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Post by 14lbenson on Dec 10, 2013 7:55:05 GMT -6
I am really excited about this. Being a student selecting his college, I will not lie. The future of this, and the athletic program in general was a big part in making my final decision. Go Yotes!
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Post by JeremyHoeck on Dec 10, 2013 11:12:19 GMT -6
What would you have them do? Send out a weekly release saying, "We're still closing in that final 10 million"? Schools don't do that. If something happens, they'll announce it (much like USD did with a release last week after the regents approved the plan). In the mean time, i'll keep looking for stories in the media to keep me updated. I don't need to bug the AD for constant updates when nothing's really happening aside from ongoing fundraising.
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Post by yotemeal on Dec 10, 2013 13:46:37 GMT -6
Individuals interested in making gifts specifically to the arena project may do so by submitting gifts through the phone center, snail mail, or onwardsd.org website, just as Yote 53 indicated. A donor simply has to note that his or her gift is for the arena building project.
I'd say the broad concepts of this project are essentially final; beyond that, it seems things will remain somewhat fluid until a shovel date draws closer. Small donations in the $100 range are certainly important and appreciated, but there isn't a major capital campaign in the history of higher education that was made or broke by such contributions. Major gifts of $25-50k and above will account for the vast, vast majority (more than 90 percent) of dollars raised. Many of these impact donors are making five-, six- and seven-figure commitments based on the same information all of us have. The bottom line is that people need to step up, believe in USD's leadership, and stretch a little at all levels to bring this great project to fruition sooner rather than later.
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Post by Yote 53 on Dec 10, 2013 15:43:11 GMT -6
While every dollar helps, I would maintain that for those that are looking to donate a couple hundred dollars a year that a Howling Pack membership would be the best place to put that ongoing contribution.
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Post by GoYotes on Dec 10, 2013 17:38:01 GMT -6
If anybody is serious about making a donation to the project let anyone in the athletic department know and they will be in touch with you within 24 hours. I did so a year ago and within 24 hours I received an email from David Herbster and telephone call from Jon Schemmel. Jon made the 2 hour drive to visit with me within one week. I know both of these men, and I am sure others in the department as well, are working their tails off trying to finish up the fundraising for the project. We have some great people in the athletic department.
Also, if you want an update on the project, David Herbster will be a guest of Jay Elsen on tonight's Coyote Report at 8 on Midco.
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obc
Senior Member
Posts: 781
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Post by obc on Dec 16, 2013 20:36:29 GMT -6
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Post by Yotes on Dec 16, 2013 21:33:27 GMT -6
Holy crap. That's what the Dome used to look like? I thought the improvements from around 2000 until now were significant.
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Post by Yote 53 on Dec 17, 2013 8:16:08 GMT -6
Laugh about it but also notice the expanded seating and FULL stands on the student section side.
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obc
Senior Member
Posts: 781
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Post by obc on Dec 17, 2013 10:48:56 GMT -6
Yeah seeing that picture made me wonder if we have really expanded our fan base that much in 30 years.
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Post by azsod73 on Dec 17, 2013 20:46:36 GMT -6
Given the $9.5 million 'nut', before construciton commences, does anyone with Foundation contacts/relations, know if there has been any consideration given to having the Foundation front this money to ensure that construction begins next spring? Personally, I think it would enhance future giving because it would show the University Foundation is fully committed to making this game-changing project happen.
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Post by Yotes on Dec 17, 2013 21:12:44 GMT -6
Given the $9.5 million 'nut', before construciton commences, does anyone with Foundation contacts/relations, know if there has been any consideration given to having the Foundation front this money to ensure that construction begins next spring? Personally, I think it would enhance future giving because it would show the University Foundation is fully committed to making this game-changing project happen. I've got a relative who works there and gives me updates on things going on behind the scene, and them fronting the cash does not seem to be in their character. No doubt they've got it in their reserves, but I just can't see it happening.
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Post by GoYotes on Dec 27, 2013 20:50:27 GMT -6
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Post by sd4life on Dec 28, 2013 14:55:19 GMT -6
Always nice reading updates. I wish they were breaking ground sooner, but it's close. Thank you to the SC Journal for the update!
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Post by Yotes on Dec 28, 2013 23:17:22 GMT -6
I really wish they'd just set the construction date and get this thing over with, I'm sure they can raise the remaining funds during construction.
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Post by JeremyHoeck on Dec 28, 2013 23:36:31 GMT -6
So....construction should be completed by 2016. Which means, if everything goes according to plan, our first basketball season will be 2016-17. By that point, will USD have already made the NCAA Tournament? 2013-14, probably not....2014-15, return a solid group, could be...2015-16....hoping by that point to be a title contender.
Curious to see how our level of basketball recruits grows in the next couple years, once coaches have that target date to attract high school kids. Brand new facility will obviously help, but so too will a program that at that point is hopefully among the Summit League elite.
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