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What a wonderful turnout it was. The parking was a slight example of game day. Basically, if you are not a suite holder, you are not parking close in. If you have club level, you are nearby over at Victory Hall parking lot and the adjacent one that was built I was told. As for tailgating, it will be all over the place. The rest of us can park at Fouts and get a little exercise, not to mention a bit extra this first season as the foot bridge will not be completed until next season. No shuttles as of yet, or atleast that they will admit to. The traffic will be nuts so plan to arrive way early or you will be more than irate by the time you park! The roads just simply are not big enough to handle the flow in their current state. I heard a few folks grumble about the suites being closed for the event. An inspection taking place on Monday prevented it as they wanted to keep it in shape without all the extra fingerprints, etc. we were told. Makes total sense as the facility is not 100% complete as most think. Loved the amount of restrooms and concession stands. What will be the nice touch of class is the fact that all of the outside vendors will be in a permanent stand and not look like the fairgrounds! As for the beloved funnel cake guy, sorry but he's out. Someone will be selling them though, in a stand so we were told. As for tailgaters and those who are in need of a drink or dog, there will be the stands on the East side that will be open before the stadium so that you don't starve. I heard someone mention that the black rubber pellets had not "settled" yet. Funny in a sort of way as the turf has to be machine swept every 30-40 some odd hours. They won't settle much as they are "broomed" to keep the turf in shape. Seems like I heard somewhere around 40 tons of that stuff was put on the field. It was over 200 of those large bag/bundles that are on the back side of Fouts. The turf alone was in excess of $400k and is the same as in quite a few NFL stadiums. The foreman that oversaw our install for the turf company is the one who only does the NFL teams for that company. I really wish they had some more stuff rotating on the video board as it is a really nice screen, but they do have to keep some suspense to the place. Heck the smaller board of the two is almost as large as the one in Fouts if I am not mistaken. The speakers are going to be loud as ever. Way more speakers and amplifiers driving this system than what we are used to. If anyone has noticed, there is twice as many lights in the new stadium that will illuminate the field/seats. There will be no comparison in the daylight effect when compared to Fouts. As far as the gift shop goes, there will be mannequins in each window with attire that is for sale. Due to the contract relationship with the bookstore and the company that runs/owns it, they are the one's selling the stuff. All of the Nike gear ships today, so expect it in the store in 5-7 days. Expect to see quite a bit more attire in the shop soon along with jerseys I was told. This was just a teaser! If you don't see what you want, go talk to Rodney the bookstore manager. Maybe he can bring it in. The stadium has obviously been constructed with alot of aforethought. I believe it shows and everyone I came across appeared in awe of the facility that they have longed for. For those of us that know Brian Bethea, we owe him a big thanks as the man has spent countless hours on this project. RV gave him a quick atta boy, but I got to tell you, he is owed alot more than that. If it were not for Brian, RV would not be looking so well on this project. For those not aware, the facility is way more accommodating to the TV crews for games. On the South end of the stadium, they have it set up so the satellite trucks can set up there, plug in their wires to the boxes, go set up their cameras in place, and run very little wiring. Cameras on the field have wiring access points at field level. What does that mean to us you might ask. More televised games as the overhead costs of setting up has been reduced by 75% for those folks. You throw in some wins and we will reach more fans across the nation alot faster. Some may not like to hear this, but I saw it the other night and I have to admit, it bothered me. A brand new stadium with top notch everything and people are too damn lazy to throw their trash away! Really? For crying out loud, don't literally trash the palace. Be a good steward, have more pride and show your love through a simple act of cleaning up after yourself. Yes I know they have clean up crews but would it hurt if we all picked up after ourselves? The less crews it takes, the less money is expended on that and it can be better spent elsewhere. Just a thought for those who care about our "new home". All in all, what a wonderful new stadium. Lot's of smiles I saw as people seemed genuinely pleased with what they saw. We have taken a giant step and I am proud of it. You should be to!

Yesterday's Ladies Clinic was a blast! We had a great time with all the coaches and really worked our butts off! It was so hot out on the new field that the heat melted the glue on the bottom of my shoes and the soles came off! I swear, just ask the coaches! I did a lot more of the drills than I thought I could. Not bad for an old lady! The coaches were very encouraging and really let us know they were glad we came out. Chase Baine and Brent Osborne gave a uniform demonstration (old unis) and if they are any indication, the team has really hit the weight room this summer. Not too bulky, but really cut. My oh my! What happens in the ladies clinic stays in the ladies clinic! I have been to every NT Football 101 and Coach Mac's clinic was by far the most fun and educational! Can't wait for next year's! GMG!

Sorry if someone else already mentioned this. One of the first things we did Saturday night was climb Mount V. WOW! Not good if you have vertigo and weak heart. Then we went down and checked the endzone seats. Man, what a view. Those are not bad seats at all. Then we checked out the student side and this is what impressed me the most. You could clearly hear the people talking and laughing over on the Press Box side. I could not believe it. I felt like I was is in a professional stadium. There were only about a thousand people over there and yet the nose coming across the field was incredible and they were just talking. I cannot imagine what it will sound like with 30,000 yelling and cheering. The sound is going to be like something we have never heard before at a UNT home football game. We will now have home field advantage.

A fully armed and operational facility ...

Found myself in Aubrey this morning, and stopped by the stadium again this morning to breathe in its majesty. While walking around the edifice, I talked to a retiree who mentioned that she was from "over there" while pointing toward the Denia neighborhood. She had several apparent grandchildren from "out of town" who she wanted to show the new facility to. She was very excited about getting in to let the kids see the place, and was excited that it was finally complete. Just thought I would mention that even some of the neighbors are impressed with the finished product.

Kinda sounding like the stereotypical high school meatheaded jock here. If it is the music department that got the gift, good for them. Maybe Coach Mac can build the football program to the point of the music program and then we can see those donations coming the AD's way. Remember, our music department is ranked in the top 10 nationally. While that may not mean much to you, it means a lot to the people in the music community. Not everyone lives the same life you do.

What a great night for the Mean Green fans! The stadium is just a fantastic place and so impressive to walk around. Here is some of what I noticed.... -Pretty good hot dogs....That might be a sign that the food in the stadium will be much improved! -The leg room for the Club Level seats for people with long legs is so much better than Fouts Field. -How cold the air conditioning felt in the Club Lounge. -How much of a cool breeze I felt sitting in the shade in the stands when you consider it was 100 degrees at the time. -The Houston and Indiana players are really going to feel the hot Texas September sun bearing down on them on the sidelines for most of the first half! -I believe I have now heard Coach Mac talk about 10 times and every time he gets me fired up for the Mean Green.....Just think how much he will fire up the team during pregame, halftime and timeout talks. I can't wait to hear Public Address Announcer Tim Crouch at about 5:50 PM on September 10 yell out as the team comes out on the field, "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeere Come The Mean Green!!!!! WHY NOT NORTH TEXAS!

I obviously can't speak for everyone, but I'm pretty sure folks are congratulating RV on a job well done, not for doing a job that isn't his to do.

Anyone else wish they would just shut the whole school part of UNT down? No one at my work ever talks about what kids are learning in those stupid classrooms. Why can't we just focus all our monies on becoming a professional football team?

Problem is all the spending cuts are backloaded to future years when another congress will be seated and they can do what they have always done, just vote to ignore the cuts. This is a loss by both parties, who continue to refuse to address the problem. Not only that, I doubt this bill gets out of the house. This isn't exactly what the tea party branch of the Republican party had in mind. It's more politics as usual from a bunch of guys and gals who should be unemployeed.

Can't trust any of them.

Cone on Kram, I am conservative and this deal does nothing but kick the can. Boehner and his Country Club ilk sold out the conservative base once again. Bush Tax Cuts go away and then all we have is the promise of a politician that $2 trillion will be cut in 10 years, while raising the debt another $8 trillion. This is a loser bill for the entire country and once again Boehner shows his true colors.

I was kinda hoping it was regarding Boone Pickens...

I got as close to the wing tip as I could without pushing folks out of the way that were standing there admiring the view. My legs were feeling it too by the time I got up there. I was proud of my 4 year old daughter who walked it herself by her choosing instead of me carrying her. Near the top she said "This is a lot of stairs, Daddy".

I tend to agree with this Republican I also agree with this famous Republican I whole-heartedly believe that something must be done about deficits but to hold a fragile economy hostage like the Tea Party did was insane. To not include any revenue increases in a deal, via closing of loopholes or a small increase at the top, is equally insane. I am not happy about my taxes being increased but at the same time I don't let ideology cloud my judgement as to what is best for the country.

I would encourage everyone to start the push with friends and other alumni to make sure we have a full stadium on September 10, and to make sure it is full of UNT fan. There should be only one spot of red, and that should be in the visitor ticket section. Start the push early, make sure they know they date when single game tickets go on sale (August 15) and try and make sure they get them early. Ya, it's real nice. Now, let's fill it up!

Harry are you saying we got commitments from two Boone's?

I know the freshman move to west side of 35 into the athletic dorms on Thursday. Pictures are also on Thursday and the first practice is on Friday.

You know, that's a great question...and I do not know the specific answer. Of course, it doesn't matter for the first game as there will be no restrictions on that game admittance-wise. If I am around when you arrive, look me up and I'll get you my two "guest" passes as I will probably just be there with my bride working our current scholarship fund-raiser program. I am 100% certain all these details can and will eb worked out...it may be a work in progress, so i don't expect things to be too restrictive this forst season. Time will tell, huh? GO MEAN GREEN!

THIS!!!! +1 for you, Sir. I am right there with you......Heeeeeeeeeeeeeere Come The Meamn Green!!!!!! WHY NOT NORTH TEXAS INDEED! GO MEAN GREEN!

Bull. More people across the world are aware of the UNT College of Music than anything else the school does. And if athletics is a "window to the university," so is music, though largely to a different set of people. But do you know what? Some of those people have money, and donate to the College of Music who wouldn't be donating anything to the university. Is that so bad? Kind of like how you obviously only care about yours? Music major here, and I know plenty of others who care about our university as a whole. And you will certainly never find me complaining about a contribution that another program received. Your ignorance is really showing--the College of Music is a whole lot more than the marching band. But it is interesting that you choose to single out a group whose school spirit could be compared to any other on campus.

Like many have stated, The stadium is more impressive in person than camera or video. I personally had never liked the wings from drawings or pictures. I also didn't like the 2 buildings under the wings. From the parking lot and closer, both are a nice piece of architecture. I took a seat midway up the row on the 30 yard line and sat there for at least 15 minutes. I could not believe I was sitting in our stadium. I've been to Ford Stadium a few times and always thought it was the premier mid-major stadium. We're better! The great thing about the village is that there is so much more to come on line down the road. Great job RV!

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that just because most seats didn't have 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper on them that they're sold. I'm sure there's plenty more seats available.

The biggest impression I took was the amount of season tickets that hav already been sold. For those of you who were not there, the AD had unsold sears marked with a piece of 8"x11" paper advertsing the seat. From the top corner of the wingzone, you could look into the alumni seating area and see that almost the entire alumni side is sold out. Well over 90 percent, I would guess. Over 70 percent of the family 4 pack area was also sold. All suites aresold and 600 of the 750 club seats are gone. I post this for 2 reasons: 1) Whatever issues you have with the AD, they have done a fantastic job selling this program and stadium. 2) if you have not bought your season tickets, you better get your rear in gear, they are going fast.

Cannot express how proud I was last evening walking around that stadium with 2000 other Mean green fans. I saw lots of people buying season tickets as well when i visited the Fan Shop and bought my first Nike Mean Green polo. I found it interesting that RV mentioned that Purdue was expecting 1400 at their Kickoff event and the Mean green had 2000+. Purdue..Big 10...yes, folks, great things are beginning to happen at UNT. Hey, the hot dogs were good and the beer was cold! My rear end fit very well in my seat and the view is absolutely fantastic! A great day for the Mean green nation...harry, thanks for the great write-up! GO MEAN GREEN!

I took some more pics. Here's what I said in the other thread. Didn't know if we'd start a new one: Also a couple goofing off vids from the wingzone. If you view them on YouTube instead of embedded here, they're available in 720p. Still taken with a cell phone, though.

Maybe we should encourage our music department to start sucking so people would quit contributing to it.

I did see one guy there with a UT lanyard hanging out of his pocket. Unfortunately it was my cousin's kid, who is also a current UNT student. Very disappointing.

Zero, though I did spot one Patriots jersey.

The new ALUMNI PAVILION is set to open along with the new MEAN GREEN STADIUM on Sept. 10th. If I were capable I would post a photo of the pavilion, but each time I try GMG.Com tells me the file is too big...sorry. maybe someone else can help. The Pavilion will open three hours before game time on Sept. 10th (and for each home game) and will be open to the public for the first game. The 2000-square-foot pavilion will include space for 150 (inside...with plenty of additional room outside), three high-definition TV's, misting fans, food/beverage stations, etc. Six garage doors will convert the pavilion into an open-air facility and open up to the 3,200-square-foot outdoor patio with views of the stadium. Membership in the UNT Alumni Association will be required for entry to the pavilion for all games following the Houston game on September 10th. Alumni and friends can also renew or register for membership at the pavilion or purchase a temporary membership for $10 for entry into the pavilion for one day. The great news is that the Pavilion is 100% funded as far as construction is concerned. However, the association is still accepting contributions for on-going maintenance and other expenses. Contribution options are available starting at $100. Pavilion markers will continue to be reserved and installed on an on-going basis. For those who purchased markers (brick pavers) early, come out on the 10th and look for your paver. The Alumni Pavilion will be a great place to meet and mingle prior to games. In addition, the Alumni Pavilion will be available to host other events throughout the year. Hope to see you at the Pavilion before the Houston game on Sept. 10th. By the way...it's a bargain to join the Alumni Association. You can join for way less than the cost of guest memberships for the season. Join/renew your membership now and be ready to "Meet at the Pavilion" on September 10th! See you there. Now...can someone please post the photo?

What was the count on UT douchers and did Dmac kick them in the balls as I predicted?

Like Cooley posted earlier, I too, just sat in my seats looking at the kids playing in the turf. It was hard to believe I was at NT. This place is like that really great place you've visited in the past. The difference of course is that I was at MY home stadium. There were so many people there yesterday, we had to wait in line to get in the elevators. And once I got up to the Club Level, I was reluctant to wait in line to go back down. Thereby, I didn't get to hear Coach Mac or Rick V. But I did hear the cheers that came up from those that were able to hear the speeches. If I could critize anything about yesterday, it would be that the speeches be broadcast on the PA system. And perhaps show the speech on the Mean Green-a-tron. A great day. I took 3 guests and they were all astounded. "I had no idea that North Texas had anything like this." Great job Rick V. You've really given us something to be proud of. Now Coach Mac, it's your turn. If you haven't, Make a contribution to the Mean Green Club Make a contribution to the new stadium fund Buy season tickets and of course, GO MEAN GREEN

The Kickoff was fantastic. At 7PM, when it ended, there was still several hundred people there. It was exciting. Great facility. I bought 6 season tickets and had limited options...which is a good thing. Many season tickets were being fought for and sold. Great time, indeed.

This. I switched my seats yesterday and got a look at sections on their computer screen. Tons of open seats. The paper tags on the "available seats" was purely a marketing ploy to create a sense of urgency.

I believe being up 60% from last year. I just don't believe that being up 60% from last year equals almost the entire alumni side being sold out with season tickets. The last number I saw was last month someone said we were a little over 2k season tickets sold. In fact, my group bought their season tickets yesterday and they apparently had options.

Not jumping to anything. I thought maybe it was a marketing ploy, so I asked AD staff if that many season tickets had really been sold. Was told yes, and that season ticket sales are up 60 percent from last year.

What a great day! Everything exceeded my expectations, even the cheerleaders had brand spankin' new uniforms!

Very cool!

Harry, great post and thanks for the review. I wanted to go so badly but had prior commitments. My wife did go to the Ladies Clinic and had a blast. She's a sports nerd (like me) so she soaked it all up. I was down in Keller and had several conversations with people about the stadium. The cool thing was is that they brought it up. I simply mentioned that I was ready for college football and several said, "Ya, I really want to see that new stadium up in Denton." They didn't even know I was a UNT alum so that made me feel really excited. GO MEAN GREEN

Good review Harry! Don't think they can pave lot across street as that is where baseball facilities will go

I asked RV (and a couple coaches) about uniforms at the ladies clinic, but they are being very tight-lipped. RV said "soon.". GMG!

Is it me, or does there seem to be a lack real information this year. Not much on who is doing what during summer conditioning. Not much on how the strength program is doing & if players are building muscle and stamina. Not much about our quarterbacks and off season pitch and catch with receivers. Just seems there is no real close to the team info from Vito. A lot of opinion, but not much else. Am I wrong ?

You're going to see a vast improvement on Defense and some of the same solid play on Offense this year. Adjustments have to be made, but they are being made. You guys think this is Mac's first rodeo. Dickey couldn't carry this guy's clipboard. He has coached a National Championship Defense, RECENTLY! As far as Vito goes, maybe he's intimidated because Mac's used to talking to big time sports columnists or maybe Mac and his staff aren't big talkers, just guys that walk the walk.

That is some great recruiting information. I am so pumped with all that is going on with UNT Athletics- the stadium, McCarney, Canales still on staff, and all the new coaches. I know we have to win on the field first, but I believe, for the first time in many years, including the "Great Darrell Dickey" years, that we are in prime position to move this program forward and upward. I truly believe that.

It is VERY obvious that Coach Mac was brought in with a mandate that he will, regardless of W/L record, sell the hell out of this program. Now, let me take a moment to throw some kudos towards a guy that deserves them. I see a lot of "nit picking" about the selection in the team store, the shape of our end zone, the way seat selection is handled, etc etc etc. Let's sit back and ponder this one fact though...Rick V has put in place a REAL coaching staff in a football stadium that gets compliments from those outside of our ranks daily! The staff that answers to him...and to us...in that AD's office is far and away improved from what it was even five years ago. The game day experience has improved year to year. And I won't even start on how much better the basketball program is from five years ago...though half our fans and the Denton community don't get it. Basically what I'm saying is this...Mac may be selling the hell out of this program, but RV has given a pretty sweet product to sell.

George asked Cowboy beat writer David Moore if the Cowboys might have an interest in Waters. Moore thought he would be an immediate improvement.

Vito's job is never to blow sunshine or to manage any one's expectations. He is reported it as he sees it. i don't agree with him or you, I think 4 wins would be disappointing. McCarney will get a lot of time to turn this thing around but if the injured riddled poorly coach team that everyone is lamenting about could get 3 wins last year, I don't see why we should be happy with those results this year. Yes, I know Dodge was gone when the team got better but he was over the development and recruitment of those athletes and Riley who performed outstandingly was injured during most of the run and was slated to be a wr.

My biggest grip with Vito is him wanting to nominate Dickey for sainthood. That is just an insane, stupid, indefensible position. Maybe he just does it just to stir things up but it's already old.

What is the last story that Vito broke about the team, player(s), etc (other than opinion) that hadn't already appeared in some form on gomeangreen.com or another site ? Recruiting and transfer info seems to hits here first. Info, though not much, on summer workouts and conditioning seems to hit here first. Appears that gomeangreen.com posters break the story and Vito is the echo that follows up. Vito had the run of the place when DD was here. then TD took away his hall pass. I just wonder where he stands with coach Mac and our new group of coaches ?

It's not that he's doom and gloom all the time. It's just that he lets his immaturity give a lot of his blog entries a biased slant. Sometimes he tries to be a Mean Green homer while other times trying too hard to appear not to be.