Wonder what this is about?

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

It's not what you want, but I do not consider it underwhelming. From the article (in italics):

At last week’s Board of Trustees meeting, a high-level look at the Facilities Master Plan was presented. BackLasch has learned the following:

-The current proposal is to perform nearly a full renovation of Beaver Stadium.

-All areas of the stadium with the exception of the South end zone club level and upper deck will be renovated. Chair back seats will replace bleacher seats, more than likely lowering the stadium capacity. There is still discussion on whether to leave bleacher seats in the student section of the South end zone.

-Included in the renovations are the luxury suites on the East side of the stadium, which were constructed in 2001. No word on whether the suites will be upgraded or replaced entirely.

-A complete renovation of the press box on the west side will be performed. Look for the current press box to be torn down and rebuilt from scratch.

-All concession stands and bathrooms will be replaced entirely.

-The renovations will be done over a 3-year period.

-The renovations will not start until year 5 of the Facilities Master Plan.

If this is accurate, this is significant. We may get the new press box for which everyone has been clamoring. Note also "Chair back seats will replace bleacher seats, more than likely lowering the stadium capacity."

I've stated before that I do not favor lowering the stadium capacity because I feel it sends the wrong message about the state of the program. However, a stadium the size of Beaver Stadium with all or nearly all chair-back seats would show very well and should be more comfortable.

I agree - I think while Backlasch has the 'generals', there are a lot of specifics that will be part of this renovation that we do not know about yet. As to the press box, they say it will be torn down and completely rebuilt. So, yes, looks like we are getting the new press box that everyone has been clamoring for. My guess is there will be additional significant renovations to improve aesthetics, etc. - especially if we're looking at a project in excess of what A&M's Kyle Field cost ($430mm).

For those with doubts, just look to the new Lasch locker room facility upgrades - top notch stuff IMO.

 

[psu00]

This is VERY underwhelming! If they are not building new they should do the following:

1. Raise the West Sideline stands to the same level as the East
2. Replace the Press Box with a structure that not only includes a Press Box, but also luxury suites and matches the East Suites
3. REMOVE THE NORTH UPPER DECK!!!! And replace it with one similar to the South Upper Deck

Bring some symmetry to the stadium so it doesn't look like Mr Magoo designed it!

I'd say:

1. Keep the student section bleachers. They mostly stand on them anyway so no use putting in chair backs. Plus you wouldn't have to decrease the number of student tickets as you would if chair backs were put in.

2. Mirror the press box side to the suites on the opposite side for more symmetry. Adding a few rows there to mirror the east side will help to set off capacity reduction as well.

3. Remove the north upper deck and build the endzone seats a lot like LSU or Florida's endzone. It would fill the corner gaps, allow for chair backs, and offset some of the decrease in overall capacity.

EDIT- Added points 1 & 2.