North End Zone project taking the next step

[ricepig]

http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/razorback-athletics-seeking-approval-for-full-design-of-stadium-renovation/

[The_Iceman]

That's sharp. I wonder if they've changed the plans for the inside at all since the master plan? I was thinking they'd want to add more skyboxes than originally shown.

[Torqued pork]

Great news if the BoT gives the go ahead.

[Atlhogfan1]

Time for it to happen.  Last reno was done 15 years ago.  Have to keep up with the competition.  OM is continuing to upgrade VHS.  MSU, A&M and LSU just upgraded their stadiums as well. 

[The_Iceman]

A few things I read that are important:

-Lowering the price of upper deck bleacher seats
-Providing a standing room only ticket
-The NEZ will be all club seats and higher, include "loge" seating

[sowmonella]

Anyone know what the new capacity would be? Lower cost upper deck seats and standing room only are great ideas.  :razorback:

[The_Iceman]

Anyone know what the new capacity would be? Lower cost upper deck seats and standing room only are great ideas.  :razorback:

Probably around 80,000. With that type of seating, it wouldn't go up that much. But the revenue per seat would.

[Hoggish1]

I realize an artist's rendering is just a start, but it appears the rendering doesn't close in the stadium completely.  I hope that is a priority in the final version...

[ricepig]

I realize an artist's rendering is just a start, but it appears the rendering doesn't close in the stadium completely.  I hope that is a priority in the final version...

They aren't going to do a full upper deck enclosure, that never was the plan.

[The_Iceman]

They aren't going to do a full upper deck enclosure, that never was the plan.

I think he is referring to some gaps on the ends, particularly the left side of the picture. Just a rough sketch rendering so I'm sure it will change.

[ADavisTheGOAT]

I think he is referring to some gaps on the ends, particularly the left side of the picture. Just a rough sketch rendering so I'm sure it will change.

If it looks like this it will be closed in.

[dhizzle]

They are putting in a massive curve tv to close in the upper half.

[The_Iceman]

If it looks like this it will be closed in.

That was done a while back. I'm sure there will be adjustments to it, considering the article says they are still finalizing the plans.

[opineonswine]

I think he is referring to some gaps on the ends, particularly the left side of the picture. Just a rough sketch rendering so I'm sure it will change.

They are putting all glass on the east end to preserve the view into the stadium from that corner.  So it still will basically be "closed in".

[opineonswine]

Anyone know what the new capacity would be? Lower cost upper deck seats and standing room only are great ideas.  :razorback:

You will note it's being called a "renovation and addition" instead of "expansion".  There won't be much capacity added.  The strategy, a good one, is to be the best....not the biggest.  That is what fits Arkansas.

[factchecker]

One suggestion:  Running Hog on the back of the pigscreen.

[The_Iceman]

You will note it's being called a "renovation and addition" instead of "expansion".  There won't be much capacity added.  The strategy, a good one, is to be the best....not the biggest.  That is what fits Arkansas.

I agree with this. I wish there was a way to remove all lower level bleacher seats and install red chair-back seats. That would make RRS a nice looking stadium.

[Mr. Porkleone]

Can some tell me what loge seating is. Sorry don't know

[Rey Pygsterio]

I told y'all about this three years ago when it was first being explored and everyone said it will never happen.

Part two: You have to hand it to the athletic department. One one hand, this release says they will take it to the board of trustees for approval once commitments on capital campaign contributions and luxury ticket sales are made. Then later in this piece, the UA says it will be fully funded by "athletics revenues, capital gifts, and bond proceeds from a future bond issue." Also they craftily say there will be ticket price "adjustments." So basically this is another $160 million being pulled from fan wallets from one of the richest college athletics programs in the world. Looks nice, though.

[opineonswine]

Part two: You have to hand it to the athletic department. One one hand, this release says they will take it to the board of trustees for approval once commitments on capital campaign contributions and luxury ticket sales are made. Then later in this piece, the UA says it will be fully funded by "athletics revenues, capital gifts, and bond proceeds from a future bond issue." Also they craftily say there will be ticket price "adjustments." So basically this is another $160 million being pulled from fan wallets from one of the richest college athletics programs in the world. Looks nice, though.

You couldn't be further in left field.  In a brilliant PR move and one that will benefit the fans who have been complaining about ticket prices, they are actually LOWERING ticket prices in the upper deck as well as providing SRO tickets (ala Jerry's World) to help take away the price objection so as to accomodate more rabid Arkansas fans.

Some people see conspiracy around every corner.  This is a terrific move and a great benefit for many fans.

[ricepig]

You couldn't be further in left field.  In a brilliant PR move and one that will benefit the fans who have been complaining about ticket prices, they are actually LOWERING ticket prices in the upper deck as well as providing SRO tickets (ala Jerry's World) to help take away the price objection so as to accomodate more rabid Arkansas fans.

Some people see conspiracy around every corner.  This is a terrific move and a great benefit for many fans.

Shhh.....you'll run his night.

[Hawgndaaz]

You will note it's being called a "renovation and addition" instead of "expansion".  There won't be much capacity added.  The strategy, a good one, is to be the best....not the biggest.  That is what fits Arkansas.

See: Oklahoma State

The demand is for the suites and club tickets, not regular joe seats. This isn't being snarky, its just the truth. The max capacity will be increased to 80k IMO, but the number of boxes/suites will increase considerably proportional to what we have.

[ricepig]

More wine and cheese for everyone!

[Biggus Piggus]

I bet Shields regrets making this week's post about the quarterback position. Brace yourself for next week's lament.

[Hogarusa]

S-E-C!

Any chance or reason this wouldnt be approved?  Sounds impressive

[opineonswine]

Can some tell me what loge seating is. Sorry don't know

Similar to this:

http://www.wsucougars.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208645962

[DukeOfPork]

That's sharp. I wonder if they've changed the plans for the inside at all since the master plan? I was thinking they'd want to add more skyboxes than originally shown.

Well, that looks like we're doubling down on the god awful tan brick of the BAC.

[The_Iceman]

Can some tell me what loge seating is. Sorry don't know

It differs from stadium to stadium, it is a form of upgraded seating. It is usually sectioned off to its on section, and sometimes comes with its own mini tv screen, bar top for food and drinks, and access to premium refreshments.

[ricepig]

I bet Shields regrets making this week's post about the quarterback position. Brace yourself for next week's lament.

It will be an all-time low, filled the numerous incorrect facts, grammar errors, and just plain poor prose. However, we'll have lots of wonderful Gifs!

[LZH]

I bet Shields regrets makigng this week's post about the quarterback position. Brace yourself for next week's lament.

His "insiders" failed to mention anything about it before he hit the send button.

[Hoggish1]

I think he is referring to some gaps on the ends, particularly the left side of the picture. Just a rough sketch rendering so I'm sure it will change.

Yes, that's what I saw.  That's why I said it's just a start...

We need the whole lower end connected so the sound stays put.

[Hoggish1]

If it looks like this it will be closed in.

That looks great and will get the job done!

[Hoggish1]

I agree with this. I wish there was a way to remove all lower level bleacher seats and install red chair-back seats. That would make RRS a nice looking stadium.

A friend had tickets to the KY vs Louisville game and I got to go.  It was the first time I had been in there since the renovation.  The place looks good.  They reduced the seating about 5K, or so, I believe. In doing so they did not add chair backs but did the next best thing, which was bench backs for each row.  Easy on the back and just about as good as chair back.

That would be an excellent way to make the seating experience better in RRS without the expense of an entire tear out and probably would not reduce the seating all that much.

[GolfnHog]

The Luge seating really appeals to me if they have the 4-seat luge concepts included as I carry 4 seats in the SEZ. It will help eliminate the "up/down" of moving for those that can't sit still and watch the game and are constantly leaving their seats.

[ricepig]

The Luge seating really appeals to me if they have the 4-seat luge concepts included as I carry 4 seats in the SEZ. It will help eliminate the "up/down" of moving for those that can't sit still and watch the game and are constantly leaving their seats.

No doubt, I needed it at the Liberty Bowl, too. I took the survey back in 2013 or whenever it was, but I don't remember any actual costs for this type of seating.

[rzrbk4life]

Gotta keep up with the jones's. WPS

[DukeOfPork]

The Luge seating really appeals to me if they have the 4-seat luge concepts included as I carry 4 seats in the SEZ.

No, the 4-seat Luge is actually called a "bobsled".

[jgphillips3]

I just hope, above that section in the North end zone, where there is currently a small metal fence, they will consider adding a little more concrete coming down from the upper decks and glass in the section or something to hold all the sound in.  I understand the desire for a beautiful view but what would be more beautiful to me is the deafening thunder of 80,000 Razorback voices with nowhere to go but down to the field.

[Doug]

Can some tell me what loge seating is. Sorry don't know

[Tyro3]

Back in 1955 all we had was bleacher seating, we are talking old high school type seating, hard, no wind block, but I was there cheering them on!

[FreshHog]

Can some tell me what loge seating is. Sorry don't know

[FreshHog]

I agree with this. I wish there was a way to remove all lower level bleacher seats and install red chair-back seats. That would make RRS a nice looking stadium.

Not to mention they would be 100x more comfortable. The best money I spent on seats this past season was on the cushions for the bleacher.

[trippigs]

Pretty exciting stuff. Can't wait to see it!

[factchecker]

Can some tell me what loge seating is. Sorry don't know

I didn't know either.  Loge is essentially box/club seating.  I think they are built to be smaller and more personal. 

Here is a picture of loge seating at Minnesota (Gophers) football stadium:



loge  (lōzh)
n.
1. A small compartment, especially a box in a theater.
2. The front rows of the mezzanine in a theater.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/loge


There is probably some SEC or NCAA rule about visiting ticket locations, but I wish they would move visitor seating to the upper deck.  Lets get all the diehard Razorback fans out of the nosebleeds and into the lower bowl. 

[factchecker]

I agree with this. I wish there was a way to remove all lower level bleacher seats and install red chair-back seats. That would make RRS a nice looking stadium.

Amen!  You can increase capacity by adding bowling in the north end zone and then reduce capacity to manageable expectations by installing chair-backs.  They could use the rail system that cowboys stadium implements:

This makes for easy maintenance and they can add seats for big games using this method.  The best part about chair backs is that it defines your seat. 

[Boardon Hamsay]

A few things I read that are important:

-Lowering the price of upper deck bleacher seats
-Providing a standing room only ticket
-The NEZ will be all club seats and higher, include "loge" seating

Glad to hear they are finally looking at price elasticity on the upper deck seats!  You can sell 3,500 upper deck seats per game at $60 each or 7000 at say, $35 each and be better off and that doesn't include the additional concessions.

[Boardon Hamsay]

Anyone know what the new capacity would be? Lower cost upper deck seats and standing room only are great ideas.  :razorback:

My guess is, if it fits the low profile bowl above we've all seen, we get the capacity up to 85-88k. Depending on how much room there is for standing room only tickets though, we might have a high end capacity of 92k. Just my guess though.

[ricepig]

My guess is, if it fits the low profile bowl above we've all seen, we get the capacity up to 85-88k. Depending on how much room there is for standing room only tickets though, we might have a high end capacity of 92k. Just my guess though.

Nah, nowhere near that amount for seats, probably closer to 80,000 max.

[WizardofhOgZ]

One suggestion:  Running Hog on the back of the pigscreen.

I have been campaigning for this for 3 years now:

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?topic=565595.0


Here's a smaller version of my vision - complete with red back-lighting, as I've "requested".  I sent this suggestion into Jeff Long at the time of my original post, and he responded, saying he'd "take it under advisement".  Guess I'll remind him of that again before long.

[reddogjcss]

I'm all for it, hope upper seat lower price and give us a couple more inches in each seat. Tight for my big azz