Stadium up grades

[mrklean]

Its time to bowl in the grass part of the Stadium. We need to start moving forward. I dont know why GSU wants to remain the small little school in Souith Georgia. In some cases, change is good. If we bowled in the grass side, "OUR HOUSE"could hold an additional 5k to 6k more people.

[gsumarine]

I'm more in favor of extending the stands to the endzones and then putting in upper decks like the original plans showed. If it were up to me, I wouldn't close the endzones until last. But that's just my opinion. I personally don't like horseshoe stadiums. However, any expansion is good.

[mrklean]

I'm more in favor of extending the stands to the endzones and then putting in upper decks like the original plans showed. If it were up to me, I wouldn't close the endzones until last. But that's just my opinion. I personally don't like horseshoe stadiums. However, any expansion is good.

Hey jarhead, be safe and thank you for serving your country.

I'am a former U.S. Army Paratrooper

AIRBORNE and Semper Fi

[gsumarine]

Thanks, klean. Appreciate it.

[mrklean]

Thanks, klean. Appreciate it.

no problem troop!

[The_Eagles_Cliff]

I like the way folks talk about stadium expansion as if the University doesn't want a 50,000+ stadium filled to capacity. Rutgers University is expanding their stadium right now at a cost of over $100 million. No state or university funding is being provided. Private and corporate donations and ticket revenue will fund the project.

SB raised over $2 million last year which is more than ever and great, but some of our fans are griping about paying $50 to park and $12 to eat in the field house.

Moving to FBS will significantly increase our exposure and attract bigger corporate dollars. Maybe then the funding will be available to expand the stadium. Ultimately, expanding our television market is the only way we'll ever be a serious player and for us that means the coastal empire and low country Carolina need to "own" Georgia Southern.

South Florida grew fast because of their market, East Carolina is in Po Dunk Greenville, NC. Both have great young football traditions, but did you notice that ECU hosted VT in Charlotte last week?

I'm with you though, I'll send a check immediately for $100 toward the $100 million.

[eaglesrthe1]

You could start by raising ticket prices by $5 a head, including students. I wonder if an expansion was announced with the increase in prices to help pay for it, if attendance would bump up because of the buzz, of take a hit because of the price increase?

[gsu_paintballer]

You could start by raising ticket prices by $5 a head, including students. I wonder if an expansion was announced with the increase in prices to help pay for it, if attendance would bump up because of the buzz, of take a hit because of the price increase?

They JUST raised ticket prices THIS Year. It already costs my parents $75 just to come to ONE game. If students are charged $5 per game...well...remember that excellent student attendance mentioned in another thread? Consider it gone. Now, if they want to raise athletic fees a little, I don't care. I have the HOPE scholarship, so not a dime of it will come out of my pocket. However, you can bet that a good portion of people will be pissed. IMO though, if you have to do one, a $30 fee increase is better than $5 per game. Hidden costs are much easier to stomach for people who know no better.

[The_Eagles_Cliff]

They JUST raised ticket prices THIS Year. It already costs my parents $75 just to come to ONE game. If students are charged $5 per game...well...remember that excellent student attendance mentioned in another thread? Consider it gone. Now, if they want to raise athletic fees a little, I don't care. I have the HOPE scholarship, so not a dime of it will come out of my pocket. However, you can bet that a good portion of people will be pissed. IMO though, if you have to do one, [b]a $30 fee increase is better than $5 per game.[b/] Hidden costs are much easier to stomach for people who know no better.

Agreed, but a fee increase is also an issue for the university AND the Board of Regents. We're going to get the report from the feasibility study at the end of this season and we're also going to be back on top when the moratorium is lifted. 2011 will be good timing for us to seriously begin working toward some of the expansion goals discussed here. In the mean time, it's our job to be ambassadors for GSU to those who haven't fully discovered the good time and excitement that we know. Get them to a few games and help them understand who the other teams are and they'll love it just like we do. People WANT to be part of something like Georgia Southern, they just need some help from veteran fans.

[AUgradGSUgradstudent]

They JUST raised ticket prices THIS Year. It already costs my parents $75 just to come to ONE game. If students are charged $5 per game...well...remember that excellent student attendance mentioned in another thread? Consider it gone. Now, if they want to raise athletic fees a little, I don't care. I have the HOPE scholarship, so not a dime of it will come out of my pocket. However, you can bet that a good portion of people will be pissed. IMO though, if you have to do one, a $30 fee increase is better than $5 per game. Hidden costs are much easier to stomach for people who know no better.

I don't know that the student attendance would be gone if they charged money. At Auburn the students paid an upfront fee at the beginning of every semester for football tickets. It was about $70 for the whole season, which with typically 8 home games comes out to be $8.75. The infrastructure is already in place to do this with the way they scan the IDs coming in, that's how it was done at Auburn. An ID scan showed whether or not you had paid for the tickets that year. If you charged a $30 up front fee at the beginning of fall semester ($5 per home game) for the students each year I don't think we would lose any attendance from students and while it wouldn't raise a huge amount of money you're still talking about somewhere in the $30,000/year range if 10,000 students bought the tickets.

[gsu_paintballer]

I don't know that the student attendance would be gone if they charged money. At Auburn the students paid an upfront fee at the beginning of every semester for football tickets. It was about $70 for the whole season, which with typically 8 home games comes out to be $8.75. The infrastructure is already in place to do this with the way they scan the IDs coming in, that's how it was done at Auburn. An ID scan showed whether or not you had paid for the tickets that year. If you charged a $30 up front fee at the beginning of fall semester ($5 per home game) for the students each year I don't think we would lose any attendance from students and while it wouldn't raise a huge amount of money you're still talking about somewhere in the $30,000/year range if 10,000 students bought the tickets.

That's my view. If you go to the trouble, you aren't gaining much from it. Again, don't misunderstand what I am trying to say. Tuition/fees here are not that bad. It's less than 1800 a semester, which most places can't say. I don't know what percentage of our students have the HOPE scholarship, but assuming they all think like I do, I don't care if they raise the fees. It's the ones who come out of pocket to go to school that will care.

I agree that an upfront fee (hidden in the athletic fee) would probably not hinder attendance very much. When it's included in the athletic fee, it's "free" to most students. Make them pay a separate price, and many begin to think "It's not free anymore!? I'm not going"

[eaglesrthe1]

Except that you wouldn't be talking about 30,000, you'd be talking about 300,000. Every year. Plus, double that if you also add it to the other 10K who come to each game. That would be 600,000/year, every year.

You don't have to do a 100 mil expansion all at once. At Montana they have expanded several times, in smaller stages. Suppose you did a 10 mil expansion in one end zone and paid for it over 5 years. That 3mil in ticket prices would represent 30% of the tab. It's of some significance. Ticket prices are a revenue stream that can't, and won't be ignored.

[Large Marge]

App. State drew almost 31,000 fans for their game yesterday. They just expanded their stadium. I say the "build it and they will come" held true for them even hosting an inferior opponent in Jacksonville.

[BillyBob]

Only 18k for the opener and good weather. We are not ready for a stadium expansion. More people aren't going to magically show up just because there are more seats and less grass seating.

[Buzz Killington]

Don't be fooled by Paulson Stadiums listed capacity of 18,000. There are only 14,000 actual seats in the facility...I'd say when you're averaging over 18,000 and only have 14,000 actual seats...it's time for an expansion.

[gsu_paintballer]

App. State drew almost 31,000 fans for their game yesterday. They just expanded their stadium. I say the "build it and they will come" held true for them even hosting an inferior opponent in Jacksonville.
People didn't come to the game because they expanded. They came to the game because they have won 3 NCs in a row.

[BossDev/Eagle]

what happened to the 748 million that the university grossed into bulloch county. the majority of that has to be in the university

[eaglewraith]

People didn't come to the game because they expanded. They came to the game because they have won 3 NCs in a row.

And they beat Michigan. They weren't drawing that many on their run to 2.

[gsu_paintballer]

And they beat Michigan. They weren't drawing that many on their run to 2.

I'm sure that doesn't hurt.

[eaglewraith]

I'm sure that doesn't hurt.

I'm pretty sure it actually has more to do with it than the 3 in a row. They were drawing lower 20's or so before michigan. Shot up to around 27-30 afterward.

[gsu_paintballer]

i'm pretty sure it actually has more to do with it than the 3 in a row. They were drawing lower 20's or so before michigan. Shot up to around 27-30 afterward.

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i'm sure that doesn't hurt.



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[eaglewraith]

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Haha...yea, I thought about it some more and had that to add. Still shaking out the cobwebs from getting back to Warner Robins late last night after getting up at 6 in the morning. Take it easy.

[GSUEagle4life]

We should copy Missouri and keep the grass keep both sides happy
http://interns.beloblog.com/archives/Rock%20M.jpg
http://www.fussballtempel.net/concacaf/USA/Faurot_Field_A.gif

[KJ Eagle]

People didn't come to the game because they expanded. They came to the game because they have won 3 NCs in a row.

There you go with FACTS again. What have we told you guys about doing that here...

[gsu_paintballer]

There you go with FACTS again. What have we told you guys about doing that here...

Crap. I keep forgetting. Sorry. I won't let it happen again.

[Jonathangsu]

ALSO...a stadium note...I obviously love the COACH ERK RUSSELL on the home side.....

But can we also add Back OUR HOUSE???????


Like on the far left near the scoreboard have a big OUR......and then close to the field house have HOUSE....................

So it would go OUR.......Ham Jersey........Coach Erk Russeell......AP Jersey.........HOUSE

[gsu_paintballer]

That would be too spaced.

http://photos-186.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v334/117/31/1123920186/n1123920186_30074335_3484.jpg

Perhaps above the windows?

[eaglesrthe1]

Don't get hung up on bowling in vs 2ND decks, or even worry about Apps attendance. More people aren't going to show up just because GSU expands? That's debatable. Some will show up just to see what's up with GSU, what's the fuss that they are seeing it necessary to have more room? Some will come because there is a seat available, instead of just grass.

But beyond all of that the point is, and it's the most important point, that the stadium actually seats less that 15k. That number is exceeded almost as an afterthought now so, the stadium needs expanding simply because it's time to do it. You don't have to "build it and they will come". They are already here.

[gsueagle2424]

I think the only reason more people did not show up for our game yesterday is they were scared about the weather. I am sure people planned earlier in the week to do something else this weekend when they saw the potential for there to be a tropical storm looming around in the area.

[mrklean]

Sorry guys but I only wanted to bowl in the grass endzone and get an extra 6k at Paulson. Some people do not want to sit on the grass.

[Ralze34]

I would prefer to build an upper deck and more boxes on the away side. By doing this they can sit all the 'away' fans at the top of the deck and leave the bottom just for students. This would help with the crowding we have now in the student section.

Then by adding more boxes we can generate a lot more big money to the program. There is already a waiting list for luxury boxes now (I'm #13 on the list), so by building more boxes that is a guaranteed extra $10k/year/box.

I also think we need to raise individual game ticket prices. Right now the benefits of season tickets are not that great for those of us who drive down. If you miss even 1 game it makes more sense to buy tickets at the gate. By raising individual prices I think we will see a boost in season ticket purchases, and more money come into the games.

[The_Eagles_Cliff]

App. State drew almost 31,000 fans for their game yesterday. They just expanded their stadium. I say the "build it and they will come" held true for them even hosting an inferior opponent in Jacksonville.

In the Mountain Math I saw last year, that 31,000 translates to about 18 to 20,000 bodies. You can't hardly fit 31,000 in Boone much less Kidd Brewer. Look at the attendance they reported for the playoffs and that's more like it.

[gsu_paintballer]

In the Mountain Math I saw last year, that 31,000 translates to about 18 to 20,000 bodies. You can't hardly fit 31,000 in Boone much less Kidd Brewer. Look at the attendance they reported for the playoffs and that's more like it.

When we were there, I would say they easily had the 27ish they reported.

[southern edumacation]

Sorry guys but I only wanted to bowl in the grass endzone and get an extra 6k at Paulson. Some people do not want to sit on the grass.


Plenty of seats in section K available. We were basically alone down in rows 8 and 9. Maybe they should buy an actual seat instead of General Admission?

[1peatfor7]

Lots of elbow room in Section B. I saw 100 open spots and I'm being generous. So it appears those who sat on the grass choose to do so.

[straightshooter]

Last week at UGA there were a number of seats vacant in my section, but the game was still listed as a sellout. Not sure whether we count tickets sold or seats occupied.

[Debbie Downer]

Then by adding more boxes we can generate a lot more big money to the program. There is already a waiting list for luxury boxes now (I'm #13 on the list), so by building more boxes that is a guaranteed extra $10k/year/box.

I also think we need to raise individual game ticket prices. Right now the benefits of season tickets are not that great for those of us who drive down. If you miss even 1 game it makes more sense to buy tickets at the gate. By raising individual prices I think we will see a boost in season ticket purchases, and more money come into the games.

All for it

[JDC325]

Hey jarhead, be safe and thank you for serving your country.

I'am a former U.S. Army Paratrooper

AIRBORNE and Semper Fi

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

and RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

[JDC325]

Only 18k for the opener and good weather. We are not ready for a stadium expansion. More people aren't going to magically show up just because there are more seats and less grass seating.

Our stadium only seats 14K but I am sure you knew that. So for 4000-5000 GSU folks the choice is only to sit on the grass or be packed in like sardines unnecessarily. Never mind that the band area and visitor's section is included in that 14K. Giving those choices to fans is not in the realm of big time football and is closer to what you see on Fridays not Saturdays.

[JDC325]

People didn't come to the game because they expanded. They came to the game because they have won 3 NCs in a row.


But expanding and having ACTUAL SEATS for folks is probably a good decision in the long run or you will probably see a steady decline in numbers or stagnant growth in attendance, like GSU has for the most part even with huge increases in student pop and local growth.

[KJ Eagle]

Our stadium only seats 14K but I am sure you knew that. So for 4000-5000 GSU folks the choice is only to sit on the grass or be packed in like sardines unnecessarily. Never mind that the visitor's section is included in that 14K. Giving those choices to fans is not in the realm of big time football and is closer to what you see on Fridays not Saturdays.


I agree that the stadium needs to be expanded, so that isn't why I'm saying this. But your post is ignoring the ones that actually WANT to sit in the grass. My guess is that there are probably a thousand or more like me and the 12-15 person group that I sit with in the grass.

[JDC325]

I agree that the stadium needs to be expanded, so that isn't why I'm saying this. But your post is ignoring the ones that actually WANT to sit in the grass. My guess is that there are probably a thousand or more like me and the 12-15 person group that I sit with in the grass.


True but you are ignoring the possibility that some folks are choosing the lesser of two evils in their minds. Only being able to sit 14K minus visitor's, student and the band is not helping ticketed attendance in any way shape or fashion. The stadium needed to be expanded years ago along with the replacement of the press box. It is just another a lapse of judgement and would probably have a short pay back.

[gudp1]

I think the only reason more people did not show up for our game yesterday is they were scared about the weather. I am sure people planned earlier in the week to do something else this weekend when they saw the potential for there to be a tropical storm looming around in the area.


you think the threat of rain keeps people away because they do not want to sit in the mud?

[Large Marge]

How about these.....

[1peatfor7]

You forgot to update the suites and put in a larger scoreboard.

[EagleSC]

How about these.....

Anyway to do a rendering with the other side filled in instead of the scoreboard side?

[KJ Eagle]

How about these.....

Those look SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!! You should e-mail those to Sammy, Grube and Southern Boosters with a note that says, if you build it they will come!!!!

[1peatfor7]

Those look SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!! You should e-mail those to Sammy, Grube and Southern Boosters with a note that says, if you build it they will come!!!!

{sarcasm}Sam Baker has no vision so if you sent it to him he couldn't see it.

Sam would say, "looks great, send me a check and we'll start right away"

{/sarcasm}

[KJ Eagle]

{sarcasm}Sam Baker has no vision so if you sent it to him he couldn't see it.

Sam would say, "looks great, send me a check and we'll start right away"

{/sarcasm}


I know, mine was written with a littl ebit of saracasm as well.

[PowerEagle]

{sarcasm}Sam Baker has no vision so if you sent it to him he couldn't see it.

Sam would say, "looks great, send me a check and we'll start right away"

{/sarcasm}




The sad thing is Sam probably would say that...

[gapeach1991]

My suggestion (sort of like an opinion) would be to bowl the Bishop end first, then add the 2nd deck on the student side, then add another level of luxury boxes & new press box on the home side. Leave the Lanier Drive end grass for as long as we can. If we get these three phases done and still need more seating, then we can look at a bowl instead of a horseshoe.

[EagleSC]

My suggestion (sort of like an opinion) would be to bowl the Bishop end first, then add the 2nd deck on the student side, then add another level of luxury boxes & new press box on the home side. Leave the Lanier Drive end grass for as long as we can. If we get these three phases done and still need more seating, then we can look at a bowl instead of a horseshoe.

x2!..............

[eaglesrthe1]

My suggestion (sort of like an opinion) would be to bowl the Bishop end first, then add the 2nd deck on the student side, then add another level of luxury boxes & new press box on the home side. Leave the Lanier Drive end grass for as long as we can. If we get these three phases done and still need more seating, then we can look at a bowl instead of a horseshoe.

The Bishop end would also have the sun at your back. I would imagine it would be vicious looking into the sun from the other end. Look at the shadows right before the sun goes down next game and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[2blu]

I would add the decks first. That way you would still have the grass for overflow.

[maconeagle13]

I love the way that looks but I have a hard time believing that we would even come close to filling that up... even on big games. If you did the Bishop building end first it would look equally as impressive and add probably the right amount of seats. The last thing you want is to add a bunch of seats and leave them empty... bad for morale.

[gudp1]

I would add the decks first. That way you would still have the grass for overflow.

exactly. the stadium was built with a plan and the planned phase 2 is adding one deck.

that would still be the way to go because these would be money seats at or near the 50 for season tickets and it would get rid of our temporary press box.