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Post by easmus on Oct 5, 2017 15:19:39 GMT -6
Herbster said today that the regents approved step 1 of dome plan. Go to legislature in February. Plan to add field turf to practice field and build new locker rooms first. Pool eventually closed and moved to wellness center. Once that happens they can add bathrooms in main concourse.
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Post by Cousin Eddie on Oct 5, 2017 15:26:49 GMT -6
Herbster spoke a Lunch with the U and addressed the Dome project. We received Board of Regents approval to move forward. We will still need to go to the legislature for approval. About $8.5M is left to be raised. Bonds will need to be issued at some point. Presumably the Foundation will need to agree to guaranty those bonds, however, we will ultimately raise all the money from donors to pay the bonds (different than up north...). There is plenty of time yet to get that covered. A final list of needs, wants and pricing needs to be determined. An architect needs to be engaged to design the space. Once the architect is done, then it will go out for bid and a contractor will work with the AD to figure out how to actually build the desired project. They expect the contractor planning portion to take about 6 months.
There was a set of "optimum" or "ideal" renderings that was produced for high level donor asks at one time (not discussed or shown at Lunch). My interpretation is that is not the same as what the final plans will be, but I suspect close.
Items that will be done in phase one: West side - locker rooms, football coaches' offices, meeting rooms, permanent (chair back) seating up to the concourse level; I have heard there may be some loge boxes or suites put in, no mention of that today. East side - old lockers and offices will be renovated to accommodate other sports. Lastly, the outdoor fields will be replaced with field turf. The turf would likely happen next fall. Thereafter the Dome plans for construction would be intended to avoid disruption of football as well as possible, however the west side will probably still be closed off for a portion of a season. I believe the concourse on the west side would be completed and new bathrooms installed as well - this was not clarified or asked about.
Later (next phases) they would plan to finish seating on the west, up from the concourse level and may install more suites or boxes.
Other phases include the removal of the pool, this will open up the concourse on the east side. That is why it is so narrow and the bathrooms are undersized. The area where the hall/wall of fame is located is actually the diving well. This would eventually be located in the wellness center, likely being a larger pool as well.
From what I have heard in the rumor mill - not confirmed by any AD or staff - is that eventual capacity will be 12,000-13,000. IF there is ever a desire and requirement for more seating for FBS reasons, I think we would deal with it during that transition period. It will require more extensive foundation/structural consideration - and an increase in fan/alumni/donor support, in my personal opinion.
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Post by kiyoat on Oct 5, 2017 16:01:01 GMT -6
good stuff! Thanks for the info!
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obc
Senior Member
Posts: 781
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Post by obc on Oct 6, 2017 7:34:32 GMT -6
My hope for the DD renovations would be that the overarching goal would be:
* Go into the renovation to make it the best it can possibly be and not settle. Too often in South Dakota we settle. Let's make it something everyone in the region and possibly country talks about as a high quality venue with a game day experience that is top tier. * The NFL has figured out that in today's day and age - the quality of television production is so high people are staying home. In order to get them in the stands the gameday experience needs to be differentiated. To do that I think USD should invest in more and bigger HD video boards. Extremely high quality sound system, High quality LED lighting system - and will need to invest in a crew that will know how to put it all together to utilize those new tools. * 12,000 seats to start with the ability to renovate to get over 15000. I would rather have a staduim with 12000 seats full than 19000 seats 63% full. * Figure out how to get some natural light into the DD if possible = Can the North End allow for that? Figuring out how to get seating wrapped around the North End would be ideal too, but I question structurally how that could work. * Build in something unique - Cannons in the corner to fire off on KOs and after TDs, A Huge Bell that could be rung before the game and after scores. How about a Coyote Crazies Train Whistle going off? There are several ideas I am sure that could be considered. * At least a few High Quality/ Top of the line corporate boxes. Need to cater to the High end crowd as much as we can. They want the amenities. * Further investment in Tailgating Areas. The Tailgating Area should be consolidated. There could also be work to bring in some outside vendors. "Carey's Tailgating Tent etc."
With this renovation, USD has the chance to do it right this time (they only went half-way when they originally built the DD). Hope they fully maximize the potential to make this a top venue in the country. It can become known as one of the toughest places to come play in the country. The crowd literally on top of the field, deafeningly loud, Sharp Video Boards, High Quality sound system, cannons, bells ringing, Coyote Crazies Train Whistle going off (You call that a bell SDSU, I'll show you a Bell....)
Exciting times for USD Athletics!
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Post by Yote 53 on Oct 6, 2017 7:53:33 GMT -6
Yep, if we're going to do it let's do it all the way. This is all good to hear. I guess I wasn't off when I mentioned the pool heading over to the Wellness Center. Actually, I've probably forgotten more than I remember about these plans. Pretty sure that phase of the plan involves an expansion of the Wellness Center too which has been very popular and needs more room. It was actually built the way it was anticipating that there would be a need to add on. I believe there is an ultimate goal of 15,000-16,000 for the Dome but that it will be done in phases, creeping up the capacity each time so as not to overbuild and turn it into an empty cavern.
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larobe
Sophomore Member
Posts: 179
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Post by larobe on Oct 6, 2017 12:12:29 GMT -6
My hope for the DD renovations would be that the overarching goal would be: * Go into the renovation to make it the best it can possibly be and not settle. Too often in South Dakota we settle. Let's make it something everyone in the region and possibly country talks about as a high quality venue with a game day experience that is top tier.* The NFL has figured out that in today's day and age - the quality of television production is so high people are staying home. In order to get them in the stands the gameday experience needs to be differentiated. To do that I think USD should invest in more and bigger HD video boards. Extremely high quality sound system, High quality LED lighting system - and will need to invest in a crew that will know how to put it all together to utilize those new tools. * 12,000 seats to start with the ability to renovate to get over 15000. I would rather have a staduim with 12000 seats full than 19000 seats 63% full. * Figure out how to get some natural light into the DD if possible = Can the North End allow for that? Figuring out how to get seating wrapped around the North End would be ideal too, but I question structurally how that could work. * Build in something unique - Cannons in the corner to fire off on KOs and after TDs, A Huge Bell that could be rung before the game and after scores. How about a Coyote Crazies Train Whistle going off? There are several ideas I am sure that could be considered. * At least a few High Quality/ Top of the line corporate boxes. Need to cater to the High end crowd as much as we can. They want the amenities. * Further investment in Tailgating Areas. The Tailgating Area should be consolidated. There could also be work to bring in some outside vendors. "Carey's Tailgating Tent etc." With this renovation, USD has the chance to do it right this time (they only went half-way when they originally built the DD). Hope they fully maximize the potential to make this a top venue in the country. It can become known as one of the toughest places to come play in the country. The crowd literally on top of the field, deafeningly loud, Sharp Video Boards, High Quality sound system, cannons, bells ringing, Coyote Crazies Train Whistle going off (You call that a bell SDSU, I'll show you a Bell....) Exciting times for USD Athletics! Good old fashioned "showmanship" I think your referring to. I wish the Jacks would show a little bit more of "showmanship" in some of their sports. I watched one of your "hype" videos about your Volleyball team, really gets the viewer pumped up. Some of SDSU sports just seem like they're withering and dying on the vine,no excitement being created for them,and they've been bad for years.To get good recruits, you have to create some excitement about the program,and facilities are part of it (SDSU does very good in this regard).
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Post by gopheryote on Oct 9, 2017 5:14:10 GMT -6
Does anyone know what would prevent overflow/standing room only from being done right now for the west side up top? For that matter, couldn't we bring in temp bleachers, even if it was just for D-Days and whatever rivalry game we get at home each year? In theory, we could still do that for the SDSU game this year.
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Post by yoteforever on Oct 9, 2017 5:36:43 GMT -6
Does anyone know what would prevent overflow/standing room only from being done right now for the west side up top? For that matter, couldn't we bring in temp bleachers, even if it was just for D-Days and whatever rivalry game we get at home each year? In theory, we could still do that for the SDSU game this year. There are a number of issues at hand, and that's why I asked in earnest what people would like to see as now is the time for thoughts and ideas to come out that maybe haven't thus far. You're asking about more standing room icrowd, and I believe there are two responses to that. First, is fire code. I'm not sure what the numbers are you can have inside in relation to actual number of seat allotment to meet code. Secondly, where would you put over flow crowd? I'm seriously not being negative here, I just would like your thoughts where they stand? I'm for as darned many people inside as permitted. Regarding the temporary bleachers, where would you put them? Would you trade out what we currently have and get larger capacity ones? I'm serious about this as plans are now being formulated to improve the Dome. The board of regents has given the blessing for this to move forward. I really want ideas here.
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Post by Cousin Eddie on Oct 9, 2017 7:21:49 GMT -6
I think the thought may be if there are seats from the lowest level up to the concourse, if that concourse Is Open air/view to the field and there are no permanent seats going up from there, could bleachers be installed? Is that what you are asking gopheryote?
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Post by gopheryote on Oct 9, 2017 7:36:18 GMT -6
I think the thought may be if there are seats from the lowest level up to the concourse, if that concourse Is Open air/view to the field and there are no permanent seats going up from there, could bleachers be installed? Is that what you are asking gopheryote ? Sort of. I'm talking about the former Den/old hoops practice court/weight room above and behind the student section. That will become a concourse at some point w/ some seating. But right now, it is a giant slab of concrete with a black fabric panel hiding it from view of the bowl. If we take down the divider, why couldn't we put bleachers on the former playing surface for VB (or just let people stand up there)? Short-term fix, not long-term thinking. In other words, can't we add another ~1,000 people this year?
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Post by usdtator on Oct 9, 2017 7:56:04 GMT -6
They sell full priced tickets at the Fargo Dome for people to stand in those corner areas. That's where I had to watch the game two years ago when we beat the Bison up there. Couldn't they sell tickets for people to stand along the walls on the north and south sides of the Dome now? I think there would even room for some bleachers there as well.
As far as long term YFE... get the permanent seating done on the west side, then consider possibly putting seating on the north endzone side somehow... knock out that north wall and extend the walls of the Dome to the north (the architects and engineers can figure out how to make this work structurally.) Are they still thinking of new doors on the west side of the Dome? Those are definitely needed.
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obc
Senior Member
Posts: 781
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Post by obc on Oct 9, 2017 8:05:04 GMT -6
I would think there is a way to set up temporary bleachers where the old VB court was behind the student section. There are companies that allow schools/municipalities/businesses to rent bleachers of various sizes. For example: Seating SolutionsThis set up may create some obstructed view seats however. It is the best short-term fix in my estimation. Longer term I would want something more permanent on the West side of the stadium and potentially some end-zone seats. I am not in construction but my uneducated guess is putting seats in the endzone (if possible structurally) would be quite expensive. Some more random thoughts: * Make sure whatever happens that the design keeps fans right on top of the players. I know several players from various old NCC teams that said they always felt like the crowd was right on top of them at the DakotaDome and that if was a factor. Let's keep that on the West Side. *Perhaps consider doing a combination of permanent chairback seats and pull out bleachers on the West Side. Several configurations could be options there. That would allow for the variability of the crowds coming to games. I would love it if USD fans step up and make this a non-issue and sellout every game but I am skeptical. Winning will certainly help and all of us "die-hard" types will be at every game, but the average USD alum is not on board yet. The team is doing their part and the fans/alumni need to step up, and step up quickly! * Ideally, I would want the student section and Band in the End Zone. I would want new chairback seating on the West Side (between the 10 yard lines) about 1/3 of the way up on that side with high-end suites behind those seats. Behind those luxury suites I would want general admission bench seats as far to the top of the stadium as possible. Dream World: All of the items I listed as ideal above plus: two tiered seating in the North End Zone. Lower Level would be students and band. Upper level would wrap around from where the current Coyote Landing is all the way to same position on the West Side. Again that may not be possible structurally.
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Post by kiyoat on Oct 9, 2017 8:16:56 GMT -6
* Build in something unique - Cannons in the corner to fire off on KOs and after TDs, A Huge Bell that could be rung before the game and after scores. How about a Coyote Crazies Train Whistle going off? There are several ideas I am sure that could be considered. Here's an idea: Hand-held crank air-raid sirens. Several of these going off at once would sound like a pack of coyotes howling. A few stadiums already use large air-raid sirens (NFL Cardinals, Washington Huskies, etc.), but several smaller ones would be different. You'd have to probably OK it with the Valley, and only do it at certain times, like pregame, or after a touchdown. Kind of an annoying sound, but could be intimidating. For comparison, here's an actual Coyote pack howling. Terrifying.
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Post by Yote 53 on Oct 9, 2017 8:24:25 GMT -6
So, you want to be like Iowa State with a siren? Ugh. I suppose I am more of a train whistle and locomotive chugging sort of guy.
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Post by Cousin Eddie on Oct 9, 2017 8:25:12 GMT -6
I think the thought may be if there are seats from the lowest level up to the concourse, if that concourse Is Open air/view to the field and there are no permanent seats going up from there, could bleachers be installed? Is that what you are asking gopheryote ? Sort of. I'm talking about the former Den/old hoops practice court/weight room above and behind the student section. That will become a concourse at some point w/ some seating. But right now, it is a giant slab of concrete with a black fabric panel hiding it from view of the bowl. If we take down the divider, why couldn't we put bleachers on the former playing surface for VB (or just let people stand up there)? Short-term fix, not long-term thinking. In other words, can't we add another ~1,000 people this year? That is what I was getting at. We are on the same page.
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