Roos Field Renovation

[BLACKFALKIN1]

I want the high school bleachers gone yesterday. Build something we can be proud of. I can't think of a better way to get alumni that have disconnected a bit from the University to come back out to Cheney. Every eag alum should have something to be proud when they come visit Cheney. I hope we don't settle for some mediocre structure if they decide to act. In all honesty, I don't think we need more seats because people are struggling to find tickets. So....please don't tell me we need just any structure than increases our capacity. I know it looks better on TV but is that our goal....to have more seats on the visitors side with no bodies in them? The goal should be to build the most state-of-the-art stadium that we can afford. That's what's going to create the buzz that's going to peak people's interests and make them want to be a part of SOMETHING BIG. That's what will make people want to spend their hard earned cash on season tickets. Building just "some structure" ain't gonna do that. Let's build a long-term solution that alum will be proud of.

Great point! When it comes to capacity however, I think EWU's FB stadium needs to be comparable to other on-campus stadiums of successful FCS programs, such as Montana, Montana St & App State's expanded Kidd Brewer Stadium. I think the magic number for capacity is between 15 & 17k.

I think this move will have little to no outcome on Roos Field. I hope something gets done soon, I want to be PROUD to bring my family back to Cheney.

 

[EWU98]

I want the high school bleachers gone yesterday. Build something we can be proud of. I can't think of a better way to get alumni that have disconnected a bit from the University to come back out to Cheney. Every eag alum should have something to be proud when they come visit Cheney. I hope we don't settle for some mediocre structure if they decide to act. In all honesty, I don't think we need more seats because people are struggling to find tickets. So....please don't tell me we need just any structure than increases our capacity. I know it looks better on TV but is that our goal....to have more seats on the visitors side with no bodies in them? The goal should be to build the most state-of-the-art stadium that we can afford. That's what's going to create the buzz that's going to peak people's interests and make them want to be a part of SOMETHING BIG. That's what will make people want to spend their hard earned cash on season tickets. Building just "some structure" ain't gonna do that. Let's build a long-term solution that alum will be proud of.

Great point! When it comes to capacity however, I think EWU's FB stadium needs to be comparable to other on-campus stadiums of successful FCS programs, such as Montana, Montana St & App State's expanded Kidd Brewer Stadium. I think the magic number for capacity is between 15 & 17k.

I think this move will have little to no outcome on Roos Field. I hope something gets done soon, I want to be PROUD to bring my family back to Cheney.

I think more 15 then 17k. Unless there is some serious infrastructure was put into place for parking and other things.

 

[LDopaPDX]

I want the high school bleachers gone yesterday. Build something we can be proud of. I can't think of a better way to get alumni that have disconnected a bit from the University to come back out to Cheney. Every eag alum should have something to be proud when they come visit Cheney. I hope we don't settle for some mediocre structure if they decide to act. In all honesty, I don't think we need more seats because people are struggling to find tickets. So....please don't tell me we need just any structure than increases our capacity. I know it looks better on TV but is that our goal....to have more seats on the visitors side with no bodies in them? The goal should be to build the most state-of-the-art stadium that we can afford. That's what's going to create the buzz that's going to peak people's interests and make them want to be a part of SOMETHING BIG. That's what will make people want to spend their hard earned cash on season tickets. Building just "some structure" ain't gonna do that. Let's build a long-term solution that alum will be proud of.

Great point! When it comes to capacity however, I think EWU's FB stadium needs to be comparable to other on-campus stadiums of successful FCS programs, such as Montana, Montana St & App State's expanded Kidd Brewer Stadium. I think the magic number for capacity is between 15 & 17k.

I think this move will have little to no outcome on Roos Field. I hope something gets done soon, I want to be PROUD to bring my family back to Cheney.

I think more 15 then 17k. Unless there is some serious infrastructure was put into place for parking and other things.

Lol... I've never been to a college football stadium that had adequate infrastructure for the capacity. Every campus stadium is a nightmare for parking. I've been to most Pac-12 and SEC stadiums at one time or another, and all require miles of walking to get from your car to your seat.

 

[clawman1]

Football stadiums have got to be the worst investment ever, unless you are Michigan, Alabama, or Notre Dam. Multi millions of dollars invested to use it 5 maybe 6 times per year. That is unless there is motivation to use the facility for concerts, tractor pulls, motocross, etc. That would be great exposure for the University as well.

 

[scottywashere11]

Lol... I've never been to a college football stadium that had adequate infrastructure for the capacity. Every campus stadium is a nightmare for parking. I've been to most Pac-12 and SEC stadiums at one time or another, and all require miles of walking to get from your car to your seat.

What we do have going for us is that the stadium is located on the outer perimeter of, not only campus, but Cheney in general. We have plenty of acreage that we already own and can buy to increase parking. We just saw this scenario unfold a couple years ago. I love the new parking area.

 

[scottywashere11]

https://soundcloud.com/ewuathletics-1/athletic-director-bill-chaves-podcast-05-15-17

Listened to Larry's podcast this week. Not much new on it that Jim's article did not already cover. Something that I thought was very interesting was when Larry asked about the outside consultant. Larry asked, "Is it something that he is going to be helping with the asks (for donations)? Is he going to maybe be training people... or is he just writing a paper and turning it in to Dr. Cullinan"? Bill replied with "Yeah... So, what happens when, I guess, someone'ss on the pitchers mound and it looks like they just have nothing left and some manager comes out... I think I threw my last pitch. I'm not sure."

Sounds like Bill thinks this outside consultant is being hired to tag out with him on the fundraising efforts.

 

[EWU98]

https://soundcloud.com/ewuathletics-1/athletic-director-bill-chaves-podcast-05-15-17

Listened to Larry's podcast this week. Not much new on it that Jim's article did not already cover. Something that I thought was very interesting was when Larry asked about the outside consultant. Larry asked, "Is it something that he is going to be helping with the asks (for donations)? Is he going to maybe be training people... or is he just writing a paper and turning it in to Dr. Cullinan"? Bill replied with "Yeah... So, what happens when, I guess, someone'ss on the pitchers mound and it looks like they just have nothing left and some manager comes out... I think I threw my last pitch. I'm not sure."

Sounds like Bill thinks this outside consultant is being hired to tag out with him on the fundraising efforts.

Maybe that is a good thing, but just reading the quote the way it is make it sounds like he is not too pleased with the situation.......hopefully this is not what starts the clock with him leaving.
Also regarding infrastructure I agree every school is a mess when it comes to this but being that we are competing with WSU for some date we need to make it better then the rest....at least as much as we can.

 

[Rafter_Reese]

Football stadiums have got to be the worst investment ever, unless you are Michigan, Alabama, or Notre Dam. Multi millions of dollars invested to use it 5 maybe 6 times per year. That is unless there is motivation to use the facility for concerts, tractor pulls, motocross, etc. That would be great exposure for the University as well.

Maybe so.....However, I don't know that EWU should measure the success of an investment like this ONLY IN DOLLARS. Building a new stadium brings HOPE to a fan base and I don't think you can put a price on that. There might only be 5 to 8 collegiate football games played on the turf per year, but let's not forget how much prouder our fan base will be to call themselves Eags ALL-YEAR-ROUND, even when games have stopped being played. Or, how much more we will all anticipate the upcoming season (if that were even possible). Or, how much more pumped up our football athletes will be to practice in something that resembles a BIG TIME fcs program's stadium. Or, how many more 3-star recruits we will get year-after-year. I also know that several high school games are played on the Inferno throughout the fall. How cool for those kids and fans to get to play/spectate in a brand new stadium. I have to believe that all of this type of stuff (although more qualitative in nature) has to be considered when talking about return on investment. If they ever decide to build this thing I believe there will be an ELECTRICITY on campus and in the community that the university has never felt before.

 

[EdubU10]

The optimist in me says, "Well at least they're doing something. Maybe this will set in motion some stadium upgrades sooner rather than later."

The cynic in my says, "Is anything going to come of this or are we just wasting $124,000. Is the consultant going to offer different avenues of how the university proceeds with renovation or is the consultant's conclusion going to be, "You dopes need more donor money to renovate and thanks for the $124K suckers!"

 

[ewueagle2010]

If it were just about seating, the football team could pack up on Saturday mornings and head to Joe Albi for their homes games. One could argue that at least you'd get many of the soft Spokane fans to the games if they were playing in their back yard, as compared to the "long trek" out to Cheney.

This needs to be about school pride. Building something the fan base, alumni, players and staff can feel proud of and something that isn't embarrassing to put on tv when ESPN comes to town. I still believe this isn't something that needs to be so expensive it's unrealistic and takes 20 years to ever break ground, but a project that adds modern facilities and about 5k seats.

 

[LDopaPDX]

The problem is Eastern simply isn't keeping pace with our peer institutions. I don't expect a state-of-the-art NFL stadium... But I do think a 15k stadium with decent amenities is a reasonable ask. The stadium as-is is a terrible reflection of a university that is growing. Athletically, our programs are at or near the top of the Big Sky Conference. The athletes are doing their part. It's time for admin to do the same.

 

[InferNoMercy]

Potentially unpopular idea but why don't they just create a student fee for athletics.

WSU charges students $149 per year for a sports pass to attend sporting events..

Instead of current FREE tickets for students, how about a mandatory fee of $45 per student per quater that covers access to all sprting events. This may even motivate more of them to show up considering they are "paying for it"

with 13,0000 students that fee would generate 1.75 Million annually not including summer quarter.

 

[Rafter_Reese]

If it were just about seating, the football team could pack up on Saturday mornings and head to Joe Albi for their homes games. One could argue that at least you'd get many of the soft Spokane fans to the games if they were playing in their back yard, as compared to the "long trek" out to Cheney.

This needs to be about school pride. Building something the fan base, alumni, players and staff can feel proud of and something that isn't embarrassing to put on tv when ESPN comes to town. I still believe this isn't something that needs to be so expensive it's unrealistic and takes 20 years to ever break ground, but a project that adds modern facilities and about 5k seats.

I personally have learned to love the "long trek" out to Cheney. I love the fact that Cheney is it's own thing. That's what makes it a special place. I love that I get to TAILGATE next to wheat fields. When I was a kid I would have thought that was boring and hated it.....but now I appreciate it and love it. College football needs to be played ON CAMPUS. We have a beautiful location to play football. I don't want an NFL stadium either. Give me a nice 15K college stadium and I will be happy. But it should be as state-of-the-art as we can make it. Build it and WATCH what happens....

 

[GoldenEagle]

Potentially unpopular idea but why don't they just create a student fee for athletics.

WSU charges students $149 per year for a sports pass to attend sporting events..

Instead of current FREE tickets for students, how about a mandatory fee of $45 per student per quater that covers access to all sprting events. This may even motivate more of them to show up considering they are "paying for it"

with 13,0000 students that fee would generate 1.75 Million annually not including summer quarter.

The cost of college is already too high. I don't think additional fees placed on students who have no interest in college athletics is the answer. WSU rode the coattails of other PAC12 schools to get PAC12 network $$ and is still in the red. Thus they charge students extra fees. EWU as a regional university has improved it's campus and student enrollment substantially and that is commendable. I agree that EWU needs to find a way to improve it's stadium but not on the backs of students.

 

[Obzerver]

Funded by a 30-year bond, students of the school will pay a $65 activity fee each quarter to help pay for the whole URC. The skating rink makes the $26.3 million facility unique and it gives the school’s hockey club its own home ice. Gwinn said the team is undefeated at home this year.

*Find out who orchestrated selling the skating rink to admin/students and put them in charge!!!
**Lost count of students/alum who told me they've never seen it...

 

[InferNoMercy]

Funded by a 30-year bond, students of the school will pay a $65 activity fee each quarter to help pay for the whole URC. The skating rink makes the $26.3 million facility unique and it gives the school’s hockey club its own home ice. Gwinn said the team is undefeated at home this year.

*Find out who orchestrated selling the skating rink to admin/students and put them in charge!!!
**Lost count of students/alum who told me they've never seen it...

Best idea yet!

 

[clawman1]

If it were just about seating, the football team could pack up on Saturday mornings and head to Joe Albi for their homes games. One could argue that at least you'd get many of the soft Spokane fans to the games if they were playing in their back yard, as compared to the "long trek" out to Cheney.

This needs to be about school pride. Building something the fan base, alumni, players and staff can feel proud of and something that isn't embarrassing to put on tv when ESPN comes to town. I still believe this isn't something that needs to be so expensive it's unrealistic and takes 20 years to ever break ground, but a project that adds modern facilities and about 5k seats.

I personally have learned to love the "long trek" out to Cheney. I love the fact that Cheney is it's own thing. That's what makes it a special place. I love that I get to TAILGATE next to wheat fields. When I was a kid I would have thought that was boring and hated it.....but now I appreciate it and love it. College football needs to be played ON CAMPUS. We have a beautiful location to play football. I don't want an NFL stadium either. Give me a nice 15K college stadium and I will be happy. But it should be as state-of-the-art as we can make it. Build it and WATCH what happens....

And the wind out there... don't forget the wind. :lol:
(thats a joke)

 

[MLEagle]

Potentially unpopular idea but why don't they just create a student fee for athletics.

WSU charges students $149 per year for a sports pass to attend sporting events..

Instead of current FREE tickets for students, how about a mandatory fee of $45 per student per quater that covers access to all sprting events. This may even motivate more of them to show up considering they are "paying for it"

with 13,0000 students that fee would generate 1.75 Million annually not including summer quarter.

Actually EWU charges EVERY STUDENT the activities fee without their choice or say in the matter, WSU students get to choose if the want to pay the fee. So, if we followed what WSU does we would lose a huge amount of our budget because many students would choose to not pay the fee.

 

[ewueagle2010]

One of the most frustrating things about this whole thing is lack of ANYTHING happening for going on 4 years now. We had the red turf installation done in 2010, the scoreboard in 2012, the expanded parking lot in 2013 & the new bookstore/improved ticket booths and gates in 2014. Literally nothing has been done since. :roll:

Glad the rest of campus keeps getting upgrades to keep the University moving forward, but that only goes so far.

 

[GoldenEagle]

Potentially unpopular idea but why don't they just create a student fee for athletics.

WSU charges students $149 per year for a sports pass to attend sporting events..

Instead of current FREE tickets for students, how about a mandatory fee of $45 per student per quater that covers access to all sprting events. This may even motivate more of them to show up considering they are "paying for it"

with 13,0000 students that fee would generate 1.75 Million annually not including summer quarter.

Actually EWU charges EVERY STUDENT the activities fee without their choice or say in the matter, WSU students get to choose if the want to pay the fee. So, if we followed what WSU does we would lose a huge amount of our budget because many students would choose to not pay the fee.

MLEagle,
Are you certain the EWU fee is for attending sporting events or for the things like the University Recreation Center?