While Nt Sits On Its Thumb....

DeepGreen · July 12, 2008

I know this is non-UNT and does not belong here, but we need to see what others can do to move their programs forward. Here's an update on Lamar's Stadium project. Demolition of the old fieldhouse begins in August. Oh, Lamar won't play their first game until 2010.

Lamar Football Stadium Update

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July 11, 2008 - 6:19PM

Jennifer Heathcock

In his first two months on the job, the Lamar Head Football Coach has helped raise money for stadium renovations and the new athletic complex.

A progress report on a program that won't be graded until 2010 when the team takes the field.

There's not much going on right now at Cardinal Stadium. But soon the work will pick up as the school re-starts football.

"I think it's coming in somewhere between 18-20 million dollars. It's mind-boggling to me to talk those kinds of numbers," says Lamar University Head Football Coach Ray Woodard.

Numbers that are necessary when every other school is also trying to make money and fill seats.

"You want a stadium that's attract fans, attract players and athletes to come here. I think we'll have that," says Woodard.

The plans are to tear apart the existing stadium and put it back together piece by piece. Old sun-bleached seats are out. Grass, gone. The scoreboard will be updated. Even the concession stands will get a facelift.

At least the press box is nearly finished after months of work.

"It's a little scary to be this instrumental in putting this together, but at some time it's very rewarding," says Woodard.

One thing that will remain, the dedication plaque from more than 40 years ago when the stadium was built.

Woodard says having a big hand in the remodeling project is almost like being a kid in a candy store.

"It would be if I was spending my own money, but I'm not and I'm well aware of that. It's very exciting to know we're not going to nickel and dime it," says Woodard.

The window shopping's complete, now the ideas have to be put into place before the lights come on again.

Woodard says demolition of the old field house should begin by the end of August and the new Athletic Complex should be finished by the fall of 2009.

Source: http://www.kfdm.com/news/woodard_26913___a...adium_says.html

MeanGreen61 · July 12, 2008

So Lamar dropped football in the 80s (?) while playing in the Southland (?). Was it due to losing $$$, fan interest, a combination of both or ? Why will they be successful now ?

GoMeanGreen1999 · July 12, 2008

I know this is non-UNT and does not belong here, but we need to see what others can do to move their programs forward. Here's an update on Lamar's Stadium project. Demolition of the old fieldhouse begins in August. Oh, Lamar won't play their first game until 2010.
Lamar Football Stadium Update
Comments 0 | Recommend 0
July 11, 2008 - 6:19PM
Jennifer Heathcock
In his first two months on the job, the Lamar Head Football Coach has helped raise money for stadium renovations and the new athletic complex.
A progress report on a program that won't be graded until 2010 when the team takes the field.
There's not much going on right now at Cardinal Stadium. But soon the work will pick up as the school re-starts football.
"I think it's coming in somewhere between 18-20 million dollars. It's mind-boggling to me to talk those kinds of numbers," says Lamar University Head Football Coach Ray Woodard.
Numbers that are necessary when every other school is also trying to make money and fill seats.
"You want a stadium that's attract fans, attract players and athletes to come here. I think we'll have that," says Woodard.
The plans are to tear apart the existing stadium and put it back together piece by piece. Old sun-bleached seats are out. Grass, gone. The scoreboard will be updated. Even the concession stands will get a facelift.
At least the press box is nearly finished after months of work.
"It's a little scary to be this instrumental in putting this together, but at some time it's very rewarding," says Woodard.
One thing that will remain, the dedication plaque from more than 40 years ago when the stadium was built.
Woodard says having a big hand in the remodeling project is almost like being a kid in a candy store.
"It would be if I was spending my own money, but I'm not and I'm well aware of that. It's very exciting to know we're not going to nickel and dime it," says Woodard.
The window shopping's complete, now the ideas have to be put into place before the lights come on again.
Woodard says demolition of the old field house should begin by the end of August and the new Athletic Complex should be finished by the fall of 2009.
Source: http://www.kfdm.com/news/woodard_26913___a...adium_says.html

Well I guess they are not participating in a "silent" phase like we are.

DeepGreen · July 12, 2008

So Lamar dropped football in the 80s (?) while playing in the Southland (?). Was it due to losing $$$, fan interest, a combination of both or ? Why will they be successful now ?

Both. Not saying they will be successful. But they can raise the money. Something we can't or won't do.

GoMeanGreen1999 · July 12, 2008

Both. Not saying they will be successful. But they can raise the money. Something we can't or won't do.

We could raise it, we just aren't for some reason. I keep thinking back to all of the things we did around town to create excitement the year Baylor came to town. I can't remember us doing anything like that since, but I sure don't believe it is a "we can't" so much as it appears to be a "we won't."

GreenMachine · July 12, 2008

We could raise it, we just aren't for some reason. I keep thinking back to all of the things we did around town to create excitement the year Baylor came to town. I can't remember us doing anything like that since, but I sure don't believe it is a "we can't" so much as it appears to be a "we won't."

I'm really not in the know on a lot of these things but is our Athl. Dept just very inexperienced, short-handed, lazy, incompetent, bad leadership. etc? Or are they really do a great job and I just don't see the results.

July 12, 2008

A problem is, we could be doing very well in our pursuit of the $65M for the stadium and not know it. Just because it's not being publicized doesn't mean that nothing is happening. If nothing is happening then the fans are eventually going to know it and be livid about the incompetience but I suppose the "silent phase" does buy a little time. I can only guess that the administration is unwilling to publicize anything until it is accepted or rejected by the students. There are times when it's better to not know the gory details. If it happens before the year is out then I don't really care how each piece came together.

So, if we're going to be critical (and we are), just complain about the lack of information, not that nothing is being done. We could be wrong.

RaiderInTheZone · July 12, 2008

We could raise it, we just aren't for some reason. I keep thinking back to all of the things we did around town to create excitement the year Baylor came to town. I can't remember us doing anything like that since, but I sure don't believe it is a "we can't" so much as it appears to be a "we won't."

Two words--Sun Belt.

Trying to keep to the topic of this thread. North Texas has the most promise of any member of the Sun Belt of moving up into a better league and creating more revenue and more fan excitement. UNT's strategic location in the center of the U.S. makes it a viable candidate to Conference USA, the WAC, and the Mountain West geographically. HOWEVER, the WAC appears to be the only league interested in taking UNT.

I really think your fans would start giving more money when you play more and more exciting teams in conference as well as out of conference. You need to draw average Joe's that just want to watch decent football and decent teams. Average Joe's know who Boise State is. They know who Hawaii is. They don't care about Louisiana-Lafayette. They don't care about Florida International, Middle Tennessee State, Troy State, or Arkansas State. America doesn't respect the Sun Belt Conference, so how can you expect the average Dentonite to do the same? I know alot of you guys like going on road trips in the Belt where you couldn't in the WAC, but you have to stop thinking about yourself and think about what's best for North Texas! What's best for North Texas is obvious to everyone in the country. Get the heck out of the Sun Belt Conference.

The SBC's progress in miniscule on the grand scale where other leagues have taken larger steps in shorter time spans. UNT doesn't have the time to mess around and wait for the SBC to improve. As long as Wright Waters is the commissioner everyone in America will look down on the Sun Belt and everyone of it's affiliates. UNT needs to be affiliated with something better.

If it's a new stadium UNT wants, which I think you need and deserve, then you have to show your casual fans and the Denton area that you are committed to a better University of North Texas. The WAC is better. Why not achieve better?

Edited July 12, 2008 by RaiderInTheZone

LoveMG · July 12, 2008

A problem is, we could be doing very well in our pursuit of the $65M for the stadium and not know it. Just because it's not being publicized doesn't mean that nothing is happening. If nothing is happening then the fans are eventually going to know it and be livid about the incompetience but I suppose the "silent phase" does buy a little time. I can only guess that the administration is unwilling to publicize anything until it is accepted or rejected by the students. There are times when it's better to not know the gory details. If it happens before the year is out then I don't really care how each piece came together.
So, if we're going to be critical (and we are), just complain about the lack of information, not that nothing is being done. We could be wrong.

a lack of information can hurt a donors willingness to give as much as a lack of progress on a campaign. they have not asked anyone i know for a donation. there better be some movement with a student fee this fall or i will call their bluff on this whole issue. yes i am tired of their non communication.

UNTflyer · July 12, 2008

I'm really not in the know on a lot of these things but is our Athl. Dept just very inexperienced, short-handed, lazy, incompetent, bad leadership. etc? Or are they really do a great job and I just don't see the results.

The Mean Green Club needs to have some type of board or committee of members so that there is communication between the fans and the AD.

GoMeanGreen1999 · July 12, 2008

Two words--Sun Belt.
Trying to keep to the topic of this thread. North Texas has the most promise of any member of the Sun Belt of moving up into a better league and creating more revenue and more fan excitement. UNT's strategic location in the center of the U.S. makes it a viable candidate to Conference USA, the WAC, and the Mountain West geographically. HOWEVER, the WAC appears to be the only league interested in taking UNT.
I really think your fans would start giving more money when you play more and more exciting teams in conference as well as out of conference. You need to draw average Joe's that just want to watch decent football and decent teams. Average Joe's know who Boise State is. They know who Hawaii is. They don't care about Louisiana-Lafayette. They don't care about Florida International, Middle Tennessee State, Troy State, or Arkansas State. America doesn't respect the Sun Belt Conference, so how can you expect the average Dentonite to do the same? I know alot of you guys like going on road trips in the Belt where you couldn't in the WAC, but you have to stop thinking about yourself and think about what's best for North Texas! What's best for North Texas is obvious to everyone in the country. Get the heck out of the Sun Belt Conference.
The SBC's progress in miniscule on the grand scale where other leagues have taken larger steps in shorter time spans. UNT doesn't have the time to mess around and wait for the SBC to improve. As long as Wright Waters is the commissioner everyone in America will look down on the Sun Belt and everyone of it's affiliates. UNT needs to be affiliated with something better.
If it's a new stadium UNT wants, which I think you need and deserve, then you have to show your casual fans and the Denton area that you are committed to a better University of North Texas. The WAC is better. Why not achieve better?

Well, I have pretty much been convinced by others on here that the WAC is not a good move for us. You do bring up some good points. Honestly, from a preception the WAC would probably be a step forward for us as much as some of what you have said. You have to take steps forward - and the WAC is definately looked higher upon in the National scheme than the Sun Belt is. In terms of fans that want to travel to away games, it does make it significantly harder. I hated it when the Hogs went to the SEC, because that meant I would have to travel a lot farther to see the same amount of games as I did when they were in the SWC, but in the long run, I am so glad they made the move. Most of all of the major upgrades in facilities in Fayetteville were done after the move to the SEC.

July 12, 2008

Well, I have pretty much been convinced by others on here that the WAC is not a good move for us. You do bring up some good points. Honestly, from a preception the WAC would probably be a step forward for us as much as some of what you have said. You have to take steps forward - and the WAC is definately looked higher upon in the National scheme than the Sun Belt is. In terms of fans that want to travel to away games, it does make it significantly harder. I hated it when the Hogs went to the SEC, because that meant I would have to travel a lot farther to see the same amount of games as I did when they were in the SWC, but in the long run, I am so glad they made the move. Most of all of the major upgrades in facilities in Fayetteville were done after the move to the SEC.

It's hard to make out of town trips in the Sun Belt without flying or taking a day on each side of the game for travel. In the Sun Belt we can drive to the two Louisianas; in the WAC only Louisiana Tech would be within driving distance. Four of the Sun Belt (football) destinations would likely require a flight and a car rental....at least it would be the most convenient. Those would be Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and Troy. Only two of the WAC destinations are unreachable by air...Utah State and Idaho. So I guess that it depends on how much you can afford to spend as to how many games that you can attend in either league.

UNT_playmaker · July 12, 2008

I know this is non-UNT and does not belong here, but we need to see what others can do to move their programs forward. Here's an update on Lamar's Stadium project. Demolition of the old fieldhouse begins in August. Oh, Lamar won't play their first game until 2010.
Lamar Football Stadium Update
Comments 0 | Recommend 0
July 11, 2008 - 6:19PM
Jennifer Heathcock
In his first two months on the job, the Lamar Head Football Coach has helped raise money for stadium renovations and the new athletic complex.
A progress report on a program that won't be graded until 2010 when the team takes the field.
There's not much going on right now at Cardinal Stadium. But soon the work will pick up as the school re-starts football.
"I think it's coming in somewhere between 18-20 million dollars. It's mind-boggling to me to talk those kinds of numbers," says Lamar University Head Football Coach Ray Woodard.
Numbers that are necessary when every other school is also trying to make money and fill seats.
"You want a stadium that's attract fans, attract players and athletes to come here. I think we'll have that," says Woodard.
The plans are to tear apart the existing stadium and put it back together piece by piece. Old sun-bleached seats are out. Grass, gone. The scoreboard will be updated. Even the concession stands will get a facelift.
At least the press box is nearly finished after months of work.
"It's a little scary to be this instrumental in putting this together, but at some time it's very rewarding," says Woodard.
One thing that will remain, the dedication plaque from more than 40 years ago when the stadium was built.
Woodard says having a big hand in the remodeling project is almost like being a kid in a candy store.
"It would be if I was spending my own money, but I'm not and I'm well aware of that. It's very exciting to know we're not going to nickel and dime it," says Woodard.
The window shopping's complete, now the ideas have to be put into place before the lights come on again.
Woodard says demolition of the old field house should begin by the end of August and the new Athletic Complex should be finished by the fall of 2009.
Source: http://www.kfdm.com/news/woodard_26913___a...adium_says.html

Something surely needs to be done quickly to ensure we aren't in the same position in regards to the stadium progress we have had until now, which is 8 years and counting and the last news we heard was we were given $1.5 Million to decide if we need a stadium.

GoMeanGreen1999 · July 13, 2008

Something surely needs to be done quickly to ensure we aren't in the same position in regards to the stadium progress we have had until now, which is 8 years and counting and the last news we heard was we were given $1.5 Million to decide if we need a stadium.

I for one still think we are a long ways off from a new stadium, but I am also willing to eat crow if I am wrong.

SUMG · July 13, 2008

Oh so that's a thumb we're collectively sitting on. That's a relief. For a minute there, I thought we were all gay.

July 13, 2008

I for one still think we are a long ways off from a new stadium, but I am also willing to eat crow if I am wrong.

Uhh, I think that you should check with Stebo before making a statement like that.

GoMeanGreen1999 · July 13, 2008

Uhh, I think that you should check with Stebo before making a statement like that.

I won't be eating actual crow of course.

eulessismore · July 13, 2008

I for one still think we are a long ways off from a new stadium, but I am also willing to eat crow if I am wrong.

I've heard the worst part is having to stand around afterwards talking about how much you enjoyed the meal.

foutsrouts · July 13, 2008

I've heard the worst part is having to stand around afterwards talking about how much you enjoyed the meal.

Crow really ain't that bad. It tastes a lot like chicken.

oldschoollefty · July 14, 2008

Crow really ain't that bad. It tastes a lot like roasted mustang hindquarters.

fixed for culinary accuracy

FirefightnRick · July 14, 2008

Anytime anyone else would like to try and eat some Crow, just let me know. There's several selections to choose from within range of the 12 guage and as Stebo can confess, I don't mind cleaning one or two for you.

Rick