The best part of NDSU gameday

[Sycamore Proud]

I didn't want to climb steps so we found seats near the NDS fans. We started a conversation that lasted for the entire game; football was not a part of the conversation.

We did talk about Memorial Staduim.In short, they loved parts of it. They were most impressed with the grounds. They repeatedly remarked about the trees, grass and friendly welcome by our fans. And then there was the stadium. They talked about "potential" of the stadium. They wanted to see the facade preserved and maintained. They used terms like historic, unique, impressive and architectural treasure Then we moved inside--terms like unsafe (lack of railing on steps),depressing, outdated and embarrassing were used. I mentioned that the master plan included a new stadium on the river that would be closer to the campus. They favored renovation of Memorial Stadium.

As I expected they all were hopeful of all 4 of the Dakota schools joining The Valley as full members. One of them speculated that it could be a done deal by the end of October if they were offered membership this week. They made a strong case for dividing the Valley into north and south divisions and adding membership geography driven.

I just wanted to share their thoughts and see what reactions you have. I was thankful that they didn't want to talk much about football.

 

[bent20]

I'm all for opposite divisions where we don't have to play them as often.

 

[eagletree]

I totally agree with their thoughts on Memorial Stadium. The outside and grounds are outstanding. It is the place to start. I agree with railings being added, painting of the current seats. I would love to see the far sections of the current seats to be covered with blue tarp with an ISU logo of some type. You see that in lots of stadiums anymore where stadiums are larger than needed. Then add possibly 5,000 bleacher seats to the other side. Move the band and students and opposing fans there. You could then hear the band and see the students instead of seeing a hill and a concrete block wall that has needed painting for years. SO much cheaper than a new stadium and something that ISU could afford. We are already getting a new turf next year and just got the new lights this year so it seems like Memorial Stadium is going to be the place.

 

[bent20]

IF the stadium is kept on the current grounds, you're still going to need to tear down that grandstand. It's old, needs a major renovation, and is bigger than what we need. Tear it down, re-arrange the field so that the south end zone has the arch behind it (the original layout of the stadium way back when, I think) and build smaller stands on both sides of the field.

 

[niklz62]

Illinois State built their new home side for $20M it probably holds 6-7k. That's not really that much when you think how much we have spent on the renovations we have currently been doing. I am partial to MS though. If you could pick that location up and drop it next to the river it would be awesome.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

If they were ever going to redesign Memorial, they need to change the orientation IMO. But again, why would you sink millions into a facility when you draw 4-5k people?

 

[niklz62]

If they were ever going to redesign Memorial, they need to change the orientation IMO. But again, why would you sink millions into a facility when you draw 4-5k people?

Hulman Center for example

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Hulman Center for example

Except the HC is used for concerts, graduations and other events so it is a revenue generator outside of basketball.

 

[niklz62]

Except the HC is used for concerts, graduations and other events so it is a revenue generator outside of basketball.

thats true, maybe we should host events at our new football stadium

 

[Jason Svoboda]

thats true, maybe we should host events at our new football stadium

If they ever did get one, they'd most certainly need to do that to bring in additional revenue for upkeep.

 

[niklz62]

If they ever did get one, they'd most certainly need to do that to bring in additional revenue for upkeep.

Id like to see local teams playing there. It would be cool if they could get a local game of the week each friday but we are a million miles from there at this point.