Green Dozer

I know you were not trying to be mean, and you will see that I do know what I am talking about. We may be in a new stadium, but it won't resemble anything like they are putting out, no way. Rick is a good salesman. Did he tell you about his ocean front property in Arizona that he is going to sell and donate the money to the stadium fund? Really, think about it, the stock market is down over 30%, and there are companies lined up to give 30 million dollars? I'm sorry, no way.

Student fee cannot pay for all of it. I understand the mortgage comparison, but it still has to be paid, and the donations will have to be used for that. Why do donors have to be asked? And also, stop somebody from the athletic department and ask where to send your donation for the stadium. Even if they are asked, there just is not that kind of money in the donor ranks of North Texas. We have 2 one million dollar gifts over the past five years, but now it seems that many think these kind of donations are just start flowing in. The only arenas in the DFW with corporate sponsors are Resistol Arena in Mesquite, AA Center in Dallas, and Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. Texas Stadium, not even in the 90's and one of the top 2 most valuable sports franchises plays there. What about the new stadium? Oh that's right, no. And the Ballpark in Arlington does not have one. Yet, many think some corporation is going to sponsor us. Why hasn't a corporation picked up Ford Stadium or Amon Carter in Ft. Worth? Houston, Rice, Baylor, TX, & AM don't have sponsors. AT&T has picked up Jones in Lubbock. Until we have a much higher profile program, billboards will be a much better deal. And while all this money is paying for the stadium, what about the underfunded program playing on its field? One way or another, Dodge has probably 5 years if he gets the stadium and another 2 if not. How are we going to afford a coach (i.e. June Jones at 1 million a year) and the type of staff he will want to bring. There is my opinion in a nutshell. Sorry we disagree.

The BOR are not going to start construction until they are sure where every dime to pay for it is going to come from. There won't be a corporate sponsor before the stadium starts construction, and probably not one after its completion. They will step up when they know the money is coming from. We cannot afford otherwise. It is not for the BOR/administration to step, I am sure you know public funds cannot be used, so the donors/supporters are going to have to step up.

Don't we have some sort of athletic fee coming in now? We are years away from not having to schedule body bag games. New stadium won't make a difference as we do not have the money of SMU, which seems to be a measuring stick of many on this board.

Stebo good point. But where are the $$$$$$$$$ we receive from these games going to from if we do not play them? Especially, if you are trying to raise funds for the new stadium. This dilemma is just another example of a poorly underfunded program.

don't ask questions like this, you might be tagged negative.

First, this post is not to draw you into an argument or debate, so this is not an attack to have a fight. NT80, you seem to be an intelligent person, and maybe you can see what my concerns are. Nobody else can, they think I am just being negative. Making comments about renovating Fouts does not mean, at least for me, that I want to go that way. That said, can you realistically answer these questions: 1) Our program is presently underfunded. Lets say the fee increase does pass, the students are only responsible for half, correct? Where is the rest of the money going to come from? (and please do not use the corporate sponsor argument) 2) Now, you have your stadium. Please do not add in a corporate sponsor as that is not going to happen anytime soon. Where is the money going to come from to bring the program to even at a mid-major competitve level, when donor dollars are going to the new stadium? Who is going to make up the difference? The reason I ask this is how are you going to improve coaches salaries, keep the weight room modernized, strength coach, everything to run a modern day div. 1 program. A new stadium is not going to bring that, and if the team is like it is right now, the stadium will not make any difference. You know, it just seems we have a "build it and they will come attitude." If only it were that easy. Look forward to your reply.

Now you are really reaching. Pleaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeee.

Well here is his quote in the UNT daily, and if it had been done, then wouldn't he have alluded to a study if it had been done: "It was also stated that no "official" study had been done on this and therefore we didn't know how much it would cost to fix it. First my comments have never been based on "fixing" the stadium but bringing it to a level that we need to be competitive in recruiting, to attract new fans and position us to be more attractive to television and name opponents. We also didn't pursue an official plan on that site because about four years ago the campus master plan was formulated with no football stadium on the north side of I-35, with that area being replaced with student and academic use based buildings and functions." And yes, I think he would pursue this stadium even if there were other options. Why wouldn't he pursue it? Don't you expect that of him? For his career, if he gets this done, it is a nice feather in his cap. Soldier Field, Lambeau, even Amon Carter have been renovated over the years, and are all good stadiums. TCU is even looking into further renovation. And as for as the master plan for area that Fouts is located at, well, it is a plan and not law. All I said was it would be cheaper to fix Fouts. I know that is not what you want to here, but it would not cost anywhere near $60 million dollars. Heck, I bet a lot would be done for $15 million and we could come a lot closer to raising that than $60 million. The student vote is important, but you can bet the board of regents will not let this thing get started until they know where all the funding is coming from. This university cannot afford otherwise. And you know, Rick M. has said the same thing in his posts, alluding to the remaining funding above and beyond the student fee. Didn't say RV should not pursue the stadium or anything of the sort, just that I agreed with Lonnie. Obviously you do not agree with either one of us and that is your prerogative. Also, I have not seen a post where Lonnie said he did not want a new stadium. Just because you have a different idea does not mean you are totally against what is going on. Just my opinion, sorry i am not a rocket scientist.

NT80, there has not been a study of any kind to see what it would take to renovate Fouts. I do not think it would be anywhere near 60 million dollars, and much feasible for our budget at this time. I think Fake Lonnie's idea has a lot of merit. Your right, this is not rocket science.

You are correct! This is the most sensible and logical solution that anybody has made. Of course, you might not want to tell anybody that Mr. Negative Green Dozer agrees with you.

Well, somebody will scrutinize it, why does it make any difference who does it. And you can bet the Board of Regents is not going to lay their necks out unless they have been shown the money. Even Rick said today in his reply to the daily that the donors would have to step up. This stadium is not going to happen until then. You know what, I really hope you are right and I am the won that is wrong. This is not about us, it is about the future of our football program, plain and simple. I hope in 2011 that you are on interviewed on ESPN Gameday for your work. Thanks for your efforts, again, I just do not agree with how it is being presented.

I think there are still questions about the strength of Riley's arm after surgery. He is not very big anyway, so he may have lost some zip.

Lifer, this is concise and to the point. Just like the campaign should have been run.

WE DO NOT NEED TO RAISE $30 MILLION IN DONATIONS TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION. Clear?

Oh, yea the attitude is that the stadium is the fix all. Come on Lifer, it is being used as an excuse for our record. And no, there is not a corportation out there that is going to dump a million dollars a year to put a sign up. Sorry! And we are going to have to improve a lot to have "future televised game numerous times". Local Channel 21 will not cut it with the big boys on another channel. And LEED, please. Maybe we can sell a box to Al Gore. Yea, it is an arrogant statement, but it is unrealistic thinking that this program is going to change as much as you believe in the near future. Lifer, i just don't see it.

Right on! Thank you!!!! Thank you!!

Your right rcade. However, the Murchison's and the Winspears' paid a big part of this. I just do not believe we have those kind of deep pockets for athletics.

If you won't listen to me, maybe Roger Goodell can help you see what I am trying to say. Interesting article, see below: PRO SPORTS Pro leagues facing economic pinch NFL, Formula One, soccer leaders express concern. ASSOCIATED PRESS Thursday, October 09, 2008 The professional sports world is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. The NFL faces challenges, commissioner Roger Goodell said in San Antonio on Wednesday. Responding to questions during a business leaders luncheon, Goodell said the NFL is not recession-proof, citing stadium financing and struggles by the league's sponsors as specific problems. European soccer teams burdened with heavy debts could be banned from competitions if they fail to deal with their financial problems. Formula One's future is at stake because of the global credit crunch, and the auto racing circuit's leading figures are trying to find a way to cut costs in a sport long linked to celebrities, glamour and big money. Goodell said borrowing money has become difficult and expensive as credit has tightened, potentially hampering stadium projects, and many companies that the league relies on for sponsorships have had to cut back. Fans, worried about their household finances, are feeling the effects also, he said. "We're all feeling the pinch right now, some more than others, and it's something we want to remain sensitive to," Goodell said, speaking at the University of the Incarnate Word. San Antonio wants an NFL franchise, but Goodell said expanding the number of teams isn't being seriously considered. David Taylor, general secretary of European soccer's governing body, warned that teams with heavy debts would face the "ultimate sanction." The first meeting exploring how to overhaul the license requirements to enter UEFA competitions will be held Monday, although there is no timetable for its implementation. "Let there be no doubt, we are not sitting idly by," Taylor said. "We are looking at strengthening the minimal financial criteria and other forms of self regulation that may impose greater standard on clubs that want to compete in European competitions and beyond that club football. "The whole concept of financial fair play is about living within your means and your resources, which can also mean having debt but being able to service that debt." Max Mosley, Formula One's president, and Luca di Montezemolo, who chairs the body that represents Formula One's 10 teams, met Wednesday to start discussions on how the sport will navigate this crisis. Mosley warned at the meeting in Nice, France, that if drastic cost reductions aren't in place within two years the $4.7 billion F1 empire could be in peril. "It has become apparent, long before the current difficulties, that Formula One was unsustainable," Mosley said Tuesday. "It really is a very serious situation. If we can't get this done for 2010, we will be in serious difficulty." Mosley is championing budget caps and hybrid technology, hoping they will keep F1 significant to the average fan unimpressed by the spectacle of racing at night in Singapore or around the famous street course of Monaco. "The days when they could just toss out the 100, 200, 300 million euros a year, which is what Formula One costs those big companies, I think they are finished," Mosley said.

I just do not believe the donor support is at such a level, nor can it get there anytime soon, to make this program successful. We will still be an underfunded program in a new stadium. And we won't have to go to Norman, Austin, or Baton Rouge to get our teeth kicked in. They can come here and do it. Anyway, here is an article that might be of interest. I think we both make good points and I appreciate your reply. PRO SPORTS Pro leagues facing economic pinch NFL, Formula One, soccer leaders express concern. ASSOCIATED PRESS Thursday, October 09, 2008 The professional sports world is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. The NFL faces challenges, commissioner Roger Goodell said in San Antonio on Wednesday. Responding to questions during a business leaders luncheon, Goodell said the NFL is not recession-proof, citing stadium financing and struggles by the league's sponsors as specific problems. European soccer teams burdened with heavy debts could be banned from competitions if they fail to deal with their financial problems. Formula One's future is at stake because of the global credit crunch, and the auto racing circuit's leading figures are trying to find a way to cut costs in a sport long linked to celebrities, glamour and big money. Goodell said borrowing money has become difficult and expensive as credit has tightened, potentially hampering stadium projects, and many companies that the league relies on for sponsorships have had to cut back. Fans, worried about their household finances, are feeling the effects also, he said. "We're all feeling the pinch right now, some more than others, and it's something we want to remain sensitive to," Goodell said, speaking at the University of the Incarnate Word. San Antonio wants an NFL franchise, but Goodell said expanding the number of teams isn't being seriously considered. David Taylor, general secretary of European soccer's governing body, warned that teams with heavy debts would face the "ultimate sanction." The first meeting exploring how to overhaul the license requirements to enter UEFA competitions will be held Monday, although there is no timetable for its implementation. "Let there be no doubt, we are not sitting idly by," Taylor said. "We are looking at strengthening the minimal financial criteria and other forms of self regulation that may impose greater standard on clubs that want to compete in European competitions and beyond that club football. "The whole concept of financial fair play is about living within your means and your resources, which can also mean having debt but being able to service that debt." Max Mosley, Formula One's president, and Luca di Montezemolo, who chairs the body that represents Formula One's 10 teams, met Wednesday to start discussions on how the sport will navigate this crisis. Mosley warned at the meeting in Nice, France, that if drastic cost reductions aren't in place within two years the $4.7 billion F1 empire could be in peril. "It has become apparent, long before the current difficulties, that Formula One was unsustainable," Mosley said Tuesday. "It really is a very serious situation. If we can't get this done for 2010, we will be in serious difficulty." Mosley is championing budget caps and hybrid technology, hoping they will keep F1 significant to the average fan unimpressed by the spectacle of racing at night in Singapore or around the famous street course of Monaco. "The days when they could just toss out the 100, 200, 300 million euros a year, which is what Formula One costs those big companies, I think they are finished," Mosley said.

OH Yea, you get it. Your the only one who has called it an athletic fee, congratulations. What about the money that the fee won't cover? NO, i certainly do not think advertising will stop but comparing our situation with the stars/mavs and AA Center is a reach. Why would a corporation sponsor us? No real tv coverage, bearly 15K in attendance, under funded program which has got to improve. RV says we can't throw pennies while others throw dollars at a program and he is right. A corporation can get just as much advertising for a lot less than $20 million with billboards at 35 and 35E. You just think that this stadium is just the fix all, and its not. The NFL, MLB, NBA all say corporate dollars are pulling back, but you think some company is going to come to Denton, and plop down 20 million dollars. Concerts? Give me a break. Band competitions? The only ones in the stadium would be the bands, and they are to busy playing music to know who the sponsor is. Will it help? Certainly, but unless we can properly fund the rest of the program, which I do not think we can given our present donor level (raffle tickets and locker purchase are not going to make a dent) then we will just suck in new digs. I get it, you don't.

I know many think Todd Dodge walks on water. That said, you are giving him way to much credit and really overthinking things.

This is what you get when you do not have your facts straight. One thing that stood out was the cost to fix Fouts. Oh, it does not take a rocket scientist to see Fouts needs to be fixed, but the answer should have been "we had xyz Construction do an estimate and the cost would be $$$$". Another example of how there is no real message as it were concerning the reasons for this stadium. However this is correct: This is what athletics director Rick Villarreal told Joe Carter of KNTU-FM, 88.1, on Tuesday in regard to the proposal: "We keep saying our football program sucks, well it does. ... But the reality is we're not going to get any better until we make changes and support the program." Oh, excuse me, did not mean to be negative.

Don't take this personal, but what woodwork? Are they going to sneak a trojan horse onto North Texas? Nobody can seem to answer why these donors didn't step up when we were winning championships just a few short years ago. What about when we went from Div. II to Div I? You would think a few would have stepped up then. Same thing in the 70's with Hayden Fry. Didn't people have money then to. And I am sorry, I just do not see where this money is going to come from. We have $90 million dollars in endowment which is very low for a university our size and age. Yet, you want me to believe that this program can raise $60 milllion dollars (only 1/2 can come from the student fee, so that leaves $30 million from donors/corporate sponsor), generate enough stadium revenue to maintain the stadium, and there will be enough to fund the football program so its competitiveness can match the stadium. What about coaches salaries? What about jocks? What about strength coaches? What about top notch tutors to keep these players on the field? By the way, there will be no corporate sponsor anytime soon. You know, we got a bargain with the publicity we got from hiring Dodge given our ability to pay coaches. We want find a bargain like that next time, so we better be prepared to pay. But, you really believe there are these donors who have been holding back because of Fouts that will step up, and do all of this? Man, talk about a pipe dream.

OK, I stand corrected. But you are going to still need donor money, and you can bet somebody is going to want to know where that is going to come from before a spade of dirt is turned on this thing. My understanding is that the students are responsible for half correct? So, that is $30 million. What about the other $30 million? Bet somebody says they will have to see at least $15 million at least from donors before construction begins.