New Suites In The East Outdoor Club Area

[The Marmot]

Just got out of a meeting with East outdoor club seat holders and RF representatives including Scott Varady, John Matsko and Coach DeBriyn. They went into more detail about the plans to construct new luxury suites in the east outdoor area and how this will affect current tickets holders in that area. They sent letters about this to us several weeks ago as well

Things stay the same for the next 2 seasons but after 2017 we will be reseated in some fashion. They laid out some options such as getting top priority within our respective RF donation level (Big Hog, Tush Hog, etc) when choosing new seats within the next 2 years, having preference within our RF donation level to choose newly constructed seats, etc. These new suites are part of the initial fund raising for the expansion, and are supposed much nicer and high-end than the existing suites. They expect to build 6 to 10 of them, and already have commitments for 5 of them.

There was quite a bit of disappointment within the ticket holders at the meeting, especially the very-long term holders, and lots of questions were asked. But I will say that Scott and John were very open and informative, and the RF seems ready to work through the issues in the best way they can. A jumbotron on the south end is part of the overall plan btw.

They are travelling to Jonesboro and LR to have similar meetings

[ricepig]

Just got out of a meeting with East outdoor club seat and RF representatives including Scott Varady, John Matsko and Coach DeBriyn. They went into more detail about the plans to construct new luxury suites in the east outdoor area and how this will affect current tickets holders in that area. They sent letters about this to us several weeks ago as well

Things stay the same for the next 2 seasons but after 2017 we will be reseated in some fashion. They laid out some options such as getting top priority within our respective RF donation level (Big Hog, Tush Hog, etc) when choosing new seats within the next 2 years, having preference within our RF donation level to choose newly constructed seats, etc. These new suites are part of the initial fund raising for the expansion, and are supposed much nicer and high-end than the existing suites. They expect to build 6 to 10 of them, and already have commitments for 5 of them.

There was quite a bit of disappointment within the ticket holders at the meeting, especially the very-long term holders, and lots of questions were asked. But I will say that Scott and John were very open and informative, and the RF seems ready to work through the issues in the best way they can. A jumbotron on the south end is part of the overall plan btw.

They are travelling to Jonesboro and LR to have similar meetings

I knew they had some plans to incorporate the old Bogle Academic Center into suite/club amenities on the East side, is this part of the plan?

[The Marmot]

I knew they had some plans to incorporate the old Bogle Academic Center into suite/club amenities on the East side, is this part of the plan?

Not sure about that specifically, but they did say that there are many smaller renovations and amenities that will accompany the larger north end zone renovation.

[ricepig]

Not sure about that specifically, but they did say that there are many smaller renovations and amenities that will accompany the larger north end zone renovation.

Ok, I knew they had planned to turn that space into better food options for EOC, but didn't know of the plans you mentioned. I had EOC until 2006 and switched to SOC. The food options on the EOC were limited and we always went up to the indoor to get something to eat. I saw where Long said some more news was coming soon on the expansion.

[opineonswine]

I knew they had some plans to incorporate the old Bogle Academic Center into suite/club amenities on the East side, is this part of the plan?

Yes.  They are creating what I would call a "super suite" area that is going to be unbelievably nice.  All suites in the stadium are to be renovated by the way.

[ricepig]

Yes.  They are creating what I would call a "super suite" area that is going to be unbelievably nice.  All suites in the stadium are to be renovated by the way.

Yeah I knew they were upgrading them, especially the older ones.

[madxbayhog]

Going to the LR meeting tonight. Anxious to hear what they have to say.

[hogmolar]

I believe there is also going to be a meeting prior to the Red/White game on Sat.

[The Marmot]

I believe there is also going to be a meeting prior to the Red/White game on Sat.

Yes, in F'ville.

[ricepig]

Yes, in F'ville.

Just adding to the GSD, thank goodness Shields has left the house........

[Hawgar The Horrible]

Surely these improvements required some architectural drawings of some sort. Where are the damn pictures?

[ricepig]

Surely these improvements required some architectural drawings of some sort. Where are the damn pictures?

We're going to charge to view them, $40m, you know......

[OnTheHillHogFan]

Just got out of a meeting with East outdoor club seat and RF representatives including Scott Varady, John Matsko and Coach DeBriyn. They went into more detail about the plans to construct new luxury suites in the east outdoor area and how this will affect current tickets holders in that area. They sent letters about this to us several weeks ago as well

Things stay the same for the next 2 seasons but after 2017 we will be reseated in some fashion. They laid out some options such as getting top priority within our respective RF donation level (Big Hog, Tush Hog, etc) when choosing new seats within the next 2 years, having preference within our RF donation level to choose newly constructed seats, etc. These new suites are part of the initial fund raising for the expansion, and are supposed much nicer and high-end than the existing suites. They expect to build 6 to 10 of them, and already have commitments for 5 of them.

There was quite a bit of disappointment within the ticket holders at the meeting, especially the very-long term holders, and lots of questions were asked. But I will say that Scott and John were very open and informative, and the RF seems ready to work through the issues in the best way they can. A jumbotron on the south end is part of the overall plan btw.

They are travelling to Jonesboro and LR to have similar meetings

Was the disappointment about the designs or that some people are going to have lose their current seats?

[3kgthog]

And how much will those of us not in a suite have to pay for your seating upgrade? We're already seeing part of it this year, so I'm just curious how much worse it's going to get for the other 98% of us.

[The Marmot]

Was the disappointment about the designs or that some people are going to have lose their current seats?

Losing seats. They don't have any designs or drawings finalized for public view yet.

[The Marmot]

And how much will those of us not in a suite have to pay for your seating upgrade? We're already seeing part of it this year, so I'm just curious how much worse it's going to get for the other 98% of us.

They don't have pricing finalized either. They did say that the east outdoor seats will not change in price for the next 2 years.

[ricepig]

And how much will those of us not in a suite have to pay for your seating upgrade? We're already seeing part of it this year, so I'm just curious how much worse it's going to get for the other 98% of us.

Nada, nothing, zilch. Those suites are already paying for your seats. The suites account for roughly 2,000 seats in the 72,000-seat Razorback stadium. Those 2,000 seats, and about 630 standing-room-only suites, account for 16 percent of UA's football ticket-sales revenue.

[Tim Harris]

I will be at the one Saturday morning.  Interested in seeing how this all shakes out over the next couple years.

[Tim Harris]

Ok, I knew they had planned to turn that space into better food options for EOC, but didn't know of the plans you mentioned. I had EOC until 2006 and switched to SOC. The food options on the EOC were limited and we always went up to the indoor to get something to eat. I saw where Long said some more news was coming soon on the expansion.

That is the biggest down side to seats in EOC.  Food options pretty much don't exist.  You have to go up stairs.

[ricepig]

That is the biggest down side to seats in EOC.  Food options pretty much don't exist.  You have to go up stairs.

I know this was mentioned when the first announced all the improvements on the expansion, I would imagine it will be addressed.

[BLS50]

I attended the meeting in Little Rock last night.  While I appreciated the RF leadership having the meeting, and their willingness and transparency, I did not like the message delivered.  I very much enjoy sitting in the East Outdoor Club area.....to me, best seats in the house, by far.  In the previous survey, I honestly answered support for closing in the North End Zone.  Also indicated I had no desire to sit in the end zone.  I was never asked if I wanted to give up my seat in the East Outdoor Club area.  Also did not see anything in the public information for the bond issue proposal concerning the East Outdoor Club.  For those of you considering going to the meeting Saturday in Fayetteville, please go. Please listen and ask questions.

[idochog]

So I gather EOC seats are about to become suites?

[The Marmot]

So I gather EOC seats are about to become suites?

Some, not all.

[arky37]

Anyone know which sections in the East Outdoor Club will be affected by the new suites?

[madxbayhog]

1 Apr 2016
Anyone know which sections in the East Outdoor Club will be affected by the new suites?

From what I understand it will be the sections between the 25 yard lines.

[ricepig]

1 Apr 2016
Anyone know which sections in the East Outdoor Club will be affected by the new suites?

From what I understand it will be the sections between the 25 yard lines.

Just the sorry seats........

[JoeHawg]

Ill be at the meeting Sat    Suite 347 and no one outside subsidizes those suites except the people that pay for them     It holds 20  I sell most of them to friends   I also have 6 in SEZ         great seats between goalposts second section up      If and when I give up the suite  the outdoor seats I keep   

[ricepig]

Ill be at the meeting Sat    Suite 347 and no one outside subsidizes those suites except the people that pay for them     It holds 20  I sell most of them to friends   I also have 6 in SEZ         great seats between goalposts second section up      If and when I give up the suite  the outdoor seats I keep   

The vast majority of fans, and ticket buyers know that, well Uncle Sam subsidizes everyone who contributes to a 501 3(C), but some complain about everything.

[woodhog14]

And how much will those of us not in a suite have to pay for your seating upgrade? We're already seeing part of it this year, so I'm just curious how much worse it's going to get for the other 98% of us.

Nothing. The people that by the suites will pay for it. Come on man..

[BLS50]

If I understand it correctly, there are 1600 seats in the East Outdoor Club area.  As the person above indicated "between the 25 yard lines".  The reality, evidently.....depending on how many suites are constructed, a huge number (1000 +) of loyal Razorback fans who sit in the East Outdoor Club area, will be relocated somewhere else in RRS for the 2018 season. Yes, the individuals or donors who purchase the suites built where those fans currently sit (best seats in the house to me)....will raise a large amount of the $40 Million needed to go along with the $160 Million Bond Issue.  Their huge $$$ contribution is to be appreciated. I get that.  However, if the Board approves this action, I hope what is not lost on the board is a large number of fans will pay a different kind of price, by moving to other areas of RRS.  In the big scheme of things, is that a big deal?  No.  As a fan, i strongly support making improvements to the stadium, and the fan experience. Just wish they had asked up front, rather than being told after the course of action decided (assuming the Board approves the action). The survey I received about the North End Zone never asked me if I wanted to give up my current seats so the East Outdoor Club could become suites, along with the North End Zone project.  Reckon I will enjoy sitting in the East Outdoor Club this year and next, and then find a new seat elsewhere to cheer on our Hogs.  My Dad took me to my first Hog game in 1966, and I hope to keep going for a long time to come. Now, if you really want to help the fan experience, please put those nice chairs all over the lower bowl bleacher area.  :-) 

[ricepig]

If I understand it correctly, there are 1600 seats in the East Outdoor Club area.  As the person above indicated "between the 25 yard lines".  The reality, evidently.....depending on how many suites are constructed, a huge number (1000 +) of loyal Razorback fans who sit in the East Outdoor Club area, will be relocated somewhere else in RRS for the 2018 season. Yes, the individuals or donors who purchase the suites built where those fans currently sit (best seats in the house to me)....will raise a large amount of the $40 Million needed to go along with the $160 Million Bond Issue.  Their huge $$$ contribution is to be appreciated. I get that.  However, if the Board approves this action, I hope what is not lost on the board is a large number of fans will pay a different kind of price, by moving to other areas of RRS.  In the big scheme of things, is that a big deal?  No.  As a fan, i strongly support making improvements to the stadium, and the fan experience. Just wish they had asked up front, rather than being told after the course of action decided (assuming the Board approves the action). The survey I received about the North End Zone never asked me if I wanted to give up my current seats so the East Outdoor Club could become suites, along with the North End Zone project.  Reckon I will enjoy sitting in the East Outdoor Club this year and next, and then find a new seat elsewhere to cheer on our Hogs.  My Dad took me to my first Hog game in 1966, and I hope to keep going for a long time to come. Now, if you really want to help the fan experience, please put those nice chairs all over the lower bowl bleacher area.  :-) 

Yeah, I'm a big supporter of the North End Zone plans, but this seems like a little dirty poker to me. Now, I moved from about the 15yard line EOC back in 2007 to the SOC. I had front row seats, but needed to add to my 4 and would have had a row under the overhang, great for the setting sun and rain, but suck for watching the big board. My SOC seats have a great view of the screen and were a little cheaper at one time. I'm considering a Loge box in the North end zone, if we still go that way. That's if the video board, or boards is decent size.

[BPsTheMan]

Widen general admission seating!

[BLS50]

I have no doubt that what they end up doing with the North End Zone will be amazing.  Lots of options that will fit different needs. And I assume another great scoreboard for you to see from that vantage point.

[ricepig]

Widen general admission seating!

You can't squeeze as many in......

[BPsTheMan]

You can't squeeze as many in......

diminishing returns

folks often skip the games because of it

[ricepig]

diminishing returns

folks often skip the games because of it

Aren't you suppose to stand all game?

[Tim Harris]

Based on this mornings meeting they estimate to have 700-900 EOC seats remaining. The suites will be between the 30s.

Also the A club and Bogle Learning Center are being moved so they can provide better amenities to the clubs and remaining EOC seats.

[ricepig]

Based on this mornings meeting they estimate to have 700-900 EOC seats remaining. The suites will be between the 30s.

Also the A club and Bogle Learning Center are being moved so they can provide better amenities to the clubs and remaining EOC seats.

Yeah, wasn't much of a need for the Bogle Center with the new Jones SAC. I noticed that Pryor said in today's ADG that he still opposes the expansion. He wasn't worried about the $40m, although he wanted some transparency in the process, including the fund raising. He also questioned the bond amount since the state isn't providing more for higher education, not sure how these are connected in any way, lol. And finally, was this going to provide more general admission or student seating. My take from that, he doesn't watch the games on TV, or sits in a suite on the East side.

[opineonswine]

Anyone know which sections in the East Outdoor Club will be affected by the new suites?

Between the 26 yard line on the north and the 14 yard line on the south.  10 suites are planned.

[ricepig]

Between the 30's basically.  10 suites are planned.

Are those 10 suites going to have outside seating like Baum? I would think so, or you were going to block the view of those sitting on the 29yea line in the club seats.

[opineonswine]

Are those 10 suites going to have outside seating like Baum?

I corrected myself after I took another look.  It's between the 26 yard line on the north and the 14 yard line on the south...and no, no outdoor seating.

[Inhogswetrust]

diminishing returns

folks often skip the games because of it

Maybe they should skip a few meals instead.............................

[ricepig]

I corrected myself after I took another look.  It's between the 26 yard line on the north and the 14 yard line on the south...and no, no outdoor seating.

Hmm.....I'm not sure I want row 5 on the 25yrd line on the north end, then. I guess it will be better than it sounds/appears, but it would seem I'd get a view of the suite next to me when looking south.

[ricepig]

Based on this mornings meeting they estimate to have 700-900 EOC seats remaining. The suites will be between the 30s.

Also the A club and Bogle Learning Center are being moved so they can provide better amenities to the clubs and remaining EOC seats.

According to the answer to Pryor, will lose 637 EOC seats in the Founder's suites conversion, gain 300 suite seats. If I read it correctly.

[BLS50]

I don't know what ground truth is.  In Little Rock, we were told between 1000 and 1300 seats would be taken, and turned into Suites.  When I saw the article this morning and the number 637.....made me go hmmmmmm. 

[Tim Harris]

They won't know the final number until they have an approved plan.

[ricepig]

They won't know the final number until they have an approved plan.

True, I was just using their numbers.

[OnTheHillHogFan]

Yeah, wasn't much of a need for the Bogle Center with the new Jones SAC. I noticed that Pryor said in today's ADG that he still opposes the expansion. He wasn't worried about the $40m, although he wanted some transparency in the process, including the fund raising. He also questioned the bond amount since the state isn't providing more for higher education, not sure how these are connected in any way, lol. And finally, was this going to provide more general admission or student seating. My take from that, he doesn't watch the games on TV, or sits in a suite on the East side.

I don't understand how he still thinks the UofA is using government money to fund the athletic program.