Could the Ragin’ Cajuns be getting a new football stadium?

[CajunAmos]

When we tear down the upper deck we will lose seats. If we replace it with a pressbox and suites, the endzone seats will not result in a net increase. I do not think we should build more than 40K total seating. (Bowled first level, pressbox with suites). This right sizes the stadium for our needs in the most cost effective manner, and IF and only IF needed in the future, an opposing second level can be built.

Bowling the lower level maintains some minimum seating while pressbox/suite combo is constructed, then replaces the seating lost by tearing down current upper level once complete.

I just don't think you could do that unless you worked on it only outside football season.

[CharlieK]

I just don't think you could do that unless you worked on it only outside football season.

Here is a possible plan:

Off season 1, bowl NEZ, tear down upper deck, place temporary pressbox

Off season 2, build pressbox/suite combo.

[CajunAmos]

Here is a possible plan:

Off season 1, bowl NEZ, tear down upper deck, temporary pressbox.

Off season 2, build pressbox/suite combo.

I don't think you could rebuild the foundation to support a new upper desk/press box/suites without digging into the hill and building new structure. I'm guessing if you're doing that, you'll be affecting the bowl itself.

[CharlieK]

I don't think you could rebuild the foundation to support a new upper desk/press box/suites without digging into the hill and building new structure. I'm guessing if you're doing that, you'll be affecting the bowl itself.

Even more reason to bowl the NEZ. If you will affect home side bowl seating during the season, you need a place to put those people.

[MetryCajun]

So you propose building a 25K seat stadium? (40-15=25).

We have 15K empty seats because our program was in decline and had become an embarrassment due to the actions of the staff and some players. Coupled with God awful scheduling/game timing. Those are all fixable things. If not, what are we doing?

If you have read any of my earlier post, I have not advocated 25k. I am just not advocating adding additional seats to a stadium that never sells out. For one season we would have around 20k seats, but this would only be an issue for one or two games. Historically most of our crowds are under 20k.
In the end UL will do what it thinks is in their best interest. If they think NEZ seats can generate lasting revenue, then they should go for it. But I would bet they wished they had the money they spent on the SEZ right about now.

[Ragin9221]

I know nothing about construction, so I might be a little off, first get everything to code.
1st year rebuild the visitor side.
2nd year add NEZ seating or build a top deck to the visitor side.
3rd and 4th year, take down upper deck, rebuild the home side, and add a nice press box, suites, premium seating, restaurants like Maryland.

Problem comes in the 3rd and 4th year that all spectators and Season ticket holders would have to be moved to the Visitor Side. Student section would have to move to the SEZ and regular admission tickets would have to be placed on the upper deck of the Visitor Side or NEZ.

We talking about 4 to 5 year project.

[CharlieK]

Are you proposing tearing down the upper deck, replace with a pressbox and suites and just have the lower level "U" we currently have? Sorry, I'm having trouble following what you want besides to _____ about the SEZ expansion. How many total seats is correct?

[Ragin9221]

Are you proposing tearing down the upper deck, replace with a pressbox and suites and just have the lower level "U" we currently have? Sorry, I'm having trouble following what you want besides to _____ about the SEZ expansion.

Yes upper deck would be just be premium seating, suites, press box, etc.

If this is where the money is at then we need to build it. People want to keep it around 35k with premium seating well we can do that with room to expand.

[CharlieK]

Yes upper deck would be just be premium seating, suites, press box, etc.

If this is where the money is at then we need to build it. People want to keep it around 35k with premium seating well we can do that with room to expand.

Yes I agree.....35-40K is the magic number for us.

[MetryCajun]

Are you proposing tearing down the upper deck, replace with a pressbox and suites and just have the lower level "U" we currently have? Sorry, I'm having trouble following what you want besides to _____ about the SEZ expansion.

I’m sorry you are having trouble following what I want. I will try one more time. Put suites on visitor side. Put seats, suites and press box to replace upper deck. Keep NEZ as is. This will get you close to our current capacity which is way more seating than we need. Now if you and UL want additional seats that are in low demand areas I will not stand in your way. Just offering an alternative.