LNC- Rumor is NO renovations

[CoachTalk]

Not good!! South end zone, press boxes, weight rooms, etc.

Per dean Blevins.

 

[allday92]

Oops, didn't see this. Just posted the link on another thread.

http://www.newson6.com/story/25426132/exclusive-ou-set-to-announce-football-stadium-expansion

 

[OUPadofski]

James Hale has an article on the premium board that talks about the proposed upgrades, he also interviewed Joe C., in the article Hale states that the plan is for 550 million and will include extensive renovations on LN.

 

[dahldennsull]

Yeah, just because it isn't in that article doesn't mean they aren't doing anything to it. Trust me, I was a part of one of the donor study groups (not just the survey they sent out) where about 8 of us got to meet with the company OU hired to gauge interest in certain renovations (suites, bowl in endzone, press box) and at least half of our time was spent on LNC. They were definitely as interested in updating that facility as they were Memorial stadium.

 

[BoulderSooner]

LNC is going to get a renovation

 

[JBaker]

I think as has been discussed, the numbers (in the $400 million range) are way too high for it to be just a new press box and south end zone area. That has to include improvements for other facilities.

 

[152219]

I think as has been discussed, the numbers (in the $400 million range) are way too high for it to be just a new press box and south end zone area. That has to include improvements for other facilities.

Considering Baylor just built an entire new stadium for $260 million or so, I think it is safe to say the $300-400 million range is more than just improvements to Memorial Stadium

 

[Kewllane]

I think there's a good chance that the football expansion will come first, and then the LNC will get it's renovation once the football one is over. Since the football one will happen first, I don't know how much attention the renovation of the LNC will get right at the announcement. Might be a phase thing.

 

[CMSOONER]

Heard on the radio that the improvements are geared more towards the improvement of facilities for the athletes and recruits than for fans. There was no mention of the LNC, just the south endzone, weight room and recreational facilites for the athletes. Heard on the Sports Animal so take it FWIW.

 

[tycat947]

LNC will be renovated. But football is king and will get all the press. Joe C has mentioned multiple times in interviews since they announced creating a new master plan, that it would be renovated or rebuilt.

 

[dahldennsull]

I think as has been discussed, the numbers (in the $400 million range) are way too high for it to be just a new press box and south end zone area. That has to include improvements for other facilities.

Considering Baylor just built an entire new stadium for $260 million or so, I think it is safe to say the $300-400 million range is more than just improvements to Memorial Stadium

Actually, you would be surprised to know this isn't the case. The problem with OU's stadium is it has been upgraded and added on in pieces over the last 50 years. Our administration tear down the existing structure and build an awesome NFL stadium for the same amount we are having to pay for a lot of this stuff. A lot of costs are incurred because we are having to interact with existing structures. So while Baylor spent $260M, they had brand new space, and built a 60,000 person stadium.

Also, as others have noted, not all $300-400M will be visible by the casual fan. Renovating the entire south endzone structure will completely change the offices, training rooms, weight rooms, and locker rooms.

Another key piece that threatened to push back these renovations, are steel prices. A big reason the renovation 10 years ago of the East upper deck got completed quickly and cheaply is because we got a great contract on the steel purchase, and the costs have risen DRAMATICALLY for this project. Just want to show not all projects (baylor or OU of old) aren't apples to apples.

 

[tycat947]

Actually, you would be surprised to know this isn't the case. The problem with OU's stadium is it has been upgraded and added on in pieces over the last 50 years. Our administration tear down the existing structure and build an awesome NFL stadium for the same amount we are having to pay for a lot of this stuff. A lot of costs are incurred because we are having to interact with existing structures. So while Baylor spent $260M, they had brand new space, and built a 60,000 person stadium.

Also, as others have noted, not all $300-400M will be visible by the casual fan. Renovating the entire south endzone structure will completely change the offices, training rooms, weight rooms, and locker rooms.

Another key piece that threatened to push back these renovations, are steel prices. A big reason the renovation 10 years ago of the East upper deck got completed quickly and cheaply is because we got a great contract on the steel purchase, and the costs have risen DRAMATICALLY for this project. Just want to show not all projects (baylor or OU of old) aren't apples to apples.

Actually, they are only getting 45,000 seats for $260M. Future expansion will go up to 55,000.

 

[dahldennsull]

Actually, they are only getting 45,000 seats for $260M. Future expansion will go up to 55,000.

ok, couldn't remember if it was just above or below 50k.

So basically if you look at $260MM/45,000 = $5,777/seat so building a new state of the art 90,000 we would like would be $520MM. So based on the rumors, we are spending 57-77% of that theoretical budget to add 10,000 seats?

No way could they ever sell the possibility of using the budgeted money better to start over and build an amazing 21st century stadium, too much history and old alums wouldn't have it (and they would be paying for it)

 

[tycat947]

ok, couldn't remember if it was just above or below 50k.

So basically if you look at $260MM/45,000 = $5,777/seat so building a new state of the art 90,000 we would like would be $520MM. So based on the rumors, we are spending 57-77% of that theoretical budget to add 10,000 seats?

No way could they ever sell the possibility of using the budgeted money better to start over and build an amazing 21st century stadium, too much history and old alums wouldn't have it (and they would be paying for it)

And it would have to be built on south campus and that would be even a bigger no-no!

Hypocrite U will have a few sellouts (first season) and when playing OU or tu but they will drop back down to around 35,000 per game (I think that's greater than what they've averaged the last 10-15 years) for any game not with OU or tu.

 

[vbdad]

If we renovate the LNC again they are complete idiots!

 

[MsProudSooner]

If we renovate the LNC again they are complete idiots!

No one on this board has enough information to make a judgement like that. We have our own personal biases, but that's all.

 

[okcsooner83]

Any news on this?

 

[deejay1]

The plans they've arrived at look good - the inside of LNC won't be recognizable if the renovation is done as proposed. The seats will be redone in a square configuration instead of the current oval - suites and loge boxes are also included - an expanded mid-level with concessions and restrooms.

However, the athletic department is not going to even think about starting to raise the money needed until all the funds are in hand for the football stadium renovations.

So in my opinion, LNC fundraising (and if successful, the beginning of renovation) is probably 2-3 years away.