If Pitt had a 40,000 seat luxury stadium in Oakland,would you pay 40% more

[mdpitt]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

 

[93Panther]

Yes. No question. It is needed to become what we all want Pitt football to become. Where there's a will, there's a way.

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

 

[OriginalEther]

For the purpose of funding this? No.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

For the 10000th time.....40K SCREAMS MID MAJOR. Heinz is big league

 

[UPitt '89]

There. is. no. place. to. put. a. stadium. on. campus.

 

[Pittx9]

No. I will pay more for tickets when Pitt is competing for national championships. I don't care where they play.

 

[mdpitt]

For the 10000th time.....40K SCREAMS MID MAJOR. Heinz is big league

Shrink to grow. A crowded party is a fun party. Pretty simple. Yesterday would have been jam packed and a scalpers paradise.

 

[IamHeisenberg]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

Yes without a doubt.

 

[PittPoker]

Yup

 

[oldpanther]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

This non-sense is just as bad as arguement about football and basketball colors for uniforms. Once a billion $$$ or so is donated for that very purpose, an on campus stadium, forget it. So called Pitt fans won't buy tickets for football games let alone financially support a new facility. For those of you that think that on campus stadium will bring more fans, that will not happen and Pitt attendance figures(past history)prove that point.

 

[mdpitt]

This non-sense is just as bad as arguement about football and basketball colors for uniforms. Once a billion $$$ or so is donated for that very purpose, an on campus stadium, forget it. So called Pitt fans won't buy tickets for football games let alone financially support a new facility. For those of you that think that on campus stadium will bring more fans, that will not happen and Pitt attendance figures(past history)prove that point.

I'm not saying more fans. I'm actually saying less fans at higher price and make it a tough ticket.

Atmosphere is the goal and not more people.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Shrink to grow. A crowded party is a fun party. Pretty simple. Yesterday would have been jam packed and a scalpers paradise.

doesn't work that way, sorry. 40k and you are auditioning for the AAC.

 

[mdpitt]

doesn't work that way, sorry. 40k and you are auditioning for the AAC.

I don't think you are seeing the direction of live sports attendance. A jam packed crowd of 40,000 looks great on tv and is great in person. People want an experience and 40,000 is the right size for Pitt. We are not a diploma factory like State schools so let's get over the notion we need 70,000. Let's be the best we can be.

 

[MartyInLawrenceville]

Slick, but 40K in a 70K stadium is different how? It's like a mausoleum there. Gone are the days of 90,000 college stadiums. Attendance around the country is declining yearly. A 45-50K stadium is plenty big, and when filled, will sound as though there are 80,000 in there. Everyone building a new stadium is trending smaller. Is TCU a mid major?

 

[CaPAPITT76]

Slick, but 40K in a 70K stadium is different how? It's like a mausoleum there. Gone are the days of 90,000 college stadiums. Attendance around the country is declining yearly. A 45-50K stadium is plenty big, and when filled, will sound as though there are 80,000 in there. Everyone building a new stadium is trending smaller. Is TCU a mid major?

No

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

I don't think you are seeing the direction of live sports attendance. A jam packed crowd of 40,000 looks great on tv and is great in person. People want an experience and 40,000 is the right size for Pitt. We are not a diploma factory like State schools so let's get over the notion we need 70,000. Let's be the best we can be.

you think any P5 team is going to want to come and play in OOC in a 40k stadium? Yeah, 40k would be awesome, but it would be awesome for the AAC, not the P5, is that where you want Pitt?

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Slick, but 40K in a 70K stadium is different how? It's like a mausoleum there. Gone are the days of 90,000 college stadiums. Attendance around the country is declining yearly. A 45-50K stadium is plenty big, and when filled, will sound as though there are 80,000 in there. Everyone building a new stadium is trending smaller. Is TCU a mid major?

Michigan state would beg to differ, probably close to 90k today, yeah, 45-50K would be cool, but 40k is mid-major.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

The answer to a hypothetical is meaningless .

What's stopping them from donating 40% more right now ?

 

[beiglepanther]

Shrink to grow. A crowded party is a fun party. Pretty simple. Yesterday would have been jam packed and a scalpers paradise.

Yep, been throwing Kick ass Parties for years, 50 people jammed into my kitchen and living room is waaayy better than 75 people in a space 3 times that size.

And yes I would pay 100% more

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Minimum 45K. I think 50K is perfect. Stanford, Minnesota, etc... would be perfect.

 

[beiglepanther]

I also agree it would need to be bigger than 40K maybe 50K not sure how many actual season tickets we sell, also would be nice with some type of overflow standing room area kinda like at Heinz befor they closed in the open end of the stadium.

 

[wbrpanther]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

I would demand 40% off my ticket for the enormous hassle
of trying to get in and out of Oakland, like the good old days.

 

[MartyInLawrenceville]

Michigan state would beg to differ, probably close to 90k today, yeah, 45-50K would be cool, but 40k is mid-major.

Mich. State has 70K. But, what the hell else is there to do in East Lansing? One of those big state universities. I would go 45-50K, but no more. When the Steelers built the yellow eyesore, they could have built an 80,000 seat stadium, and filled it. The demand was great at that time. But, they knew that there would be down years, when demand wasn't so great, and they might have a hard time filling 80K seats. Same with Pitt. Scale it down, and charge a bit of a premium to go to a game. Instead of $110 season tickets on the low end, make them $200. I don't think it would detract people from buying them. Everyone loves a shiny new toy. And that, coupled with an improved program, would keep it close to capacity.

 

[Pittx9]

I would demand 40% off my ticket for the enormous hassle
of trying to get in and out of Oakland, like the good old days.

Yes that is the problem. Heinz Field is just insanely easy to commute to. Oakland is a complete nightmare. Pitt Stadium was great, but a noon game and you'd be getting out of Oakland at maybe 7:00 P.M. if you're lucky.

 

[JoeScaz]

I don't think you are seeing the direction of live sports attendance. A jam packed crowd of 40,000 looks great on tv and is great in person. People want an experience and 40,000 is the right size for Pitt. We are not a diploma factory like State schools so let's get over the notion we need 70,000. Let's be the best we can be.

Although smaller is better.. 40 is TOO small. I would never build below 50, and believe me.. our normal crowd would look fine in that.. SEE GT

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Another stadium thread. Hilarious. But I'll play. I wouldn't set foot in Oakland for a football game unless traffic was improved exponentially. It's a PITA for a hoop game.

 

[gomez]

YES

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

I think the real answer is based on just what it is that is going to make this a "luxury stadium"? Does that mean instead of regular seats we will all get a nice recliner to sit in? Instead of having to walk back to the concession stand that a waitress will bring me the food and drinks I've ordered over the state of the art wireless system installed in each seat? And for that matter, personal tvs at each seat so we can dial up our preferred replays of each play right after it happens? Or watch other games or highlights of games on our personal tvs? Just what is it that would make a stadium a "luxury stadium"?

 

[dchst23]

Heinz Field was great in 02-03, 09. It will be again.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

I can't prove it, but I'd speculate that some of the posters who will post "yes" don't give a cent to the Athletic Department now, and they wouldn't give anything later.

 

[CrazyPaco]

I can't prove it, but I'd speculate that some of the posters who will post "yes" don't give a cent to the Athletic Department now, and they wouldn't give anything later.

Well their answers already demonstrate the spending and giving habits of these types. Certainly capable and willing (at least in talk) to give more to athletics, but won't unless an impossible scenario unfolds. It is no different than saying they'd give more when Pitt wins 10 national titles in a row. These are the same types that promised to up their game when Pederson was fired, and did not; or when the helmet font was changed, and did not. They are all-talk complete frauds, not to mention completely and willfully ignorant about the circumstances and situation of the athletic department and university.

I keep going back to the Football Excellence Fund that Pitt begged people all summer to contribute to...even sending Narduzzi out on a 7 city tour. Only netted about 100 donors at the $600+ level and most of the names are the same ones you see all the time. And people think it is realistic to fundraise for a project in the $100s of millions, even if it weren't logistically ludicrous? Willful ignorance.

 

[mdpitt]

Well their answers already demonstrate the spending and giving habits of these types. Certainly capable and willing (at least in talk) to give more to athletics, but won't unless an impossible scenario unfolds. It is no different than saying they'd give more when Pitt wins 10 national titles in a row. These are the same types that promised to up their game when Pederson was fired, and did not; or when the helmet font was changed, and did not. They are all-talk complete frauds, not to mention completely and willfully ignorant about the circumstances and situation of the athletic department and university.

I keep going back to the Football Excellence Fund that Pitt begged people all summer to contribute to...even sending Narduzzi out on a 7 city tour. Only netted about 100 donors at the $600+ level and most of the names are the same ones you see all the time. And people think it is realistic to fundraise for a project in the $100s of millions, even if it weren't logistically ludicrous? Willful ignorance.

Paco: you are without question the best poster with the most measured, knowledgable insight to Pitt and what is realistic with our reality. That being said, I think someone may go whale hunting for a check this year. You may be right about the scraps of donors but I believe we have people to hunt whales now. I believe we may see something that benefits UPMC's growth along with Pitt Athletics and I will leave it at that. I have been a supporter of Heinz as it is possibly the best money I have seen spent for a home field but there is a tipping point for change and it's getting close.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Again, simply shrink Heinz by 10KK. If Narduzzi shows sustained success, Pitt will draw fine. But, an ideal venue for Pitt would be 50K. With Miami set to compete in shrunken to 53K, fellow ACC programs like GT, Cuse, UVa playing in similarly sized venues and Duke, BC, Wake playing in smaller venues, the 68.5K Heinz is too big for every ACC team not named FSU, Clemson and, maybe, VT.

Shrink the capacity. Don't half ass it either. Continue to win. And, really, it's as easy as tarping the oversized upper deck end zone.

 

[IamHeisenberg]

I can't prove it, but I'd speculate that some of the posters who will post "yes" don't give a cent to the Athletic Department now, and they wouldn't give anything later.

True. You can't prove it because I give thousands in non athletic donations to the University each year. And those that think it can't be done are simply small minded and unimaginative. There is plenty of space in Oakland but it would take displacing businesses and homes. Not like that has never been done before. I look at PNC and see the atmosphere there because of both winning and small stadium size and could just imagine a 40k stadium being same way in Oakland. Times are changing. Even the mythical 107k stay home to watch in TV but there is always a core crowd that are there.

 

[upj87]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

No, don't need luxury...need a seat and a decent place to take a wiz.......

 

[Panther Parrothead]

True. You can't prove it because I give thousands in non athletic donations to the University each year. And those that think it can't be done are simply small minded and unimaginative. There is plenty of space in Oakland but it would take displacing businesses and homes. Not like that has never been done before. I look at PNC and see the atmosphere there because of both winning and small stadium size and could just imagine a 40k stadium being same way in Oakland. Times are changing. Even the mythical 107k stay home to watch in TV but there is always a core crowd that are there.

So what's your plan to displace private businesses and peoples' homes? Over-paying the property values? Eminent Domain? Please share your thoughts and solutions. A delusional following awaits....

 

[NTOP]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

$500 million........and I don't know how you'd describe a "luxury" stadium?? But the ticket prices are real bargains (supply & demand personified) so a bump up isn't the problem. The University shouldn't even be giving it a thought. The numbers don't work for 7 days a year.....and the infrastructure isn't there.

 

[quip]

for each of your tickets? We had this lively discussion at the breakfast table with a bunch of lifelong Pitt fans of many different income levels and I was surprised at every answer was yes. I was actually surprised at this because I know how tough it would be for some people and they didn't even hesitate.

Someone pointed out that 40% more is still a bargain compared to all majors that surround us. It was also pointed out that it would have to be right on campus and not a mile from the Cathedral.

Listen, I'm a realist and going to Heinz is so easy to get in and out of for my two hour drive each way. I just have a feeling with the Stock Market about to go into a Santa Clause Rally, a few people may need to hide some money for a charitable donation and put their name on something that will last as long as the Cathedral of Learning.

I personally would not sneeze at a 40% increase if that was the way to make the economics work. I also would have no problem parking downtown and taking a shuttle to Oakland if I had to.

Many will say there is no room but that simply is not true. It's difficult and expensive but it could be done. It would be pretty cool to have all the concessions staffed by students and you felt great about telling them to keep the change. It really would be great hosting game day at the base of the Cathedral of Learning someday. I have not stepped foot on campus before or after a football game for over 20 years on game day.

I have a hunch that you are going to start to hear some real talk about a solution and someone just might make it happen this time.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I personally would pay much more per ticket if I saw a blueprint.

Why would I pay more to be crammed into a stadium?

 

[quip]

Another stadium thread. Hilarious. But I'll play. I wouldn't set foot in Oakland for a football game unless traffic was improved exponentially. It's a PITA for a hoop game.

My sentiments EXACTLY!

 

[CrazyPaco]

Paco: you are without question the best poster with the most measured, knowledgable insight to Pitt and what is realistic with our reality. That being said, I think someone may go whale hunting for a check this year. You may be right about the scraps of donors but I believe we have people to hunt whales now. I believe we may see something that benefits UPMC's growth along with Pitt Athletics and I will leave it at that. I have been a supporter of Heinz as it is possibly the best money I have seen spent for a home field but there is a tipping point for change and it's getting close.

This is dumb. All of it.

Repeatedly posting this topic by the delusional and WILLFULLY IGNORANT, week after week, plays right into the hands of Pitt's adversaries. Beyond moronic.

15 years of this stupid topic. Stop being stupid.