FB/BB Stadium Projects

[BrudaCajun]

The only one I see wrong is Acadian Ambulance, others I am usure of. The people who hold the pen know this and should be utilizing every and all resources.
BTW Moncla is an oilfield company, one of the BIGGEST UL supporters

[zephyr]

_ I have heard from close to the horses mouth that there is approximately 35 million dollars worth of facility improvement that are planed for the next 3-5 year time frame as well as a majority of the funds for these projects are in hand or they have been committed to UL by donors waiting for Dos S to take over.

Acadiana has a 6 billion dollar economy so there is no reason that UL can not raise 100M for athletics or 100M for academics within a 5-10 year fund raising initiative if allowed to do so. Hell there are 5 or 6 privately held companies that gross over 300M a year. Don't tell me that the money is not there. WE HAVE NEVER ASKED FOR IT!!!!!!!!! _

It seems as if you are up for the job. You've got it!!! Many here just assume that the university doesn't call or meet with business owners and ask for money. That is a shame. That is not true. A part of the problem is that people don't want to donate money for an administration that has prided itself on apathy for years. They want to know their money is going to a good purpose. I think once we have a new administration in place, you will see a bigger donation pool. Plus the RCAF will help because people are going to be more aggressive in their approaches to the local community.

[DaddyCajun]

_ Some major companies in UL that I have never seen advertised at UL (mind you I may have not noticed) Red's, Stuller Settings, Acadian Ambulance (not sure on this one) are just a few major companies that we need to get on board. I'm not saying they haven't been contacted, we just need to get these big guys to want to give to UL. There are probably some local Oil Field affiliated companies that could throw some money in there. _

Acadian sponsored one of the Gateways at the athletic complex and they are also a Louisiana Classic member. Reds is a backer also, seen in the annual filings.

ps They could do more, esp. Acadian

[rhineaux]

$100MM to build what stuff? Filling in two endzone sections where the foundation is already laid plus suites and other improvements that will pay for itself is not absurd, nor will it cost anywhere near $100MM. If the stadium is sinking, demolish the upper deck and fill in the endzones for a complete bowl. That would still provide about 40,000 seats. All of the other things you mentioned are certainly more of an immediate need. As I said, it is something that can be addressed as a long term project while other short term projects are addressed.

The problem I have always had is that UL has never planned for anything. It is a year to year operation. It is time for a multi-year plan on where we want to go and how we are going to get there in the short and long term.

I think you're missing my overall point. Then again, I think you get it. I mentioned $100MM because it was just a number. I don't know how much it would cost to bowl the stadium, but the main point is that it won't be cheap, and there are a lot of other things that we could spend that money on instead of adding seats that won't be sat in. If you still want to talk about stadium expansion, then I'll meet you half way and we'll expand the Ath Dept building, up to the top of the South levee, which would include large amounts of coaches offices, meeting spaces, student academic center, a store with Cajun paraphenalia, and plenty of box seats and some luxury boxes...similar to what is being done at USM and OSU.

_ I have heard from close to the horses mouth that there is approximately 35 million dollars worth of facility improvement that are planed for the next 3-5 year time frame as well as a majority of the funds for these projects are in hand or they have been committed to UL by donors waiting for Dos S to take over.

I sure hope you're right. I had heard from a lot of people that there were folks who refused to give money to Dr A. to them I say..."He's gone now, so put your money where your mouth is, punks."

Acadiana has a 6 billion dollar economy so there is no reason that UL can not raise 100M for athletics or 100M for academics within a 5-10 year fund raising initiative if allowed to do so. Hell there are 5 or 6 privately held companies that gross over 300M a year. Don't tell me that the money is not there. WE HAVE NEVER ASKED FOR IT!!!!!!!!! _

I don't disagree, but $100MM in 5-10 years is a lot of money. You're talking about raising $10-20MM per year, and I just don't see UL getting that sort of attention right now. I agree that it can be done, but I just don't know if I would start the clock right now. If UL could raise $100MM in the next 10 years, starting right now, after the last 10-15 years that this football team and this athletic department has had (which overall is good, but not spectacular), then I can't even imagine what the future would hold for potential donations.

[anhil8tor]

Does Franks Casing Crews donate to UL?


They were a huge IceGator backer. Seems like someone from UL would have made that call after the gators folded.

[ULtimateCajun]

_ Does Franks Casing Crews donate to UL?


They were a huge IceGator backer. Seems like someone from UL would have made that call after the gators folded. _

CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP!!!!! haha Sorry.

[cajunfan96]

_ Why should it be expanded? _

Not expanded, but definetly renovated!!

[CajunCanaille]

_ Not expanded, but definetly renovated!! _

I agree....we just need to renovate the current stdium. Updating restrooms, concession, seats, sky boxes, drainage, etc. would give the stadium a lift and possibly generate more money. A nicer stadium will attract a few more people. But I will say the first two things on the renovation agenda should be 1. Replacing the "C" on AJUN FIELD and 2. Power washing the stadium.

[cajun4life]

It seems as if you are up for the job. You've got it!!! Many here just assume that the university doesn't call or meet with business owners and ask for money. That is a shame. That is not true. A part of the problem is that people don't want to donate money for an administration that has prided itself on apathy for years. They want to know their money is going to a good purpose. I think once we have a new administration in place, you will see a bigger donation pool. Plus the RCAF will help because people are going to be more aggressive in their approaches to the local community.

I agree.

[cajun4life]

Acadian sponsored one of the Gateways at the athletic complex and they are also a Louisiana Classic member. Reds is a backer also, seen in the annual filings.

ps They could do more, esp. Acadian

Acadian also donates millions to LSWho so go figure.

[cajun4life]

I think you're missing my overall point. Then again, I think you get it. I mentioned $100MM because it was just a number. I don't know how much it would cost to bowl the stadium, but the main point is that it won't be cheap, and there are a lot of other things that we could spend that money on instead of adding seats that won't be sat in. If you still want to talk about stadium expansion, then I'll meet you half way and we'll expand the Ath Dept building, up to the top of the South levee, which would include large amounts of coaches offices, meeting spaces, student academic center, a store with Cajun paraphenalia, and plenty of box seats and some luxury boxes...similar to what is being done at USM and OSU.



I sure hope you're right. I had heard from a lot of people that there were folks who refused to give money to Dr A. to them I say..."He's gone now, so put your money where your mouth is, punks."



I don't disagree, but $100MM in 5-10 years is a lot of money. You're talking about raising $10-20MM per year, and I just don't see UL getting that sort of attention right now. I agree that it can be done, but I just don't know if I would start the clock right now. If UL could raise $100MM in the next 10 years, starting right now, after the last 10-15 years that this football team and this athletic department has had (which overall is good, but not spectacular), then I can't even imagine what the future would hold for potential donations.

Both Texas and Texas A&M had tremendous fund raising drives in the '90s that were 7 year drives respectively. Both schools total endowment before the big push were around 250M, after the push they were over 1 Billion at each school. That is from private money. I know that both schools have larger alumni bases to pull from but 100M form our economic base and Houston/New Orleans alumni could easily generate 200M + within 5-10 years.