Ultimately hated what was done to the O'Dome; should have gone all in on a new facility. Why I am personally very skeptical of this plan until we actually see something more concrete from this admin. That said, the recommended option from the winning firm did show a reconfigured east side with a new tiered structure. If they are promising 83K seats, there is no way to get there without some sort of expansion.
Based on the photo in the "recommended option", it appears they'd replace at least the East side (probably West side as well) with decks. All but the top left option look like the East stands would be decked. My guess is that with the original East and West stands being so old and unable to widen the row depth for seat backs, they would be replace them completely. That stacked seating would allow them to increase row depth and seat width for seat backs while keeping capacity closer to where it is now. That's how you stay close to the same capacity without changing the footprint.
New construction is so better than remodeling something that is outdated though. You end up with a half ass job that looks like an afterthought. Maybe they will have some genius design though
Interesting. I have not seen these conceptual plans. To do the recommended build it appears that it will also require a complete rebuild of the upper portion of the SEZ since it currently integrates into the top 45 or so rows at both the SE and SW corners. Its obvious looking at that picture that they are very eager to build club seats to sell at an extreme premium that moves the proposed eastside 2nd deck up substantially (probably end up with a structure that has a similar height and looks a lot like the NEZ). Sideline nosebleeders are better than what is usually only partially filled in the NEZ sky deck, but not nearly as good as what exists currently. At the end of the day, any seats created to replace the primo lower bowl seating lost to chairbacks and aisle creation/widening will be in a markedly worse location. Is that really worth a billion $? How many years of Club seating revenue will it take to even get to the B-E point? If the only way I could buy an affordable seat at BHG was to sit way up in the current NEZ, you can bet I'd be at home in the AC in my LaZyBoy in front of my 70" widescreen sucking on a cold one straight from my fridge instead. Personally, I think what we have is better than any of the options presented. Get a bunch of number stickers. Renumber the existing benches giving each an extra 4" width and call it a day.
Yeah; I largely agree until we see more concrete plans. Updating concourses, bathrooms, audio/visuals. That's one thing. But we have to assume this is going to go the way of pretty much every other major renovation in college sports and it will be full of new luxury seating options, club decks, loge suites and the like. Price out the average fan, reduce student seating capacity (and probably move them high up in the endzone to open up more preferred seating along the sidelines). It's been the trend. Until we see actual plans, don't think it is unfair to be skeptical of the lip service.
Agreed. I don't have a problem with them upgrading amenities, concourses, etc. but we know that isn't the reason for this push. Unfortunately someone's greed or ego (or both) might radically change what is IMO one of the best college stadiums in the U.S. Put a winning product on the field and it will be packed to the gills and they can raise ticket prices commensurately and save a billion $$.
Pretty much but i need space to keep my knees out of backs. My skinny ass doesnt need more room. But who sits anyway unless the game sucks.
