2012 New Orleans Bowl

[CajunRed]

Just as we did for campus upgrades and renovations, it is time to borrow funds to move our athletic department forward. Note...some of those funds can be had from private donors who will come forward if approached effectively. The rest must be borrowed...to be then paid off on the back of our athletic progress and success.

[Cajun Monkee]

Does anybody know what the bonding capacity of UL is? My point is, the University has spent a lot of money on capital projects the last few years and I'm pretty sure this was all bOnd money. And i think The new practice facility was funded thru a loan by the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority.

I'm not trying to come across as argumentative. But does anybody have an idea of how the mechanism works to fund long term capital projects at the state level?

Im pretty sure state law limits a public entity's debt load. And if the University is at its limit, bonding may not be an option.

I don't disagree with the idea of bonding the money out. But you're gonna have to show a much more stable revenue source. I don't think the bond market is going to think "potential conference realignment" revenues will make for great sales.

But if there all local bankers who are willing to fund capital projects for athletics, why don't they come forward? Doesn't it seem to reason that if a bigger conference saw that a public/private endeavor would show an INCREDIBLE community commitment, they'd think UL was a viable addition.

[CharlieK]

Does anybody know what the bonding capacity of UL is? My point is, the University has spent a lot of money on capital projects the last few years and I'm pretty sure this was all bOnd money. And i think The new practice facility was funded thru a loan by the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority.

I'm not trying to come across as argumentative. But does anybody have an idea of how the mechanism works to fund long term capital projects at the state level?

Im pretty sure state law limits a public entity's debt load. And if the University is at its limit, bonding may not be an option.

I don't disagree with the idea of bonding the money out. But you're gonna have to show a much more stable revenue source. I don't think the bond market is going to think "potential conference realignment" revenues will make for great sales.

But if there all local bankers who are willing to fund capital projects for athletics, why don't they come forward? Doesn't it seem to reason that if a bigger conference saw that a public/private endeavor would show an INCREDIBLE community commitment, they'd think UL was a viable addition.

Are we at that limit, and does a limit exist or are you speculating?

If that's the case then the administration should say so. Then make a plan to get it done anyway. My god, I've never been around a situation with so many people focused on why something can't be done.

[Boomer]

I know that a public tax was presented and voted down by the people of Hattisburg for S Miss---Wish we could get a Lafayette funding source for UL----I am very worried about the economy---We have a Socialist in the WH and I think we are headed for a terrible recession and Jimmy Carter type inflation---WE need to establish these interest rates NOW and get the raw materials and the labor costs while they are affordable. Ironically these were the premises that T-Joe so eloquently used against the RED-NECK board members on the Campus dorms construction---Hell who knows---just some thoughts!!!

[Boomer]

A slight correction Hammer----they didn't make and we didn't make---we brought in from ticket sales---unfortunately with the new conference split we are screwed even with our commanding performance at the box office---As you pointed out there is no shame that will worry their pointing out that 41K were Monroe fans---now juxtapose the NO Bowl and you know the total to school fan ratio that we would have over them---Gets frustrating at times---Hope you and the crew are having a GREAT holiday season!!!

[cajunhawk]

Memphis all day. Been waiting for a good excuse to go to Memphis.

[Cajun Crusader]

If the NOLA Bowl is off the table my 2nd choice would be the Meineke in Houston... If we're paying extra money for hotels and higher priced tickets I want perfect conditions. Now if you force me to go outside ____ S-port, I'm going brave the elements in the old Cotton Bowl Stadium or TCU's Amon G. Carter stadium. Cotton Bowl because it's got a ton of nostalgia and Carter because TCU's campus is absolutely beautiful... If we get Liberty I'd be cool with that as well....

[RaisingCajun08]

Could someone put a white stripe down the center of that helmet?

[CajunDreDog]

Could someone put a white stripe down the center of that helmet?

I provided the pics, someone with graphics talent will have to get it done.

Fyi, there were small black stripes on side of the bigger white stripe.

[CajunRebel]

Two thoughts on Farmer's original interview: 1) His comments about "facilities and fundraising" being the two most important things is great...but we are now 3 years or so later and we have not yet unveiled a plan through which any major fundraising MUST be coordinated and driven...and 2) the comments about "regional conferences" has recently been shot to hell.

The University has raised more money from fundraising in the past two years than it ever has before. Farmer also recently hired an assistant AD who is a "fundraising specialist" and whose main purpose for being here is to focus on fundraising.

I's it perfect? Not by a long shot. We've all pointed out some big weaknesses with the RCAF on this board that we would love to see changed. And our fundraising levels arent nearly where most of us feel they should be. But fundraising has improved tremendously under Farmer. Just look at the numbers. Just look at our budget increases.

We may see an athletics master plan or a facilities master plan but for obvious reasons we'll never see a fundraising master plan. But just because UL doesn't announce it's fundraising strategy to the public doesn't mean they aren't working really hard at it.