Roos Field Renovation

[BLACKFALKIN1]

It bothers me how EWU as a university is content with the current stadium. It sucks for everyone involved with EWU football. Especially the players. I, as a former player hate watching televised games bc of that visitor grandstand. The more time goes on, the more it seems obvious that "gateway" has lost all momentum, and the reality Is the seating chart will remain the same for the next 7 years. At least. hno:

 

[Ewusavage]

In the business of sports and entertainment, it is so incredibly tough to catch lightning in a bottle like EWU has managed to do over the last decade. Once that lightning escapes the bottle....good luck getting it back in.

I'm optimistic that the Gateway Project will still come to fruition, however, it's a little disheartening when you see other conference foe's moving on with their own facility improvements while ours stays stagnant. Here's to hoping there is major movement behind the scenes which the info just hasn't been released yet.

 

[EWUSigep447]

So do you guys think that the NCAA Basketball Tournament will have any positive impacts on possible facility upgrades in general? I know that if EWU passes Georgetown this upcoming Thursday then we have earned some good funding (I believe $1.6m?) for our athletic department. However, I'm hoping the national attention in general helps promotes our university when re-capturing the interest of possible donors. When Spokanites talk about GU in the tournament, they'll have to also talk about EWU- which a new angle for us.

 

[Seattle Eagle]

So do you guys think that the NCAA Basketball Tournament will have any positive impacts on possible facility upgrades in general? I know that if EWU passes Georgetown this upcoming Thursday then we have earned some good funding (I believe $1.6m?) for our athletic department. However, I'm hoping the national attention in general helps promotes our university when re-capturing the interest of possible donors. When Spokanites talk about GU in the tournament, they'll have to also talk about EWU- which a new angle for us.

Making the tournament doesn't hurt. I think the last time we made it you could see a lot of positive benefits. The challenge will be in sustaining it, but I think the AD and both revenue programs are on the right track.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All,
Saw somewhere yesterday where Parker Kelley dad,who is an Attorney, stated that a lot of GU Fans are now starting to follow the Eagles. They enjoy having two teams in the area to root for. He Parker, surely kept it quiet of his dad being an Attorney. Remember when he came here from GP, approximately 4 years ago, and he is now ready to graduate. I saw where Portland State is building a 4000 seat stadium, which will cost a little over $7,000,000.00. Surely which we can get something going before it goes stale. Vic Wallace

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

air045,
#53 looked good today. Since he got back from his injury, he was giving the OL some problems going one on one. Again they were banging today. I get concerned when I see how hard they are going against each other. Haveli is walking better along with Jake Gall. Some of the young studs are coming along on the Defense. Will leave all the comments up to Jim Allen (SR), don't want to step on his work. The weather is supposed to be good, so maybe I will move from my original sitting place, by the Rest Room . Hope to see a big crowd on Saturday. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

 

[air045]

air045,
#53 looked good today. Since he got back from his injury, he was giving the OL some problems going one on one. Again they were banging today. I get concerned when I see how hard they are going against each other. Haveli is walking better along with Jake Gall. Some of the young studs are coming along on the Defense. Will leave all the comments up to Jim Allen (SR), don't want to step on his work. The weather is supposed to be good, so maybe I will move from my original sitting place, by the Rest Room . Hope to see a big crowd on Saturday. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace

Vic his injury is still causing issues but he's giving it a go. He's a little frustrated but learning the process of playing at a high D1 level injured. He's dialed in and angry and will be in the mix for DE! Sorry it took me awhile been busy!

 

[Rafter_Reese]

Any new chatter on the Gateway Project? Please tell me we are at least working on making changes to the high school bleachers for the upcoming season.

 

[EWUSigep447]

Nothing has changed as far as I know, but I would like to point out that the original targetted opening date was September 2014, and as soon as the preceding summer rolled around they pushed the targetted opening date to September 2016. This can be found on Bill Chavez's LinkedIn profile (I was creepn')-

"Imagine a multi-use, multi-impact, 365-day-a-year facility fronting Washington Street providing space for academics, athletics, student services and retail opportunities. The Gateway Project will enhance Eastern Washington University, creating a university living space that supports campus life, recruiting, retention and enhanced community access, while brining the existing football stadium to a level consistent with NCAA peers.

350,000 sf total area
20,000 sf street level retail
40,000 sf commercial office
12,000 seats (+10,000 delta)
Club area lounge and heated exterior seating
Premium seating with multiple tiers (loge, cabana and executive suites)
Football operations and performance center
Student-athlete academic success center
$54M estimated construction cost
Target opening date of September 2016"

My point is, that is only a little over a year away. If they planned to break ground within that year, I believe they would have announced something by now. In his recent podcasts, Chavez has stated that his team is now looking at other options regarding smaller projects to the stadium, incrementally.

 

[MLEagle]

In the latest Eastern Magazine the president mentioned being excited about the progress that has been made with the Gateway Project. Anyone have details about this progress?

 

[EWURanger]

In the latest Eastern Magazine the president mentioned being excited about the progress that has been made with the Gateway Project. Anyone have details about this progress?

No, which issue was that?

Edit - found it. This is the quote from the President on Gateway:

"We are also continuing to craft a fundraising campaign for the Gateway project, transforming our stadium to be an even more vibrant addition to the university and community. Building on our recent athletic achievements on the national stage, this initiative will move forward in the coming year."

 

[EWU98]

SPILL THE BEANS ALREADY!!!
The coming year are we talking about breaking ground this summer or after this football year is up???
If memory serves me wasn't one of the reasons for a potential delay was hosting of the Big Sky Track meet this past year?

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

EWU98,
Hope you are correct. Surely would like to see some type of Ground Breaking. What I have been hearing, the money wasn't there as yet, from everyone I spoke with. I have given up on it, but maybe something is coming soon? If it doesn't come soon, I will accept the fate, I would still be involved in the "Eagle Nation". Good Luck. Also heard there were some drainage problems, couldn't understand that since we just got the Red Turf, which should have taken care of any drainage problems. Vic Wallace

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All,
We lost a Great man to Cancer over the weekend. 1 day before Fathers Day, at age 59. I knew this man, he was "Executive Vice President", under President Drummond, in 1990's. I always say "There are two things in Life we will Do" Pay Taxes, and Die". This Quiet man did so many things, it is hard to see how he put his mind to them. He was at EWU on Jan 1, 1991, I became Lieutenant, for EWU Police. WSU are now on the verge of becoming the same as UW, Outstanding Universities, of course EWU, WCC, and Gonzaga, are also included with Doctors, Nurses, Programs. Even while he was at EWU, he had very big plans for EWU. He left and came back to WSU, as President, where he continued his Plans for WSU, Spokane Area, and surrounding College and Universities. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to his Family, All Friends. I always called him Dr. Floyd. "RIP Dr. Floyd" WE Love and miss you. Vic Wallace

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All,
My Buddy called me today, told me that our OL Players were calling the games the Women BB Camp. They soon get to work. Can't wait to see the recruits, they are going to be great addition to the team. Vic

 

[LDopaPDX]

Anyone else heard that the new Prez has gotten involved and tasked the group with getting something - anything - done? I've heard that she said to scrap the grandiose plans and scale it down to something that can be done and then phased up later if/when money comes available.

 

[Obzerver]

What a novel idea....most on this board have been saying this the last two years(or longer). New stands on east side to meet FBS standards, expanded concessions, more bathrooms and perhaps remove track.

 

[EdubU10]

What a novel idea....most on this board have been saying this the last two years(or longer). New stands on east side to meet FBS standards, expanded concessions, more bathrooms and perhaps remove track.

This.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All
I am getting up in age like we all are , need something started so we can feel like we are making progress. I feel a little better from what I have read about our New President. Her and her Husband are always at the games, MBB, WBB, Volley Ball, Track and Field. They are both very active, and now maybe some thing being done with our Roos Field. "Keep on Trucking". Vic Wallace

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All, Last two days went out to see the progress of our team, and they were all busy with approximately 1100 plus Players from the different camps. All fields have been very busy, including the rec Field above the Grass field. Saw Nic Sblendorio, his # is now #7, Zack Eagle, Alek Kacmarcik, Kody Beckering, Stu Stiles, Jabari Wilson, and many more of our Players. They are really working very hard with the Camp Players. They camp is supposed to be completed on Saturday. I don't have to mention the heat, it is very hot, and those young men are working hard. Reece court were also busy along with numerous Gyms with WBB Camps. Think will lay a little low, if my daughter doesn't want to go back out. When she tells me she will fill the truck with gas, there is something coming for Dad. Saw Victor Gamboa out of that shoulder sling getting it on with the Camps. Noticed the Basketball Court is now being replace on the side of Dressler Hall by Washington Street. Got to go. Vic Wallace