(12-07-2017 05:25 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 04:22 PM)jmufan2008 Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 04:17 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  I'm sure there are a lot of good reasons to do this but I am devastated to find out this decision was made. Godwin Field was iconic and something very special. Logistically it may make sense, financially it may make sense, practically it may make sense...but it is hard for me to get behind this decision, even if it is for selfish sentimental reasons. I wasn't around for "The Hill" but I feel like its similar to that decision...sure it makes sense but the idea of never having it again is hard to swallow.

Remember that at least 356 days out of the year it is parking for campus, and we're about to add a giant new state-of-the-art business school right beside it. I'm sure the Duke Club will lose some donations because of it (though people like Deez may find it more attractive now and up their donations), but the university as a whole won't lose sleep over adding extra spots for their premier (and first named) school. I think the extra tailgating space was probably the compromise for donors.

Are you referencing the COB? To my knowledge, the COB is not named (just the building, which is not attached to the college of business), and I believe the Hospitality School was the first named school at JMU.

True, the COB is not named, the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management is...which is separate (my b). Either way...it's housed in Godwin...the newly expanded business school will all be closer than you think, in fact...it's right over there ->

It's a prime location with Godwin and the COB both right there. I'm sure professors and guest speakers are fine having extra parking so close.

Plus...let's be honest here...yes, G Field was "green space" in that it had grass, but it's not like it looked all that nice. Quite the opposite. A plain grass field with the big ugly brick Godwin behind it was not a good look. This will look MUCH nicer.

(12-07-2017 05:31 PM)olddawg Wrote:  Sucks to lose Godwin Field, but it seems like they are making a real strong effort to maintain greenery. I think in the end it'll still look good and give much needed permanent parking.

If they really want to do it right for the high rollers, do what ECU is doing with their parking renovation: electrical power and cable between every two spaces.
http://www.ecupirateclub.com/sports/2016...ation.aspx

Gotta do something to bring in the fans when they hate the coach and AD and aren't winning...

That having been said, that would be a total game changer having a couple outlets available.

I am old and went to the first football game on Godwin Field. Had a great flashback in Madison magazine yesterday with the great picture of Dr. Carrier and Dr. Sonner. Godwin Field tailgating, on the grass, is special. I am with Dolly and Dadgum. And the timing stinks as well.

Go Dukes.

(12-07-2017 08:53 PM)Dukesfan71 Wrote:  I am old and went to the first football game on Godwin Field. Had a great flashback in Madison magazine yesterday with the great picture of Dr. Carrier and Dr. Sonner. Godwin Field tailgating, on the grass, is special. I am with Dolly and Dadgum. And the timing stinks as well.

Go Dukes.

My last memory as a student on that field involves beer trucks and mud slides. At my age I'd probably slide just as far on pavement as mud so I'm okay with letting this one go.

Eh, I could go either way here. Having to relocate on rainy days is a problem that will get alleviated by this. Also, if it gets built as the renderings show, a majority of the spots will have access to some "grass". If having an area for your kids to run around and play is important and you're a Godwin pass owner, you've got a pretty good shot at being accommodated.

One thing I know for sure, Godwin field will be all grass tonight and I will be there ready to root.

Go Dukes!

I don't always pass out at pregame tailgates, but when I do, I prefer a grass surface.

I also was at that first game, October 7, 1972 and a heck of a lot of them since then. My head tells me this is right, but my heart says it won't be the same. I will miss it.

(12-07-2017 05:39 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  That is one Sweet tailgating setup, says they are using “reinforced turf” - wonder if that’s natural grass with some underground support, or more like field turf. Either way it looks great.

(12-07-2017 06:03 PM)RamDawg Wrote:  Probably real grass with an underground irrigation and drainage system. Thick layer of gravel with thin layer of soil and then sod pavers. I think it's similar to natural turf football fields.

RamDawg, you're on the right track, but it's a different scenario from athletics fields because the underlying system is designed to hold the weight of vehicles.

I work in landscape architecture/civil engineering and we've used this type of system before:



The benefit of these systems is that it allows real grass to grow, drains well, but the underlying grid system is extremely strong and reduces compression to the grass/soil from vehicular use. It's basically a way to get the performance of pavement, but with the aesthetics of grass. We've specified it when there's a need for a fire lane, but the client doesn't want to build a road that would get used infrequently. Not surprised it's getting used in tailgate lots, as it's a pretty smart use of the system.