Stadum Expansion and track Removal

[bcoach]

I would guess that, once the track is relocated, the field will be shifted (new turf budgeted) to one side and the opposite side will be rebuilt. Ultimately, the West side stand will have to be rebuilt and I think they would install a decked system that will improve the "Piece meal" look of the stadium, but I'm not sure if that is the first move. Although they are not old, the lower deck of the East side is not aging well, so I'm wondering if it could be rebuilt but elevated to increase seating and expand further toward the field. I'm not sure what the clearance to the upper deck would be or if this was considered in the design but currently, the top row is at concourse level. If it were raised, I think it would extend much further toward the field and still allow for a good line of site.

So, I'm no architect, but the project could be done in phases as the funding became available:
1) remove the track, shift field and rebuilt lower deck of East stands.
2) Construction of seating in North endzone (matching the new configuration of the East stands lower deck).
3) Rebuilt the West Stands with a decked configuration that synchs with the East (aligning top with the athletic complex of course).

As I said....I'm not architect, but I would think this approach would accomplish our needs, result in a more consistent appearance to the stadium (when complete) and would not require lowering the field.

AppMan and I have discussed this exact plan. As you said the lower concrete sections especially the East side are starting to crumble. This would take two offseans to complete, but we would have a stadium with a cohesive desgin. The sight lines would be better, the crowd would be closer, and the seating more comfortable (upper west side). I would just have the bottom sections in the end zones to keep the views of the surroundings in place, and then the larger upper decks on each side. If we use steel we could add a nice facade on the outside to dress it up.

Much better idea than lowering the field. hats off to you

[appbanker]

I agree that the lower east side stands probably need to rebuilt. For symmetry I would like to see the field moved toward the west side, east side moved over and rebuilt and a building built behind the east side to mirror the west. Lower floors could be used for dorms and we could add luxury boxes at the top.

[asutrnr81]

I am no architect, I did spend 4 hours at the ER last night (Yellow Jackets)....

I think that the East side "bleachers" could follow the same elevation angle that the upper deck follows, remove the bottom wall, and in effect move the stands closer to the East sideline.

This would allow you to build the North Endzone stands, and Dorm and offices and connect them to the East side with some symmetry.

Now before everyone screams.....all you have to do is go to The Swamp to know what I mean. they have a great job with one side of their stadium....but the side of the APP sidelines was a piece by piece addition that I have NO idea how they got it through the inspection phase.

Now for the West side.....the "upper deck" IMO would not be rebuilt but the bottom (student section) area would be refit at a lesser degree of fall to move the stands closer to the field without lowering the field. One the west side, it would not add a lot of seats but it would be better if we could get the students all on one side.

Now for the bank.....I just can't remove it. I would terrace it all the way through what is now the edge of the track or a little further....then allow folks to bring chairs in and sit on terraces.

Lastly I would increase the size of the video board, and put the current one on the North end in some configuration as just a score board and advertisement board.

[AppfaninCAALand]

I like that terrace idea.

[NewApp]

I like that terrace idea.

With terracing, we would lose a lot of space for fans.

[asutrnr81]

I like that terrace idea.

With terracing, we would lose a lot of space for fans.

Actually the "way I would terrace it, it would have short walls, wide walkways, and a gentler slope to get it closer to the field.

Again, I am no architect, but a short 18-24 inch wall followed by a 12 or so foot "seating area" repeated until you got to the back of the endzone or where-ever you wanted to "end" the bank would look nice, provide a place for families if they liked the idea of sitting in the area and would give them a scoreboard to face with video.....if we replaced the current and used the "old" one.

[EastHallApp]

I like that terrace idea.

With terracing, we would lose a lot of space for fans.

Actually the "way I would terrace it, it would have short walls, wide walkways, and a gentler slope to get it closer to the field.

Again, I am no architect, but a short 18-24 inch wall followed by a 12 or so foot "seating area" repeated until you got to the back of the endzone or where-ever you wanted to "end" the bank would look nice, provide a place for families if they liked the idea of sitting in the area and would give them a scoreboard to face with video.....if we replaced the current and used the "old" one.

Another option this could provide (if I'm envisioning it correctly) could be for some premium seating options. I'm thinking, line the edge of the walkway with little boxed off areas containing a few seats each, maybe with a cafe table.

[asutrnr81]

I like that terrace idea.

With terracing, we would lose a lot of space for fans.

Actually the "way I would terrace it, it would have short walls, wide walkways, and a gentler slope to get it closer to the field.

Again, I am no architect, but a short 18-24 inch wall followed by a 12 or so foot "seating area" repeated until you got to the back of the endzone or where-ever you wanted to "end" the bank would look nice, provide a place for families if they liked the idea of sitting in the area and would give them a scoreboard to face with video.....if we replaced the current and used the "old" one.

Another option this could provide (if I'm envisioning it correctly) could be for some premium seating options. I'm thinking, line the edge of the walkway with little boxed off areas containing a few seats each, maybe with a cafe table.

I like it! I can remember when my kids were young wrestling with them in the stands.....The terraced area would be much safer!

I really like the table idea!

[DoubleA]

The times have certainly changed, mostly for the better, but I miss Saturdays on the bank pre-Ann Arbor.I love to see the stadium expanded and improved, but the sentimental side of me misses the days when kids could play football on the bank, and slip and slide down the bank when it snowed.

[asu66]

I like that terrace idea.

With terracing, we would lose a lot of space for fans.

Actually the "way I would terrace it, it would have short walls, wide walkways, and a gentler slope to get it closer to the field.

Again, I am no architect, but a short 18-24 inch wall followed by a 12 or so foot "seating area" repeated until you got to the back of the endzone or where-ever you wanted to "end" the bank would look nice, provide a place for families if they liked the idea of sitting in the area and would give them a scoreboard to face with video.....if we replaced the current and used the "old" one.

Another option this could provide (if I'm envisioning it correctly) could be for some premium seating options. I'm thinking, line the edge of the walkway with little boxed off areas containing a few seats each, maybe with a cafe table.

They started doing this at Dodger Stadium in LA in April. Quickly became the most popular seats in the house outside of the luxury boxes. Maybe the most popular seats in all of LA. Great for families; always perfect weather; always up close to the players; great Dodger Dogs; and usually good baseball. I say usually, because sometimes the DBacks or the Padres are in town.

[boonetown1]

I like the idea of the terrace. I also think we should include areas for nice fire pits along the top for those cold days. Liberty did this in the outfield of their new baseball stadium.

[NewApp]

I like the idea of the terrace. I also think we should include areas for nice fire pits along the top for those cold days. Liberty did this in the outfield of their new baseball stadium.

Cobb wouldn't allow that in a millions years. If you don't believe it, ask him.

[boonetown1]

Ok, ok I believe you. Just saying it would be nice aesthetically and functionally to have a couple fire/heat pits along the top of the hill.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

Ok, ok I believe you. Just saying it would be nice aesthetically and functionally to have a couple fire/heat pits along the top of the hill.

I imagine a lot more foot traffic on our hill and more likely to be a bit under the influence in Boone which could lead to serious problems. Also burning the fossil fuels for the fire goes counter to the vision of App now with the wind mill and all the other things happening on campus.

[BeauFoster]

If I were in charge I wouldn't allow fire pits either. That's just inviting lawyers to have a field day.

[bcoach]

If I were in charge I wouldn't allow fire pits either. That's just inviting lawyers to have a field day.

I have a whole different vision that entails both fire pits AND lawyers

[asu66]

I like that terrace idea.

With terracing, we would lose a lot of space for fans.

Actually the "way I would terrace it, it would have short walls, wide walkways, and a gentler slope to get it closer to the field.

Again, I am no architect, but a short 18-24 inch wall followed by a 12 or so foot "seating area" repeated until you got to the back of the endzone or where-ever you wanted to "end" the bank would look nice, provide a place for families if they liked the idea of sitting in the area and would give them a scoreboard to face with video.....if we replaced the current and used the "old" one.

Another option this could provide (if I'm envisioning it correctly) could be for some premium seating options. I'm thinking, line the edge of the walkway with little boxed off areas containing a few seats each, maybe with a cafe table.

They started doing this at Dodger Stadium in LA in April. Quickly became the most popular seats in the house outside of the luxury boxes. Maybe the most popular seats in all of LA. Great for families; always perfect weather; always up close to the players; great Dodger Dogs; and usually good baseball. I say usually, because sometimes the DBacks or the Padres are in town.

To continue the thought on a little more serious note, the terraces and "box seats with a fixed eating surface" would take up a lot of space. The tickets would necessarily have to be priced at premium. If done in a classy way, this concept would be VERY popular. IMO, the seats would sell out quickly and there'd be a long waiting list. Do I think it'll happen. Probably not.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

If I were in charge I wouldn't allow fire pits either. That's just inviting lawyers to have a field day.

I have a whole different vision that entails both fire pits AND lawyers

Well in view of that statement I think you have sold me on the idea.

[EastHallApp]

They started doing this at Dodger Stadium in LA in April. Quickly became the most popular seats in the house outside of the luxury boxes. Maybe the most popular seats in all of LA. Great for families; always perfect weather; always up close to the players; great Dodger Dogs; and usually good baseball. I say usually, because sometimes the DBacks or the Padres are in town.

To continue the thought on a little more serious note, the terraces and "box seats with a fixed eating surface" would take up a lot of space. The tickets would necessarily have to be priced at premium. If done in a classy way, this concept would be VERY popular. IMO, the seats would sell out quickly and there'd be a long waiting list. Do I think it'll happen. Probably not.

The Durham Bulls' park has the same feature, in a couple of different areas:

http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?si ... ey=tickets

http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ym ... t234&vkey=

Don't know if App would consider it, but hey, maybe someone will see this thread and run with it.

[firemoose]

If I were in charge I wouldn't allow fire pits either. That's just inviting lawyers to have a field day.

I have a whole different vision that entails both fire pits AND lawyers

Well in view of that statement I think you have sold me on the idea.

Call me crazy but something tells me Gonzo might not enjoy the idea.