New Hampshire football stadium

[smcwildcat]

we all know how bad Cowell Stadium is...... it is a joke but I love it and for a team such as UNH has proven to be tops the country in the last 5 years and in the CAA the stadium is a laughing stock.
What can we do?.... the state will not give us money for a new stadium becasue of a couple of things...
no income tax and sales tax the only way to get a new stadium is by rasing money from fans or alum and its not really going anywhere... also there is a plan in tact for a new stadium (home side new bleachers on existing away side) and new weight room and student athlete center.
my question is what to do? New Hampshire has the team and players but lets be honest we lose recruits due to our facilities

[Retro]

You guys just need to get a stadium booster committee together including some people who have some fundraising/marketing experience and start a campaign.

Find an alum who is an architect (not art vadaley) who will donate designs and suggestions to help get people excited..

More than likely you will need some big private donations to get it done.

[slycat]

Texas St is funding their improvements with donations and a $10 increase in student fees. It helps that there are over 28,000 students though.

[MplsBison]

You need an architect to draw up a really nice looking concept plan. Once people can see what's possible, then the giving begins.

[UNH SUPERFAN]

I wish that were the case, Bison! We already have a great arch. drawing of the proposed stadium but the giving part has been missing (or so it seems!). I keep hoping at some point an announcement will come out that the fundraising has reached its goal and that construction can begin but I haven't heard anything in months!!

[R3TRO]

I really hope the standing plan is outdated and they have something else in mind. Don't get me wrong, any improvement would be night and day compared to what we have now, but it just seems like an easy way out. The renders look great, but that darn track is in the way! Plus, I don't see how the new bleachers and weight room would cost as much as they're expecting.

For anyone who is interested in looking at the design: Click Here (http://picasaweb.google.com/DFriedson/UniversityOfNewHampshireFootballStadiumExpansion#)

[R3TRO]

Even though it might deter a lot of students, maybe try to charge like $2-$5 at the gate for anyone with a student ID. Better yet, start charging the students who go tailgating $2-$5 and free admission to the game. There are thousands of students who just show up to drink and just leave at 1:00pm when the tailgating area shuts down. I mean, its small money when you're talking about a new stadium, but its a start.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

I really hope the standing plan is outdated and they have something else in mind. Don't get me wrong, any improvement would be night and day compared to what we have now, but it just seems like an easy way out. The renders look great, but that darn track is in the way! Plus, I don't see how the new bleachers and weight room would cost as much as they're expecting.

For anyone who is interested in looking at the design: Click Here (http://picasaweb.google.com/DFriedson/UniversityOfNewHampshireFootballStadiumExpansion#)

I think everybody agrees that having the track sucks, but I'm not sure anything can be done without a start from scratch option somewhere else on campus. I've never heard that option discussed. I know they just re-built the track this decade, but maybe they could re-build it elsewhere or make Cowell the home for T&F, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, etc. then build a football facility elsewhere. I do believe there is a significant amount of land available. The new facility could also be used for LAX, Field Hockey or soccer if necessary. I know they were trying to sell the stadium enhancement project as providing a home for all the state HS Tournaments in these sports.

One thing to keep in mind with the cost is that with close examination of the linked plans you'll see that there is an extension built onto the Field House replacing one section of bleachers on the current home side (baseball field end of the gridiron. Yes, it break my heart to see pic #1 with the dugouts from the old baseball field.). So, in effect this project includes the new grandstand on the current visitor's side which will include a modern press box (which will please Mr. C. without a doubt) and those club seats, lights and the building extension onto the Field House. IIRC, the new grandstand will also have locker room, offices, rest rooms, concessions, etc. built into it rather than a simple set of bleachers. Maybe the second building is the reason for a higher price tag than you anticipated.

One thing that is difficult to determine is if this year's unbelievable cluster ***** at Homecoming will cause the plans to be re-evaluated. All of the logistical nightmares bringing 13K-20K people into the stadium area requires a re-examination of the entire traffic flow. It was so bad this year that the police had to go out and retrieve the W&M buses from the gridlock then escort them into Cowell Stadium. I don't know what impact these problems will have on the plans? Could it force a re-location of the stadium?

When these plans were drawn, I think it was felt that a capacity of 10K would be sufficient. I do believe that the past couple of years have changed those opinions and a larger capacity will be part of the plan. Without the money it's all moot. Which reminds me, I need to go out and buy a Powerball ticket or two. Hopefully, you'll hear plans for the UNH_Alum_In_CT Stadium someday soon! ;) xnodx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[UNHWildCats]

I think everybody agrees that having the track sucks, but I'm not sure anything can be done without a start from scratch option somewhere else on campus. I've never heard that option discussed. I know they just re-built the track this decade, but maybe they could re-build it elsewhere or make Cowell the home for T&F, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, etc. then build a football facility elsewhere. I do believe there is a significant amount of land available. The new facility could also be used for LAX, Field Hockey or soccer if necessary. I know they were trying to sell the stadium enhancement project as providing a home for all the state HS Tournaments in these sports.

One thing to keep in mind with the cost is that with close examination of the linked plans you'll see that there is an extension built onto the Field House replacing one section of bleachers on the current home side (baseball field end of the gridiron. Yes, it break my heart to see pic #1 with the dugouts from the old baseball field.). So, in effect this project includes the new grandstand on the current visitor's side which will include a modern press box (which will please Mr. C. without a doubt) and those club seats, lights and the building extension onto the Field House. IIRC, the new grandstand will also have locker room, offices, rest rooms, concessions, etc. built into it rather than a simple set of bleachers. Maybe the second building is the reason for a higher price tag than you anticipated.

One thing that is difficult to determine is if this year's unbelievable cluster ***** at Homecoming will cause the plans to be re-evaluated. All of the logistical nightmares bringing 13K-20K people into the stadium area requires a re-examination of the entire traffic flow. It was so bad this year that the police had to go out and retrieve the W&M buses from the gridlock then escort them into Cowell Stadium. I don't know what impact these problems will have on the plans? Could it force a re-location of the stadium?

When these plans were drawn, I think it was felt that a capacity of 10K would be sufficient. I do believe that the past couple of years have changed those opinions and a larger capacity will be part of the plan. Without the money it's all moot. Which reminds me, I need to go out and buy a Powerball ticket or two. Hopefully, you'll hear plans for the UNH_Alum_In_CT Stadium someday soon! ;) xnodx xlolx xlolx xlolx

no kidding... when the jackpots get real high with Mega Millions I always start the what if dreams the top two things are always a nice big house and a big donation for a new stadium for UNH.... and buying ags xlolx xlolx xlolx

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Even though it might deter a lot of students, maybe try to charge like $2-$5 at the gate for anyone with a student ID. Better yet, start charging the students who go tailgating $2-$5 and free admission to the game. There are thousands of students who just show up to drink and just leave at 1:00pm when the tailgating area shuts down. I mean, its small money when you're talking about a new stadium, but its a start.

Back in the Ice Age when I attended UNH, there was an athletics fee that was paid along with tuition, room & board, etc. IIRC, that's what got the students free entry into sporting events. Is that still the case? I seem to recall some fee related to athletics having an increase rejected a year or so ago. xconfusedx xconfusedx

Yes, there are ways that a small increase in costs to the students could be implemented. Getting money from the state is hopeless. Big donors are needed, corporate sponsors are needed and much greater donating by alumni is needed.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

no kidding... when the jackpots get real high with Mega Millions I always start the what if dreams the top two things are always a nice big house and a big donation for a new stadium for UNH.... and buying ags xlolx xlolx xlolx

I bought Mega Millions tickets going to and returning from Cedar Falls after seeing the billboards for the huge pots! xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[R3TRO]

Back in the Ice Age when I attended UNH, there was an athletics fee that was paid along with tuition, room & board, etc. IIRC, that's what got the students free entry into sporting events. Is that still the case? I seem to recall some fee related to athletics having an increase rejected a year or so ago. xconfusedx xconfusedx

Yes, there are ways that a small increase in costs to the students could be implemented. Getting money from the state is hopeless. Big donors are needed, corporate sponsors are needed and much greater donating by alumni is needed.

You are correct, I forgot about the athletics fee.

Come on Corey Graham!!! Land a nice big contract!!!

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

we all know how bad Cowell Stadium is...... it is a joke but I love it and for a team such as UNH has proven to be tops the country in the last 5 years and in the CAA the stadium is a laughing stock.
What can we do?.... the state will not give us money for a new stadium becasue of a couple of things...
no income tax and sales tax the only way to get a new stadium is by rasing money from fans or alum and its not really going anywhere... also there is a plan in tact for a new stadium (home side new bleachers on existing away side) and new weight room and student athlete center.
my question is what to do? New Hampshire has the team and players but lets be honest we lose recruits due to our facilities

Raise ticket prices and student fees.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

You are correct, I forgot about the athletics fee.

Come on Corey Graham!!! Land a nice big contract!!!

Need more than that. Better hope that Jason, Darren, Ty, Kevin, Ricky, David and others also land some good contracts. xwhistlex Add in JVR staying at UNH beyond this year then also getting that big contract. :p :p :p

[Husky Alum]

If I hit Megabucks, I'll build NU a new football field, and since I live near UNH, I'll throw some cash their way. Name both of em after myself. ;-)

[UNHWildCats]

If I hit Megabucks, I'll build NU a new football field, and since I live near UNH, I'll throw some cash their way. Name both of em after myself. ;-)
xlolx xlolx xlolx

[PantherRob82]

no kidding... when the jackpots get real high with Mega Millions I always start the what if dreams the top two things are always a nice big house and a big donation for a new stadium for UNH.... and buying ags xlolx xlolx xlolx

maybe go to a game for once? :D ;)

[UNHWildCats]

maybe go to a game for once? :D ;)
if i won the lottery I would go to every game.... get myself a John Madden type bus...only better and travel to all the games xcoolx

[PantherRob82]

if i won the lottery I would go to every game.... get myself a John Madden type bus...only better and travel to all the games xcoolx


i kid, that cap'n and i just miss seeing you. ;)

[Cobblestone]

How much money does Jerry Azumah have left?

Seriously, I think the only way to do this is to find Alumni with deep pockets and offer some incentives for them to donate. Obviously tax beaks would be one, naming rights of some sort would be another. I'm sure UNH has a large alumni base out there across the country so get the mailing lists updated. Booster clubs should be looking to get all the local alumns on board for such a project. It'd be nice if the state could helpout but I get the impression that the NH state legislature cares as much about UNH as their RI counterparts care about URI.

I hope you folks at UNH can make this happen. I always enoy my trip to Durham; heck I enjoy ANY trip to NH. As for the stadium, I'll just be happy with rest rooms on the visitors side.

Best Wishes with this.

[WrenFGun]

When I get rich with my very useful English degree, I'll be sure to contribute. I'd love to be able to put the 39,000 they paid me to get my masters to use on their stadium, but I remain quite poor.

The bigger problem is? Will people actually come? We're having a hard time filling the stadium as is.

[R3TRO]

Honestly, I think with a nicer facility with more parking and less traffic we will see better turnouts. I think a newer, modern, stadium will attract the nearby residents with families because they will likely be assured seats not in the student section. Plus, with the new stadium comes lights which = night games = bigger crowds.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Honestly, I think with a nicer facility with more parking and less traffic we will see better turnouts. I think a newer, modern, stadium will attract the nearby residents with families because they will likely be assured seats not in the student section. Plus, with the new stadium comes lights which = night games = bigger crowds.

I tend to agree with this as I'm constantly amazed at how many people buy GA tickets knowing there is a good chance they won't get a seat. But something also has to be done about the parking and traffic. I read some of the comments in blogs after Homecoming. They weren't complimentary. Getting engulfed in gridlock then having to stand a long distance from the field and have crappy sight lines is not a good way to attract repeat customers.

There are more students and more alumni today than back in the Bowes Era when we averaged about 10K a game. I don't see any reason why that couldn't be toppled with a decent stadium that has reasonable access. Lights would only enhance the attendance and experience -- I've attended day and night games at Delaware.

I sure hope we can keep winning because I fear recruiting will become even more difficult if we start losing and so many other CAA schools are enhancing their facilities. For example, the new stands at URI connected to the Ryan Center for concessions and restrooms are terrific.

[smcwildcat]

I think everybody agrees that having the track sucks, but I'm not sure anything can be done without a start from scratch option somewhere else on campus. I've never heard that option discussed. I know they just re-built the track this decade, but maybe they could re-build it elsewhere or make Cowell the home for T&F, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, etc. then build a football facility elsewhere. I do believe there is a significant amount of land available. The new facility could also be used for LAX, Field Hockey or soccer if necessary. I know they were trying to sell the stadium enhancement project as providing a home for all the state HS Tournaments in these sports.

One thing to keep in mind with the cost is that with close examination of the linked plans you'll see that there is an extension built onto the Field House replacing one section of bleachers on the current home side (baseball field end of the gridiron. Yes, it break my heart to see pic #1 with the dugouts from the old baseball field.). So, in effect this project
includes the new grandstand on the current visitor's side which will include a modern press box (which will please Mr. C. without a doubt) and those club seats, lights and the building extension onto the Field House. IIRC, the new grandstand will also have locker room, offices, rest rooms, concessions, etc. built into it rather than a simple set of bleachers. Maybe the second building is the reason for a higher price tag than you anticipated.

One thing that is difficult to determine is if this year's unbelievable cluster ***** at Homecoming will cause the plans to be re-evaluated. All of the logistical nightmares bringing 13K-20K people into the stadium area requires a re-examination of the entire traffic flow. It was so bad this year that the police had to go out and retrieve the W&M buses from the gridlock then escort them into Cowell Stadium. I don't know what impact these problems will have on the plans? Could it force a re-location of the stadium?

When these plans were drawn, I think it was felt that a capacity of 10K would be sufficient. I do believe that the past couple of years have changed those opinions and a larger capacity will be part of the plan. Without the money it's all moot. Which reminds me, I need to go out and buy a Powerball ticket or two. Hopefully, you'll hear plans for the UNH_Alum_In_CT Stadium someday soon! ;) xnodx xlolx xlolx xlolx

I forgot to mention also behind the away side now therre is a plan for road that already exists partly to come as a drop of or parking lot from the center of downtown

[smcwildcat]

new road from downtown equals happier people

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

new road from downtown equals happier people

Not when the majority of people are coming in off the US 4 bypass of downtown. Everybody from Nashua, Manchester and Concord comes in that way. And the signs directing people in off I-95 going west on US 4 send you to the same exit off the bypass. They've got to be able to move more cars in from that exit off US 4. And they need to be able to get cars into Lot A without having to stay in the gridlock going to Boulder Field. Without widening roads, they need to have one way traffic using both lanes (once they figure out access for emergency vehicles from both directions).

A new stadium is years away. For now they need to improve access to the stadium if they want to maintain and grow a fan base. How about moving kickoff to 1:00 in September and October, there's enough daylight to complete the game and will allow more time to get people into the stadium. xtwocentsx

[R3TRO]

People will just leave their homes an hour later. Crisis not averted.

Logistically speaking, Durham is not capable of handling the crowds that attend the football games. What were they thinking building this successful program? They had to go and start winning... geesh.

In the near future, major planning is needed for moving the crowds. Perhaps an alternate parking lot off of 155, taking over the band practice field.