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I have not heard anything for awhile about the proposed stadium upgrades including new press box, luxury suites and athletics building with offices and classrooms attached.
We all know that the West side has served the Leathernecks well for nearly 60 years now. All of us also can tell that the West side is showing it's age and compared to other FCS stadiums is clearly obsolete. We all know that football is Western's claim to fame, so it is important to do what we can to adress liabilities to the Football program. The West side puts us at a disadvantage for recruiting, sightlines are bad, no money generated through suites and so on.......
So I am currious as to what is being done to move forward on the architectual designs we have in place. I have heard nothing for over a year. I know this project is big in scope(money). I also know that we are in a ressesion and the State of Illinois has been reducing its contirbution to the Public Universities. Getting lines of credit for Millions of dollars may be more challenging now too. So I am wondering where does this put the plans for the Stadium?
I know that Southern Illinois is moving forward on building a brand new Stadium which I am guessing cost wise to be about twice what it will cost for Western to do it's plan.
So what is Southern doing to get things moving that we are not? IMHO SIU's McAndrew Stadium was no worse than our old West side.
Anybody heard anything on this or have an opinion?
GO NECKS!
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I would like to tell you to be patient, but I am getting a bit impatient not only with the legislature and gov when it comes to the PAC funds, but also with this project. I saw more of the plans at "President's" buffet between the women's and men's South Dakota State games and they are pretty impressive. But the question remains from what I hear, who is going to pay for this? I know they have talked with a number of people but I think they are a bit hesitant with the economy what it is. I also think that everything has been on hold until they actually begin the building process for the PAC. I have personally seen all of the architectural drawings of that facility and it is going to be unbelievable. The entire project will be put out for bid as a complete project things should move very quickly once the capital funding bill becomes law. The parking deck across from Olsen/Corbin will be paid for with parking proceeds and is being designed to be completed at the same time. I don't think we will have to wait to long for the PAC or the stadium. And you can say what you will about TV but he really knows how to put together construction design and projects.
jc
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I hope you are right my friend. The old press box is not the most comfortable, but it beats the weather when nasty.
B-Ball Fan
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Neckfansince71 (5/25/2009)
I would like to tell you to be patient, but I am getting a bit impatient not only with the legislature and gov when it comes to the PAC funds, but also with this project. I saw more of the plans at "President's" buffet between the women's and men's South Dakota State games and they are pretty impressive. But the question remains from what I hear, who is going to pay for this? I know they have talked with a number of people but I think they are a bit hesitant with the economy what it is. I also think that everything has been on hold until they actually begin the building process for the PAC. I have personally seen all of the architectural drawings of that facility and it is going to be unbelievable. The entire project will be put out for bid as a complete project things should move very quickly once the capital funding bill becomes law. The parking deck across from Olsen/Corbin will be paid for with parking proceeds and is being designed to be completed at the same time. I don't think we will have to wait to long for the PAC or the stadium. And you can say what you will about TV but he really knows how to put together construction design and projects.
I like your positive outlook Necksfan71. This whole thing with the PAC really irks me. We should have gotten the money for this years ago. The ineptitude and corruption of the State of Illinois and more precisley it's lawmakers is frustrating.
In the 60's and 70's building projects were happening all over campus. Now, even when something gets approved by the State we still can't seem to get anything moving.
I will say that the Student Rec center and it's recent expansion are the envy of any school in the State and is a true quality of life positive for our Western students.
As far as fundraising goes, we could probably generate upwards of 2 million dollars by selling bricks that could be incorporated into the stadium or open concourse areas. Of course the size of the bricks/blocks and donators inscription would be commensurate to the level of donations. e.g. $200, $500, $1000, $2000, $5000, $10,000.
I might also suggest increasing the Student fees, but I am guessing that avenue may be a tough sell with recent increases associated with the Student REC and it's expansion.
I wish WIU had a rich old Octogenarian like MSU
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Heck, I wish I had some big bucks to spend! I still think they should get all of the professional players to chip in, call it "Pro-Player Stadium" at Hanson Field!!! Has a nice ring to it don't you think!
I know that the admin boyz in Macomb are probably as positive about the PAC and Quad Cities approval as they have ever been. The requests for both structures have been on the books so long that they are both at the top of the list! I actually saw the blue prints for the PAC and once again, it is going to be impressive. The music, drama, and dance departments will all be housed their with some really nice venues for concerts and such! It will put WIU on the map when it comes to stops for many musical acts. I got to see Chase, Chicago, Beach Boys, Seals and Croft, Ike and Tina, and the Looking Glass (BrandY) when I was at WIU not to mention the Carpenters!!!!
I sometimes have to wonder just how many of the high school students I have taught were created during the playing of a Carpenter's Album!!!!
As long as the Gov does not veto the capital bill it will become law no matter whether he signs it or not but I am not sure when that is! I would sure hate to wait! All I know is the hole between Olson and Brown is gonna be very deep and very large and the street that goes south is gonna be a mess for a number of years.
But, we should all live to see the PAC and Hanson Field completed in the next couple of years. Besides that Mo has layed the foundation for what will be a great ride in the future.
jc
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I was on campus over the Memorial Day weekend.
I was on top of the hill overlooking the Pit at the south end of Hanson Field. You see quite a contrast in looking from east to west.
On the east side, you have the new seating, new bathrooms, and new concessions. It looks very nice.
Then you look to the west side. You see the original 1950 grandstand with its antiquated pressbox. It does not look good.
At least Illinois State University has a place that is in worse condition than Hanson Field. That place is a dump. I know that they have been talking about up-grading it. But there is strong sentiment over there to build a completely new stadium & field like Southern Illinois is doing.
I am hoping that the west side renovations can begin soon.
Let's Go WESTERN !!
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