I've noticed watching the FCS playoffs how lacking we are of a great atmosphere for football. EVERY playoff team besides EWU has a bigger, better place to play football. Speaking of the Eagles, they did get a new video board this year and they've moved forward with building on to their stadium. If you look at pictures, it's place a lot like Nottingham Field. There's no reason we can't do that. If we're going to get fan basis like EWU, and MSU, we need to upgrade Nottingham field. I know UNC doesn't have a huge fan base that has lots of $$$$, but there are those out there that do have money. I'm really disappointed the athletic department hasn't tried to create a capital campaign. Maybe finish phase 3 of Nottingham. That's supposed to build team houses on the north side of the field. Then maybe build permanent seats on the east end and expand the capacity. Then I would try to get a new video board, and remove the track. I wish we had the leadership to get something like that going. I do believe the money is out there. If we're going to compete with the top half of the conference, we need to upgrade Nottingham.
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Let's get going on something.
- Thread starter Beardown
- Start date
Blofeld said:They can't replace the scoreboard we have now because it's listed inthe National Register of Historic Places it's so old. :lol: Thomas Edison even thinks it's crude electronics.
Nottingham is brilliant compared to Jackson Field but yes, it could use some modifications. The track really does stink. Has it ever been used?
It's really the lack of effort from a fans perspective that I don't get. Take for example CSU. That program isn't at its greatest state right now, they lose a lot of games. Yet, their AD has the vision to try to get a new stadium going. Something their fans can look forward too. I think it's time for a new set of leaders at UNC. Get someone who has the vision to make UNC better.
Blofeld
Active member
The thing about facilities is there have been a lot of improvements but it's almost entirely been behind the scenes stuff, lockerrooms, Butler Hancock infrastructure stuff. The new Hall of Fame is cool but do they even let people go in there? I've never actually seen any sort of promotion or marketing of it since it's opened let alone even a photo gallery of the finished product (maybe it's on the website but if so it's hidden better than Jimmy Hoffa).
Nottingham could use a facelift. When you only get 3K a game expansion isn't a priority but someday maybe. Some real seating in the north end zone would be a start and also make the place feel a little more cozy. A fresh coat of paint, maybe a nice wrought iron fence around the parimeter instead of chain link, how about plant some trees around the edges, this isn't complicated stuff... The scoreboard is a disgrace however, it's only what, 17 years old but looks like it's out of the 1950's.
The real tragedy is the baseball field. And yeah I get it there is no money, but there hasn't been an improvement there in 20+ years. The third base dugout actually has hieroglyphs from the Anasazi people that used it as shelter in 1,200 AD.
We don't seem to have a facilities campaign going and that needs to change. Blue and Gold Club is fine for scholarships but when you don't continue to prioritize facilities you fall behind FAST.
Nottingham could use a facelift. When you only get 3K a game expansion isn't a priority but someday maybe. Some real seating in the north end zone would be a start and also make the place feel a little more cozy. A fresh coat of paint, maybe a nice wrought iron fence around the parimeter instead of chain link, how about plant some trees around the edges, this isn't complicated stuff... The scoreboard is a disgrace however, it's only what, 17 years old but looks like it's out of the 1950's.
The real tragedy is the baseball field. And yeah I get it there is no money, but there hasn't been an improvement there in 20+ years. The third base dugout actually has hieroglyphs from the Anasazi people that used it as shelter in 1,200 AD.
We don't seem to have a facilities campaign going and that needs to change. Blue and Gold Club is fine for scholarships but when you don't continue to prioritize facilities you fall behind FAST.
Blofeld said:
Yeah, but look at CSU. They have crap attendance too but their AD has a better vision for that school. He realizes a new stadium will help with attendance.
Who ever the next AD is going to be, they'll have to make the tough choice of whether to keep baseball around or not. It would be great if we can keep it around, but if it's not $$$ for us, then use that money towards football and basketball. Then maybe we could afford upgrades to Nottingham and Butler. The things you mentioned Blofeld, some of the simple things to make it a better atmosphere for fans, probably wouldn't cost a ton. We don't graduate doctors and lawyers, but I'm sure there is enough $$$ out there to make upgrades. Nottingham Field is over 15 years old and we haven't even completed phase 3 (team houses). That shows leadership failure in my view.
Take a look at EWU game today, they're stadium is pretty much like Nottingham Field (the design at least). Yet, in 2-3 years they will have moved way past us.
beardevil39
Active member
Yes to all of above. I too have been thinking about this all year. It is inevable that this will need to be done sooner or later. Attendance will come back with more winning. Maybe we need to take "a build it and they will come" mentality !! :thumb:
McCandyman
Active member
I agree. If nothing else, its time for an updated scoreboard.
beardevil39 said:
That's really the case. I know average fans who don't go to many games because the atmosphere is very ho-hum at Nottingham. The true bluers will go regardless, but wins and a better atmosphere will probably get us around 10,000 to 13,000. Why Hinrichs and company don't get this, is beyond me.
