bailiff thread.

And why's everyone so quick to fall in line behind Hambone around here? Sheesh. If he doesn't support an idea, nobody supports it.

What's with the two widths of goal posts?
Can't see the bottoms. but there are four posts now.

(06-20-2016 06:42 AM)cr11owl Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 11:45 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:57 PM)Antarius Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 08:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  C'mon guys, of course that's a factor, but even if we got so good that we averaged 30k a game, we still wouldn't need that upper deck. An attractive stadium is just one of the many factors that will help us get there, just like nice restrooms, amenities, student participation etc. A stupid fan tarp isn't the majic bullet by itself.

"That upper desk is really ugly. Thats why I didn't come to the game". Said. No. One. Ever.

Lets talk when we get to 30k per game.

Way to really oversimplfy it

Surprised it took this long... Antarius will take a thread about stadium improvements and start calling it an excuse thread and eventually it will become a fire bailiff thread.

And yet, you steered the conversation that way. I didn't bring up the coach. Not even close.

(06-20-2016 08:24 AM)Grungy Wrote:  What's with the two widths of goal posts?
Can't see the bottoms. but there are four posts now.

The wider posts are for the Allstate ads. They put up a netting to catch the balls as they go through the uprights.

(06-20-2016 08:24 AM)Grungy Wrote:  What's with the two widths of goal posts?
Can't see the bottoms. but there are four posts now.

Looks like we're gonna be playing Australian rules football this fall...

(06-19-2016 02:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  I guess one of the differences between you and I is that it doesn't matter to me what a few fans of the opposing team may say. Whomever it is, they surely have attendance problems of their own to worry about. I'm more focused on improving the atmosphere at football games. When I look at the rederings of the EZF that Goodowl posted, I see an upper deck that appears to be full of fans. A fan tarp would provide that same effect. I'd also have the flags of all our conference mates flying at the top of the deck. It's not just about a tarp. Anything is better than what we see now.

Your reading comprehension stinks.

First, I've been one of those west side sitters for 30+ years, looking at the 'blank' upper deck. Because I've been there for 30+ years, a tarp isn't going to fool me, or anyone else actually at the stadium into thinking that the stadium is more full. That would actually make me feel worse about our situation... that we're trying to fool people. You say 'you don't care what other fans say', so why are you trying to fool them? They can't see it anyway since it's above and behind them. The only people it might fool are a TV crowd as the punted or thrown ball flashes to the stands. It won't fool one single person in attendance. I agree that putting a bigger crowd in the west stands will help the atmosphere... but creating fake fans for me to look at all day will not. If you REALLY want to do that (and I'm not suggesting it at all for various reasons... please don't anyone think I am), then tarp the upper west. THAT way, it's the visitors (who have their own attendance problems) who are looking at the empty seats... and not our home fans.

I HAVE suggested that we build a new press box and even suites in front of the old one... which would be closer to the game AND push west siders further down. Leave the old area as a 'work space' or even a green room for media or even a museum of sorts.

Second, nothing in my suggestions precludes yours... so if the powers that be decide that tarping the upper east is a good idea, they can do whatever they like... including your option. Of course, tarping the upper east has been an option for 20+ years, and they haven't done so... so I would be surprised if they will now... but feel free to continue to ignore what I'm saying and act as if I'm the one not listening

Finally, MY suggestion could easily create the same illusion... without the need to put on and/or take off tarps. My point is that since we're already somewhat involved in 'nano-coatings' and durability is a key factor in their development, it seems we (and every other stadium and most buildings in the country) have a ripe proving ground.... but the difference is that OURS is (at the moment) highly unused.

(06-20-2016 11:13 AM)Hambone10 Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 02:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  I guess one of the differences between you and I is that it doesn't matter to me what a few fans of the opposing team may say. Whomever it is, they surely have attendance problems of their own to worry about. I'm more focused on improving the atmosphere at football games. When I look at the rederings of the EZF that Goodowl posted, I see an upper deck that appears to be full of fans. A fan tarp would provide that same effect. I'd also have the flags of all our conference mates flying at the top of the deck. It's not just about a tarp. Anything is better than what we see now.

Your reading comprehension stinks.

First, I've been one of those west side sitters for 30+ years, looking at the 'blank' upper deck. Because I've been there for 30+ years, a tarp isn't going to fool me, or anyone else actually at the stadium into thinking that the stadium is more full. That would actually make me feel worse about our situation... that we're trying to fool people. You say 'you don't care what other fans say', so why are you trying to fool them? They can't see it anyway since it's above and behind them. The only people it might fool are a TV crowd as the punted or thrown ball flashes to the stands. It won't fool one single person in attendance. I agree that putting a bigger crowd in the west stands will help the atmosphere... but creating fake fans for me to look at all day will not. If you REALLY want to do that (and I'm not suggesting it at all for various reasons... please don't anyone think I am), then tarp the upper west. THAT way, it's the visitors (who have their own attendance problems) who are looking at the empty seats... and not our home fans.

I HAVE suggested that we build a new press box and even suites in front of the old one... which would be closer to the game AND push west siders further down. Leave the old area as a 'work space' or even a green room for media or even a museum of sorts.

Second, nothing in my suggestions precludes yours... so if the powers that be decide that tarping the upper east is a good idea, they can do whatever they like... including your option. Of course, tarping the upper east has been an option for 20+ years, and they haven't done so... so I would be surprised if they will now... but feel free to continue to ignore what I'm saying and act as if I'm the one not listening

Finally, MY suggestion could easily create the same illusion... without the need to put on and/or take off tarps. My point is that since we're already somewhat involved in 'nano-coatings' and durability is a key factor in their development, it seems we (and every other stadium and most buildings in the country) have a ripe proving ground.... but the difference is that OURS is (at the moment) highly unused.

I guess I'll just fall in line behind Hambone here.

(06-20-2016 12:56 PM)Middle Ages Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 11:13 AM)Hambone10 Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 02:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  I guess one of the differences between you and I is that it doesn't matter to me what a few fans of the opposing team may say. Whomever it is, they surely have attendance problems of their own to worry about. I'm more focused on improving the atmosphere at football games. When I look at the rederings of the EZF that Goodowl posted, I see an upper deck that appears to be full of fans. A fan tarp would provide that same effect. I'd also have the flags of all our conference mates flying at the top of the deck. It's not just about a tarp. Anything is better than what we see now.

Your reading comprehension stinks.

First, I've been one of those west side sitters for 30+ years, looking at the 'blank' upper deck. Because I've been there for 30+ years, a tarp isn't going to fool me, or anyone else actually at the stadium into thinking that the stadium is more full. That would actually make me feel worse about our situation... that we're trying to fool people. You say 'you don't care what other fans say', so why are you trying to fool them? They can't see it anyway since it's above and behind them. The only people it might fool are a TV crowd as the punted or thrown ball flashes to the stands. It won't fool one single person in attendance. I agree that putting a bigger crowd in the west stands will help the atmosphere... but creating fake fans for me to look at all day will not. If you REALLY want to do that (and I'm not suggesting it at all for various reasons... please don't anyone think I am), then tarp the upper west. THAT way, it's the visitors (who have their own attendance problems) who are looking at the empty seats... and not our home fans.

I HAVE suggested that we build a new press box and even suites in front of the old one... which would be closer to the game AND push west siders further down. Leave the old area as a 'work space' or even a green room for media or even a museum of sorts.

Second, nothing in my suggestions precludes yours... so if the powers that be decide that tarping the upper east is a good idea, they can do whatever they like... including your option. Of course, tarping the upper east has been an option for 20+ years, and they haven't done so... so I would be surprised if they will now... but feel free to continue to ignore what I'm saying and act as if I'm the one not listening

Finally, MY suggestion could easily create the same illusion... without the need to put on and/or take off tarps. My point is that since we're already somewhat involved in 'nano-coatings' and durability is a key factor in their development, it seems we (and every other stadium and most buildings in the country) have a ripe proving ground.... but the difference is that OURS is (at the moment) highly unused.

I guess I'll just fall in line behind Hambone here.

Good enough for Hambone is good enough for me.

(06-20-2016 11:13 AM)Hambone10 Wrote:  I HAVE suggested that we build a new press box and even suites in front of the old one... which would be closer to the game AND push west siders further down. Leave the old area as a 'work space' or even a green room for media or even a museum of sorts.

Shade.
Add something that provides more shade.
Have you ever watched the crowd on the ends of the lower West side migrate to be in the shade?
The same thing happens as the shadow of the press box swings around.
Somewhere I have pictures of this, from my seat in the solar dutch oven section.

(06-20-2016 11:13 AM)Hambone10 Wrote:  

(06-19-2016 02:52 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  I guess one of the differences between you and I is that it doesn't matter to me what a few fans of the opposing team may say. Whomever it is, they surely have attendance problems of their own to worry about. I'm more focused on improving the atmosphere at football games. When I look at the rederings of the EZF that Goodowl posted, I see an upper deck that appears to be full of fans. A fan tarp would provide that same effect. I'd also have the flags of all our conference mates flying at the top of the deck. It's not just about a tarp. Anything is better than what we see now.

Your reading comprehension stinks.

First, I've been one of those west side sitters for 30+ years, looking at the 'blank' upper deck. Because I've been there for 30+ years, a tarp isn't going to fool me, or anyone else actually at the stadium into thinking that the stadium is more full. That would actually make me feel worse about our situation... that we're trying to fool people. You say 'you don't care what other fans say', so why are you trying to fool them? They can't see it anyway since it's above and behind them. The only people it might fool are a TV crowd as the punted or thrown ball flashes to the stands. It won't fool one single person in attendance. I agree that putting a bigger crowd in the west stands will help the atmosphere... but creating fake fans for me to look at all day will not. If you REALLY want to do that (and I'm not suggesting it at all for various reasons... please don't anyone think I am), then tarp the upper west. THAT way, it's the visitors (who have their own attendance problems) who are looking at the empty seats... and not our home fans.

I HAVE suggested that we build a new press box and even suites in front of the old one... which would be closer to the game AND push west siders further down. Leave the old area as a 'work space' or even a green room for media or even a museum of sorts.

Second, nothing in my suggestions precludes yours... so if the powers that be decide that tarping the upper east is a good idea, they can do whatever they like... including your option. Of course, tarping the upper east has been an option for 20+ years, and they haven't done so... so I would be surprised if they will now... but feel free to continue to ignore what I'm saying and act as if I'm the one not listening

Finally, MY suggestion could easily create the same illusion... without the need to put on and/or take off tarps. My point is that since we're already somewhat involved in 'nano-coatings' and durability is a key factor in their development, it seems we (and every other stadium and most buildings in the country) have a ripe proving ground.... but the difference is that OURS is (at the moment) highly unused.

Fan tarps create theater. It's an illusion that alters the psyche of fans in attendance. Fireworks and video boards do the same thing. It's not an attempt to "fool" anyone. It's simply a strategy for beautifying the stadium and making it feel more like a big-time college football atmosphere. It would be better than looking at an enormous, empty deck of seats. Who can honestly argue against that? I think it's unique and exciting. If you don't like it, that's fine, but don't act like it's such a terrible idea when the only solution you offer up is 'solar paint.' This isn't a discussion on sources of renewable energy.

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

(06-20-2016 02:56 PM)Orange County Owl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

we can pipe in some crowd noise too

(06-20-2016 03:19 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:56 PM)Orange County Owl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

we can pipe in some crowd noise too

If we are piping in noise, I think a laugh track would be more fun.

(06-20-2016 02:56 PM)Orange County Owl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

Big-time college football programs have fans, something Rice does not. That being the case, I would think the athletics department would want to do anything in it's power to try to create the most exciting atmosphere possible, even if it's largely artificial.

(06-20-2016 03:57 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 03:19 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:56 PM)Orange County Owl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

we can pipe in some crowd noise too

If we are piping in noise, I think a laugh track would be more fun.

Absolutely!

(06-20-2016 04:16 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:56 PM)Orange County Owl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

Big-time college football programs have fans, something Rice does not. That being the case, I would think the athletics department would want to do anything in it's power to try to create the most exciting atmosphere possible, even if it's largely artificial.

Improve the product on the field significantly and fans will be watching the game on the field, not the upper deck. I wouldn't spend one dime of the Athletics Dept. budget on such slight of hand.

Of course, if you want to fund the tarp and be responsible for its maintenance... It would still be a bad idea, but at least not a costly one for the University.

(06-20-2016 03:57 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 03:19 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:56 PM)Orange County Owl Wrote:  

(06-20-2016 02:09 PM)Afflicted Wrote:  Fan tarps create ... a big-time college football atmosphere.

Yep ... most big time college football atmospheres come from stadiums covered with tarps.

we can pipe in some crowd noise too

If we are piping in noise, I think a laugh track would be more fun.

While we're at it, we can just simulate the game on a computer