Temple gets approval for on-campus stadium design study

[BuffetParrothead]

The sad irony is that the longer folks keep talking about the lack of space in Oakland, the truer it will become.

You can talk yourself into almost anything especially when you have lots of help! Its the easy way out!
With that said demolishing the old stadium and putting something else in its place that could have been put elsewhere has made things more difficult.

 

[ThePanthers]

There are those that make things happen and there are those that don't.
I think PITT has been and still is plagued by the it can't be done here crowd in which case it won't get done! So lets see if someone surprises us.
Now next up will be "Skippy" (Souf) telling everyone they're all a bunch of "dumb cheap loser fans"
and the myiad of posters who will say "it can't be done, there's no space, we looked at this already."
Hard to believe Temple has deeper pockets than PITT ( fans & the U.)

With this post, Souf would be correct.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

With this post, Souf would be correct.

And as I mentioned you're one of the it cant be done people.
That's fine because there's lots of you so it probably will never happen which will be a drag on PITT football forever!
Even if someone came up with a great idea it probably still won't happen due to the PITT fan mindset!

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

And as I mentioned you're one of the it cant be done people.
That's fine because there's lots of you so it probably will never happen which will be a drag on PITT football forever!

Just remember,
It was your ilk that caused the move off campus.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Just remember,
It was your ilk that caused the move off campus.

How can you say that Skippy you don't know me or what I think or thought about the move off campus!
Plus you're CEO and President of The PITT Glass is Half Empty club.
I don't let people like you in my life!
Bad boy Skiippy!

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

How can you say that Skippy you don't know me or what I think or thought about the move off campus!
Bad boy Skiippy!

I do.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

I do.

Skipppy you're down to two word answers and you didn't use dumb or stupid in your response!
You're off your game Skippy!

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

Skipppy you're down to two word answers and you didn't use dumb or stupid in your response!
You're off your game Skippy!

Have to know your audience, and keep it simple.

 

[raleighpanther]

Often times, two separate issues get rolled together as if they are one, and folks can't see them apart. Ted Cruz the other night said he was going to get rid of the IRS by introducing a flat tax. Well, these are two separate issues; one is tax simplification where you get rid of deductions and exemptions and just pay a percentage of your tax. The second issue is the type of tax rate system used, progressive or flat. You can do tax simplification with a flat tax (we all pay the same rate), or you can do it with a progressive tax (we pay different percentages depending on the size of your income.) But people like Cruz pretend that they're linked, that simplification and a flat rate for all are necessarily tied together. They're not. Two separate issues.

Likewise, there are two issues with Pitt's stadium situation. Issue one is that Pitt needs to consider its future stadium needs post Heinz. I think we all agree that needs to happen.
But that future solution can be (issue two) a stadium of one size or another, and it can be placed on or off campus. The first issue is separate from the second.
I think we'd all like to have an on-campus stadium, if it didn't rip apart the campus, with traffic and parking issues solved, funding found, and city politics surmounted. But, hey, if I was accused of being too "hopeful" for thinking our season ticket goal might increase 10% in 2-3 years, what do we call the folks who think we're going to overcome all those hurdles and actually see a new Pitt Stadium in Oakland in the near future?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Yeah, I'm not getting the MLS connection either - not in this market. In a market like Miami or Philadelphia or NYC or another market that has a large first generation immigrant population? Sure, that makes some sense. However, not in a place like Pittsburgh. MLS wouldn't work here and they wouldn't want to be here anyway where they'd at best be the fifth wheel in a very small market.

I dont think the MLS would do well here either.....but hey, hockey is a weird foreign sport without a lot of scoring and Yinzers love that so I guess you never know.

My point is MLS is growing so rapidly, Pittsburgh may not be able to avoid getting a team even if it tried and I am starting to really believe that the MLS, within 10-15 years can be a Top 3 league and if Pittsburgh had world-class players playing here, then I do think it could work.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

You can talk yourself into almost anything especially when you have lots of help!

Yep. Look at all the people who have talked themselves into thinking that Pitt should raze half of Oakland and spend several hundreds of millions of dollars to build a stadium.

 

[MartyInLawrenceville]

SMF, I'm not so sure about the MLS' growth rate, I think the EPL has grown in interest by leaps & bounds in the US since NBCSN took over last year. I really love soccer, but I don't think an MLS team would make it here. I don't even go to Riverhounds games. I don't think its really good soccer. However, I do think a pro women's league would play well here. A chance to see a USWNT member most every night, with 1 or 2 USWNT members on the local team (including a certain defender from the University of Pine Richland) would be a draw here. Youth soccer, like it or not, is huge in Western PA, and I think a women's pro team could at least draw what their league averages (4k/game). As far as an on campus stadium, the number of pieces that would have to fall in place would be huge. I'd love to see it, and I'm all for it, I just don't think it's happening in the near future.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Women soccer isn't working here either. We are just the wrong market. Personally, I like soccer. However, it would not work in this market - just no chance.

 

[OmarLittle]

The problem with mls here is Pittsburgh won't support losers, minor leagues, second tier leagues.
Nhl, NBA,nfl,mlb. Those are leagues the world's best players go to play.

Mls is not and will never be. I'll watch a tottenham vs chelsea rerun before the mls champ game.

 

[eastcoasthoops]

An investment by the University of Pittsburgh in the 100s of millions of dollars to build a stadium that would be used at most 10 - 15 times per year would defy the modern realities of: the current infrastructure of Oakland, the lagging financial support of universities from the State, the static trend of population in Western Pennsylvania, and the trending lower attendance at regional sporting events.

The continuous empty seats alone at Heinz (Pitt and Steelers), PNC, Consol, the Pete, even Mountaineer and Beaver should be enough evidence that an institution of higher learning investments should be spent just about ANYWHERE other than a football stadium.

Want to improve attendance at Pitt games? Instead of a $400 million football stadium, spend $400 million on expanded dormitories and education infrastructure to then increase enrollment significantly.

 

[Panthergrowl13]

An investment by the University of Pittsburgh in the 100s of millions of dollars to build a stadium that would be used at most 10 - 15 times per year would defy the modern realities of: the current infrastructure of Oakland, the lagging financial support of universities from the State, the static trend of population in Western Pennsylvania, and the trending lower attendance at regional sporting events.

The continuous empty seats alone at Heinz (Pitt and Steelers), PNC, Consol, the Pete, even Mountaineer and Beaver should be enough evidence that an institution of higher learning investments should be spent just about ANYWHERE other than a football stadium.

Want to improve attendance at Pitt games? Instead of a $400 million football stadium, spend $400 million on expanded dormitories and education infrastructure to then increase enrollment significantly.

Agree and spend the extra few million it might take per year to retain a successful head football coach and staff.

Build a new 400 million plus new stadium but lose your coach for a few million per year.

Tarp Heinz down to 50,000 fans for the 6 times we have to go there per year.

Also how much would it cost for Pitt (get Steelers to agree) to rip out the yellow plastic seats and replace them with black seats. If you tarp, you won't have to rip out the yellow seats because they would be mostly filled.

Easy solution really.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[Swervin27]

Agree and spend the extra few million it might take per year to retain a successful head football coach and staff.

Build a new 400 million plus new stadium but lose your coach for a few million per year.

Tarp Heinz down to 50,000 fans for the 6 times we have to go there per year.

Also how much would it cost for Pitt (get Steelers to agree) to rip out the yellow plastic seats and replace them with black seats. If you tarp, you won't have to rip out the yellow seats because they would be mostly filled.

Easy solution really.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

Barnes said he is not going to tarp seats at Heinz.. Rooneys want the yellow seats, they aren't going anywhere..

 

[pittengineer75]

An investment by the University of Pittsburgh in the 100s of millions of dollars to build a stadium that would be used at most 10 - 15 times per year would defy the modern realities of: the current infrastructure of Oakland, the lagging financial support of universities from the State, the static trend of population in Western Pennsylvania, and the trending lower attendance at regional sporting events.

The continuous empty seats alone at Heinz (Pitt and Steelers), PNC, Consol, the Pete, even Mountaineer and Beaver should be enough evidence that an institution of higher learning investments should be spent just about ANYWHERE other than a football stadium.

Want to improve attendance at Pitt games? Instead of a $400 million football stadium, spend $400 million on expanded dormitories and education infrastructure to then increase enrollment significantly.

Agree. And your $400 million is probably a low-end figure when you add in costs such as land procurement, stadium costs, parking, road studies and new roadway expansions (which is impossible for the most part with existing roads but is needed given how bad Oakland chokes on 8-10k post-basketball games), etc. Unless you want an oversized Single A stadium with bleacher seating, and erector set type facade, and Sheetz as your premier food vendor, you are probably looking more towards a cost of over half a billion easily. Heinz Field was roughly $300 million with the land owned already in an area where there were natural parking lots.

 

[Panthergrowl13]

Also a new stadium would not have the amenities now in Club Seating or the number of new Bars and Restaurants around Heinz for game day.

Can't wait to hear the complaining begin about the cheap stadium.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[Panthergrowl13]

Barnes said he is not going to tarp seats at Heinz.. Rooneys want the yellow seats, they aren't going anywhere..

(IMHO) a mistake on his part for not considering it.

He should try it for one year to see how it goes.

At the very least Tarp the upper end zone and move everyone else into the lower or upper bowl.

Does anyone know how many seats would be eliminated. I'm guessing 8,000 to 10,000.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[Swervin27]

Also a new stadium would not have the amenities now in Club Seating or the number of new Bars and Restaurants around Heinz for game day.

Can't wait to hear the complaining begin about the cheap stadium.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

ironically enough, these amenities actually hurt attendance or the appearance of.. Take these bars/restaurants in area. Go to a pitt game and you will see thousands of people walking around, outside of the stadium, during the game. Dressed up in gear of course, fan enough to put on a pitt shirt and hat, get in a car, drink beers in lot or area but not fans enough to actually go into the game. Also, these areas inside the stadium behind the seats, concession stands, areas to sit and have a beer, and of course the club bars, offer a lot to do other than watch the game..

 

[HailtoPitt]

Yep. Look at all the people who have talked themselves into thinking that Pitt should raze half of Oakland and spend several hundreds of millions of dollars to build a stadium.

What is Oakland's size, about 1000 acres? And a stadium takes what amount of space, about 30 acres? So yeah, if 3% is half, then yes, a new stadium requires razing half of Oakland.

 

[MartyInLawrenceville]

(IMHO) a mistake on his part for not considering it.

He should try it for one year to see how it goes.

At the very least Tarp the upper end zone and move everyone else into the lower or upper bowl.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

Growl,as far as replacing the seats, I've got to think that Barnes at least considered it. It is usually the #1 complaint about Heinz Field, so I'm sure he's heard about it ad nauseum. I'm guessing it was brought up to the Rooneys, who probably shot it down. So, Barnes' hands are tied in that instance.
I'm all for tarping. If Barnes shot that down, maybe it's because he really feels he can sell 54,000 season tickets, and enough of the upper decks would be occupied to make tarping impossible.

 

[Panthergrowl13]

ironically enough, these amenities actually hurt attendance or the appearance of.. Take these bars/restaurants in area. Go to a pitt game and you will see thousands of people walking around, outside of the stadium, during the game. Dressed up in gear of course, fan enough to put on a pitt shirt and hat, get in a car, drink beers in lot or area but not fans enough to actually go into the game. Also, these areas inside the stadium behind the seats, concession stands, areas to sit and have a beer, and of course the club bars, offer a lot to do other than watch the game..

Went to many games at Old Pitt Stadium.

Parking was terrible and people walked around because they had no place to go.

Surface parking lots in Oakland are being eliminated for tail gaiting.

The latest one to be eliminated is the one across the street from Soldiers and Sailors which will soon be turned into a hotel.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[Panthergrowl13]

Growl,as far as replacing the seats, I've got to think that Barnes at least considered it. It is usually the #1 complaint about Heinz Field, so I'm sure he's heard about it ad nauseum. I'm guessing it was brought up to the Rooneys, who probably shot it down. So, Barnes' hands are tied in that instance.
I'm all for tarping. If Barnes shot that down, maybe it's because he really feels he can sell 54,000 season tickets, and enough of the upper decks would be occupied to make tarping impossible.

The Steelers would have no say in the matter.

The tarps would be put up before the Pitt game and taken down before the Steelers play.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[HailtoPitt]

Went to many games at Old Pitt Stadium.

Parking was terrible and people walked around because they had no place to go.

Surface parking lots in Oakland are being eliminated for tail gaiting.

The latest one to be eliminated is the one across the street from Soldiers and Sailors which will soon be turned into a hotel.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

And yet, you still went to many games in Oakland!

If parking lots and tailgating space are deal breakers for people, then find another team. And that team had better not be the Steelers, because guess what team's tailgating space is being eliminated more and more each passing year.

As for the new hotel being built.. that is impossible. There is no space in Oakland for such things. Oh, wait a minute.

 

[HailtoPitt]

The Steelers would have no say in the matter.

The tarps would be put up before the Pitt game and taken down before the Steelers play.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

Don't be so naive. If the Steelers don't want it, then it won't happen.

Dan Rooney threw a hissy fit about the new casino being built nearby, what do you think they would do if Pitt tried to force something inside of the actual stadium?

 

[ThePanthers]

And as I mentioned you're one of the it cant be done people.
That's fine because there's lots of you so it probably will never happen which will be a drag on PITT football forever!
Even if someone came up with a great idea it probably still won't happen due to the PITT fan mindset!

Anything can be done, it just has to be realistic. Comparing Temple's situation and what their goals and aspirations are to Pitt' situation is not remotely comparable. At least to people that are realistic.

I've also never seen anything historically where the big time donors and fan base will step up and donate $400M or so for a new on campus stadium. That is another huge factor.

 

[eastcoasthoops]

And yet, you still went to many games in Oakland!

If parking lots and tailgating space are deal breakers for people, then find another team. And that team had better not be the Steelers, because guess what team's tailgating space is being eliminated more and more each passing year.

As for the new hotel being built.. that is impossible. There is no space in Oakland for such things. Oh, wait a minute.

Yes, the engineering requirements for a hotel are completely comparable to those of a football stadium. On point.

 

[HailtoPitt]

Yes, the engineering requirements for a hotel are completely comparable to those of a football stadium. On point.

Well, the spot where that hotel is being built was the proposed site for a new stadium from blogger James Santelli. This is supposed to be the saving grace for the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Gee, what else could have been a saving grace for a failing athletic club?

 

[ThePanthers]

I lined off a 20 yard football field for my kids to play on which only took up 5% of my yard, so if I can do it why can't Pitt do it! THINK PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!

 

[Panthergrowl13]

And yet, you still went to many games in Oakland!

If parking lots and tailgating space are deal breakers for people, then find another team. And that team had better not be the Steelers, because guess what team's tailgating space is being eliminated more and more each passing year.

As for the new hotel being built.. that is impossible. There is no space in Oakland for such things. Oh, wait a minute.

Yes because I had no choice.

However, now between old Pitt Stadium and Heinz I prefer Heinz.

Club seating is great.

I got tired of sitting in the rain on benches.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[Panthergrowl13]

Don't be so naive. If the Steelers don't want it, then it won't happen.

Dan Rooney threw a hissy fit about the new casino being built nearby, what do you think they would do if Pitt tried to force something inside of the actual stadium?

The Steelers do not OWN Heinz Field.

It is owned by the Pittsburgh Stadium Authority.

If the Rooney's wanted to OWN the Stadium, they could have PAID (entirely) for it themselves.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

 

[eastcoasthoops]

Well, the spot where that hotel is being built was the proposed site for a new stadium from blogger James Santelli. This is supposed to be the saving grace for the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Gee, what else could have been a saving grace for a failing athletic club?

He advocated putting a football stadium in the parking lot behind the PAA??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I'm sorry, that's hysterical. They had barely enough space to put up a large party tent back there for amateur boxing a few years ago.

And yes, the fortunes of a high priced, old school private club like the PAA were clearly tied to the seven Saturdays a year Pitt played football at Pitt Stadium.

Please stop.

 

[Swervin27]

Went to many games at Old Pitt Stadium.

Parking was terrible and people walked around because they had no place to go.

Surface parking lots in Oakland are being eliminated for tail gaiting.

The latest one to be eliminated is the one across the street from Soldiers and Sailors which will soon be turned into a hotel.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

the never ending need for more chain hotels in Oakland..

 

[QuitCallingMeWanny]

IT'S HAPPENING TEMPLE IS GETTING THE BALL ROLLING AND PITT IS GOING TO BENEFIT

MAKE IT HAPPEN ZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

[HailtoPitt]

The Steelers do not OWN Heinz Field.

Wink Wink. Nudge Nudge.

Why do you think that Scott Barnes has to have discussions with the Steelers, not the stadium authority, for making improvements on gameday?

 

[Swervin27]

The Steelers do not OWN Heinz Field.

It is owned by the Pittsburgh Stadium Authority.

If the Rooney's wanted to OWN the Stadium, they could have PAID (entirely) for it themselves.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!

I don't think people truly understand what the Sports and Exhibition Authority is.. This is a municipal authority, created by the city to run/manage some of these venues.. It's not a person, it's not a business. there isn't a guy walking around who owns this company that can do what he wishes with Heinz field or pnc park, or the convention center. I think people confuse this matter a lot..

Technically the rooney family does not own Heinz field, you have that right but they sure as hell control everything that has to do with Heinz field. Look no further than who had the say so in the construction and details of Heinz field.

 

[HailtoPitt]

He advocated putting a football stadium in the parking lot behind the PAA??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I'm sorry, that's hysterical. They had barely enough space to put up a large party tent back there for amateur boxing a few years ago.

And yes, the fortunes of a high priced, old school private club like the PAA were clearly tied to the seven Saturdays a year Pitt played football at Pitt Stadium.

Please stop.

Did you read the article? Obviously not.

 

[Panthergrowl13]

With all due respect to Temple, they need a tiny stadium.

Temple football had some attendance figures that were as low as 15,000 fans.

Imagine what 15,000 fans at Heinz Field would look like.

In the Old Big East I watched Temple play Miami in the Vet.

Attendance looked like what you would get in the WPIAL championship games played at Heinz.

HAIL TO PITT!!!!