I would much rather we go with a double-deck grandstand, even on just one side opposite of grandstand, than to go with a "bowl" figuration.

Nippert is a great looking crib...and that space pic of the Doyt is something else.

Being in that press box on a windy November day would be terrifying.

Mike,
I KNEW there was something in the original plans to essentially double the size of the stadium...just didn't recall the specifics, especially the "bowl" concept prior to the 2nd deck.
P.S. - Did you get my PM re: the Feb.1 date?

Yeah, I remember reading about the capacity being doubled to 46,000, if ever needed. We are set for next week and the Signing Day event.

Could you imagine if that had been built? That would have been one of the most recognizable stadiums ever. Everyone would know that's where BG plays.

And we wouldn't need ORANGE artificial turf either !!!!!!

I could see this turn into a three phase project.

Phase 1: Build a new press box with a suite level (s) that is THE BEST in the MAC. That would be the first year.

Phase 2: Replace the West stands. I would leave the lower section (student section) and remove the stands from the walkway up. You could then put up steeper seating that fits just under the new press box. By leaving the lower area at its current angle that should take care of people not being able to see behind standing students. That would be the second year.

Phase 3: Rebuild the East stands using the same blueprint as the West stands. That would be the third year.

I would want to see capacity right at 30,000 with the ability to expand (fill in the south end zone) to 45,000.

This allows the renovations to take place with the least amount of interruption of game day activities.

We could always play at BGHS. We may be able to fill those bleachers. And some standing room around the sidelines. Can easily fit about 6k there. The way we are drawing crowds that would be sufficient and we can say we had a sell out.

So...nobody wants to build a completely new stadium? WTH is Tech83? This thread needs an architect's input...

Flip, I was thinking the same thing. Maybe Tech is busy at his drafting table right now!

When the powers to be make their decision it will probably turn out like the Stroh Project - smaller. Maybe take one side down and replace it with HS like stands (like Kent) then really do up the other side with innovated press-box, etc.With a program, in fact two programs Men's BB and football not being able to "get it up" for years on end why make it bigger thinking they will come. Those two programs can't compete on a national level and people just are not interested in coming out to see MAC games. Big Ten games usually will bring people in buy they only appear once in a Blue Moon. BG does support a winner, but BG does't win a lot. So what we have is one hell of a lot of apathy and empty seats everywhere - Stroh and Perry.

But, football will outdraw other sports all the time. If both football and basketball got back to winning ways, which stadium would fill up first? America is just more of a football society.

Thanks for the PM...... sorry guys I don't read the football forum too often and almost never in the off-season. Plus - I know Flipper and Hammb are here to keep everyone straight

The stadium is made of concrete and concrete does have a shelf live. We all know its crumbling slowing. It needs to be replaced.

However - I think the stadium location stays where it is and you start by blowing away one side at a time. We've invested too much in the Sebo, playing surface, parking lots, and the Stroh. The location of the highway is excellent. I would like to see an second (or expanded) highway exit north of town.

Benches would be fine. Seats would be great - but are not required on both sides. Marketing will tell us the proper size. Marketing will also tell if "luxury boxes" are a viable commodity. Can anyone here can pay $40K or more a year to have a box and pay for a service staff? The contracts are normally 5 years. Anyone here ready to shell out $200K just for the box..... food/beverages are typically extra..... anyone?

If we are going to have "boxes" think about selling them for individual games or for the Colleges to use for their development purposes. I'd be happy to spend $50 to $100 per person to attend a game knowing that 3/4 of the money went to the College of Technology. I could see someone like Flipper (and his company) using a box to bring clients on an annual basis.

Lets be real and not let's not talk about horseshoe designs. I don't have horseshoe or large house envy. Forget about multiple levels. Simply increase the pitch of the stands for an intimate experience. (see my comments below about Miami's east stands)

Stop using Nippert as an example. Cincinnati is a major metropolitan area and can support that size of facility. So - Think Akron and Miami. Let's be creative and unique for BGSU and other mid-majors.

I think there needs to be a major point of entry into the facility. The South end zone is perfect.

The focus needs to be on....... Amenities. Amenities. Amenities. Amenities.

I really like the east stands at Miami. They are close to the field. There is a large area where you can stand or sit at the rail and not affect traffic or the sight lines of people in the stands. This allows fans to get close to the team before and after the game. There is a large (large for the MAC) concourse under the east stands with multiple concession stands. I think there are a total of 8. This area is large enough to get out of the weather. Bathrooms need to be nice.... concession stands need to be plentiful and serve quality food. (I can get a Montgomery Inn BBQ Sandwich at Yager). Why can't I get Polleye's stuffed breadsticks or a Tony Paco's hot dog at Doyt? We are in farm country.... how about an angus hamburger!

The entire design needs to be focused on the experience. The seating is the easiest part. Seriously.... its a freaking chart in a standards book. Its the walk to and from the stadium. Its the ease of getting a hot dog and a Coke, being able to take the kids to the bathroom without standing outside the door for 10 minutes, its being able to walk around during the game (half-time) and interact with other fans and friends. A quality gift shop to grab a new T or cap. I need to be able to use my credit card at the concession stand without it being a major act of congress. (meaning a real point of sales system).

Just a few thoughts.

Locker Rooms.... I am assuming the locker rooms were upgraded with the Sebo, however they are still under the east stands (I think).... so we can expect to create new and better locker rooms and support spaces for the program.