KRAM1

This is why I have wanted the Big XII to find a way to stay together. But, every day it is looking more and more like that is not going to happen. OU & OSU moving to the Pac-12 will not hamper their Texas recruiting any more than a break-up of the Big XII would. Nor, will it hurt any more than it will hurt A&M going to the SEC. I really hate to see this happen, but looks like a "done deal". If the Big XII stays together, it may be an entirely different conference and much less "powerful" than ever. There are rumors that Texas will also head to the Pac-12. This is really not good, in my opinion, for college football.

Agree, the new Alumni Pavilion is GREAT! The dedication was done extremely well and each speaker did a fine job. I loved the crowd and the excitement around the Pavilion's opening. Once inside you could see how great the place will be as a "meet and greet" before games and for other events throughout the year. I thought the food and drink was both good and reasonably priced and the TV's were just perfect. I heard some great comments and saw a couple of folks actually join the Alumni Association after seeing the Pavilion in person. Thanks to Derrick and all he Alumni Association staff and to all the donors who helped to make this happen. SEE YOU AT THE PAVILION ON SAT. 24t before the Mean Green take on Indiana!

Everyone home in one piece and ready for Indiana on the 24th! Don't need any injuries. With JJ and Phillips out, along with a couple of others, the cupboard gets pretty bare and depth really suffers. I am not saying that the Mean Green cannot play toe to toe with 'Bama, as I certainly think they can, but depth will be a challenge against a bigger and faster 'Bama squad. These guys are good and they play in the SE Conference, not the Sunbelt. It's just the reality of they way it is right now. I wish we did not have to play this type of "money game", and I am hopeful that time is about to end. Until it does, I know the Mean green will again play to the last whistle and each and every player will make us proud to be members of the great Mean Green nation. Will need a great effort on the part of the Mean green, which I am sure we will see...can they hold off the Tide? Doubt it very seriously. Can that make 'Bama respect them? I definitely think they will. There is no quit in this Mean Green team or coaching staff.

Yep, I am always a bit surprised these days when people complain about the no food/drink from the outside thing. Seems to me that I haven't been to any sporting event outside a youth game where they DO allow outside food/drink. No college game at any level has allowed that at any game I have been to recently, nor any high school game (granted i have not been to that many HS games recently), nor any concerts, etc. I understand it sucks, but I cannot imagine anyone showing up at a college game these days expecting to being food/drinkl into the game from the outside. I even saw a lady at the airport arguing with a security agent about her water bottle...how long has that been a rule???? I fully appreciate the angst when little kiddos are involved and wish it were different, but it isn't and it hasn't been for a long time. Couldn't bring it into Fouts either as I recall. Not a new rule at all. Doesn't, however, mean that one has to like it I guess.

This. I was debating this with some folks at the game. Some thought they were CUSA refs as it was part of the deal to get Houston to come to Denton. I can't imagine allowing CUSA refs, but if that's the deal...well, that's the deal. I would hope they were "neutral refs" as they were sure bad! Looked like Sunbelt refs to me. Just how do you miss Dunbar getting run over, Phillips being hit late and some of the holds??? reminds me of he kid's song "Three Blind Mice". At times, the refs were just plain bad! They even seemed confused at times. Probably their firs game of the year as well. If so, it showed! But, I want to go on record as saying that the final score was the final score and it was not the calls made by the refs no matter what conference they are from. I just wanted t chime in with my agreement that they were, at times, bad. About as bad as that decision by Chancellor to try to field that punt over his head. I'm guessing that doesn't happen again...great game by Chancellor...would have loved to see him run that punt back as well.

When the Mean Green ran out onto that field I was all but speechless and my eyes were actually watering a bit...the speechless part is much more significant as to the fact that any one who knows me at all can rightfully attest. You just have to thank RV and his "vision" for keeping this dream alive for the Mean green faithful and for turning that dream into a reality.

What? maybe we'll find out more during Coach Mac's radio show this evening. I don't understand this, but maybe their is a family or school issue that is pressing enough that it needs his full attention. I wish young Mr. Brooks well, and thank him for his service to the Mean green. I do, however, hope that we see him back with the Mean Green. You never know. I hope, whatever the reason is, that he is OK. God speed, Terrel. The Mean green nation both thanks you and will miss your contribution.

Good luck, Jeremy...hurry back. The Mean Green nation needs you...and bring JJ back with you. Best of luck, and we are all wishing the best for you.

I parked in the Green 3 lot. Got there just before 2PM...had ABSOLUTELY ZERO problems getting into the lot. Left the game pretty soon after it ended...got to my car and was home (SW Denton) in 15 min. Less time than it took me to get home from Fouts. For all the folks who complain about the lack of parking at the new stadium...let me re-say what has been said many times before...THERE ARE MORE PARKING SPACES AT THE NEW STADIUM THAN AT FOUTS! Supporting a program does have some perks. One of them is a bit closer parking. If you parked too far away, consider joining the Mean Green Club (starts at $125) and buying season tickets. The casual "game or two" a year fan should not expect to park "up close and convenient". It's not just at UNT, but at every D1 program i have ever been associated with in my many years of following college football. Now, I will say that the handicapped parking situation needs a bit of review. Talked with one couple who have blue lot parking and there is simply no way for a person with any challenges walking to be able to get from the blue lot to the Alumni Pavilion without some challenges. I recommended that they contact the Athletic dept. this week and see what could be arranged. The shuttles looked to be doing a very good job getting people who needed assistance to the front of the stadium. Maybe there needs to be a bit more "notice" of how that works, and I am certain some things will get tweaked...it was the first game, right? I was very impressed by the lack of traffic and parking issues based on the "armageddon" predictions that folks were throwing around. It might take a game or two (and next year will be even better), but it will all get worked out and everyone will fall into a regular game day routine which will also help a great deal. It was the first time for every fan, every alum, every cop, every parking and stadium attendant and for every member of the athletic staff. All in all...BRAVO to one and all.

It was a great day indeed...and it was made even better by getting to actually say hello and meet the one and only CBL! It was great that you were able to make the game. I know it was probably a beat down getting back and forth, but it had to be worth it for a true member of the Mean Green nation. Agree, that the alumni side needs a bit of "pepping up" at times, but also understand that we have had eons to get get used to sleeping through most games. Heck, at least we were at those games for years and years, bought tickets and donated to the program even though it was pretty dismal on the field and stepped up to donate to the new stadium fund. Right now, folks may need to excuse us a bit for our "show me some wins" attitude, but many have earned that right through years and years of frustration. I will say, I think the alumni side was louder than in previous years, so it is definitely a start. If you have followed UNT for 40+ years as I have (and as many others on the alumni side have), you have experienced a good bit of frustration and the last few years have not helped. Heck, many of us "old folks" have been following and donating to this program longer than some of you "young guns" have even been alive. Give us a bit of slack...a few more beers...and we'll get there. You could see that UNT is on the mend and heading in the right direction by watching the game Saturday. It was the GREATEST day to be a member of the Mean green Nation...have I mentioned the co-eds in shorts and cowboy boots????? I had some Houston folks commenting on that aspect of the game day atmosphere! Glad you could make it...most happy to have gotten to meet you. Edit...what? Who dared? Show yourself...I dare you!

Spot on comments. I, too, thought the Houston crowd was poor with relation to their thoughts of "greener pastures". Houston fans have never traveled well it seems. This game was a short drive for them considering some. If they can't make it to Denton, they darn sure aren't going to Manhattan or Stillwater for that matter. I did enjoy talking with several Houston alls. All had great things to say about our new stadium and the Mean Green fans and game-day atmosphere.

You are kidding, I hope. Agree on the beer at halftime thing. It would be nice if beer was sold in the concession stands, but I don't see that coming anytime soon. Apogee is no where near the only stadium with a no exit/re-entry rule. I am thinking that several things will get tweaked and reviewed after the first game. Might see some changes. Who knows, but I do know that athletic staffers were asking for opinions and issues and were very open to hearing what folks had to say. Am pretty sure there will be a big sit down review this week to go over such things before the Indiana game. Everyone may need a bit of patience, but things will soon enough take on a sense of normalcy. It was the first game for everyone! And, what a great experience it was...the "issues" I have heard seem to be legit and well intentioned. No big "rock throwing" that one might have expected. That says a good bit to me about how well this first game was planned and thought out. Let's be patient enough to see where it goes.

What Pavilion for a half-time brew-The Alumni pavilion? The Alumni Pavilion closes about 30 min. before game time and does not (and will not) re-open. If folks leave to go there at half-time they cannot re-enter the stadium. That wouldn't make much sense, plus, Alumni personnel want to see the game too. Plans were always set for the pavilion to close prior to game time (that is not just the Alumni's decision by the way)...and those plans have been announced and public for quite some time.

I was told that restrooms were open to the outside of the stadium before the game for this very purpose. The restrooms are built to open to the outside during pre-game tailgating (not sure what time they open them) and then they are locked to the outside and opened to the inside at game time or a bit before. That may be at 4:30 or 5PM. Lots of college and NFL stadiums have the no exit/return policy.

Well said and I definitely agree. UNT will get bigger, faster and stronger and the wins will come. This year will be more fun than last year, next year will be better than this year and UNT will be Sunbelt champs in year three! Book it Danno! My experience yesterday and last night exceeded every expectation. We even made it home after the game faster than we did from Fouts! Amazing day...thank yo RV and Company and thank you students! Great job!

The stadium map shows Bonnie Brae to be open. Won't know until one tries it, but the way i look at the map Bonnie Brae is open as that is not in the Denia neighborhood. Willowwood at Bonnie Brae will be closed, but not Bonnie Brae it shows...I hope that is correct.

Sorry...don't have the costs with me...but Metzler's will be doing the catering, so one could probably surmise that BBQ was involved...and I think they are considering bringing back the jalapeno sausage that they had and that was so good a couple of years ago. Of course, beer and soft drinks will also be available. Come on by and see what's up. Dedication is to take place at 2:30PM and the Pavilion will be open and showing football games on the TVs until about 30 min. prior to kick-off. The TVs will be turned off, food and drink sales will cease and the place will be closed about 30 min. before game time to help encourage folks to actually go to the game...actually inside the stadium in fact! It's going to be great fun and the Pavilion should be a great place for alums and friends to meet and greet. Lots of the pavers are in, the donor wall is up, TV sets working and caterer set...let's get ready to rumble!!!!

That is not funny...OK, I'll smile a little.

I would call the athletic ticket office and see if they have a "recent grad" rate on tickets. They do for football, so maybe they do for basketball as well. Might save you some bucks to make a phone call. AND....thanks so much for being part of the basketball band...you guys did great work and I really enjoyed the games even more with your help. I appreciated all you did, and thank you for making the games even that much more enjoyable for all!

Brett, you sound just like some of the folks here on GMG.com who just cannot "let it go". This is a "new day" for the Mean Green and we should all look forward, not back. It strikes me as petty and childish to keep harping on the same old crap time and time again, especially when those "responsible" for any real or perceived grievances have long exited the scene. Good Gosh folks...Brett...get over it, get a life and let's all move on...there is so much good going on these days for UNT and the Mean Green. Time to grow up, let go of the childish stuff, and enjoy the new day.

Well, the problem with your "effed Boehner" thing is that he needs Boehner's permission to address a joint session of Congress. He could have done it in the White House on Wednesday without Boehner's permission, but not as a joint session speech. See, these pesky rules, that it appears very few folks know about, keep getting in the way. hard to "eff" Boehner when it's his chamber you are trying to use for your campaign speech...as that's what it was....and Boehner knew it. Plus, they had to pass rules on Wednesday to reopen Congress, and all sorts of administrative stuff...it was stupid in the first place for Obama, and really a lack of protocol on his part, to ask for Wednesday in the first place. If Wednesday was THAT important to him he could have used the White House...obviously a joint session prime time campaign speech was much more important to him than "effing Boehner". Why are all the libs so afraid of the Tea Party folks? It's not even an organized "party". Funny how a bunch of citizens exercising their constitutional rights can get so many people so upset. Don't recall all the libs complaining about those marches and protests in the 60's and early 70's by all the lefty groups. Why the aghast now about a bunch of citizens trying to get a point about fiscal restraint across to Congress? What are the libs so afraid of?

"Excellent get" for the Mean green. Way to go JJ and company. Man, this basketball season is going to be fun. I sure hope JJ and Co. are rewarded with all time record attendance. My bride and I will be in our "usual seats" again this season and we really cannot wait to see how this team does...this pick-up is great and since it's only a one-year deal will help the young signees by taking some pressure off them while they learn the college game...nice, very nice!

Absolutely fantastic letter from Coach mac. The guy is giving all he has to rebuild the Mean green and he seems to be trying to connect with the students more than any other coach I can recall in recent history. You just have to hope that the students will respond and give Coach mac even half the effort he is giving them. I really am proud of how Coach mac is working to bring the Mean green back and to help develop support for the team and program. Coach, Mac...I thank you sincerely for the efforts you are making toward bringing the student body on board the Mean Green adventure with you. A great adventure it will be to, Sir!

Just relax and look at it the way I do...I have no control over any of this. So, I'll just sit back, support the Mean green and enjoy the ride. Why let it get to you at all? Don't let this crap spoil the start to another great college football season for you...it's no where near worth that...No Way!

Well, it's more "common" than you realize. As many of you know I ref soccer most weekends during two seasons each year. I have worked most every level, and I can tell you it is most of the time the parents and the coaches that give you the most concern and trouble. The players often take their cue from their parents and coaches. The players you can pretty well control if you "take charge" of the game from the beginning, but you just never know what to expect from the "adults". If you are the parent of a youth player or a youth coach, watch this video carefully and vow to never be the parent of that kid and never to act as these coaches and parents did. The example you set will be remembered by your kid for the rest of their lives...and, you are often an embarrassment to your child when you yell and scream and get into altercations on the sidelines, etc....don't be "that guy" or that "lady" and yes, the ladies are just as bad as the men in many cases.