Scott Stricklin chat transcript

3:00


Scott Stricklin:
It's 3:00 p.m. Hope everyone is having a great day.
3:00


Comment From Chao Dawg
Having a great day!
3:01


Scott Stricklin:
Glad to hear it, Chao.
3:03


Comment From Steven
Mr. Stricklin, longtime reader first time poster. I enjoyed seeing all the new things for Alcorn. Will be there be anything else new this week?
3:03

Scott Stricklin:
Steven - From a stadium expansion standpoint nothing new this week, other than they continue to work on the new north section. Gates will open 2 hours and 15 minutes before game time this week (4:15 pm) instead of 3 hours.
3:04

Scott Stricklin:
I'm told there will be a couple new videos on the big board this week.
3:04


Comment From Guest
Did yall get the ribbon boards fixed for Saturday?
3:05

Scott Stricklin:
Yes. The section of the ribbon board with game stats and out-of-town scores was an issue last game, along with the PA volume. Those have been addressed.
3:05


Comment From Kent
Have there been improvements made to the sound quality from the PA system since the last game? I sit in section 5 and the sound was very muffled last game.
3:06

Scott Stricklin:
Let us know if it's any better Saturday.
3:06


Comment From Jeff Chao
How is the expansion timeline coming along?
3:07

Scott Stricklin:
On schedule. Fans should be able to tell a difference between now and Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving as work continues in the north.
3:07


Comment From danny
hey scott I cant remember. are we gonna update the baseball field or something?
3:08

Scott Stricklin:
At Coach Cohen's request, putting turf in some of the foul territory this offseason. Long-term, we will begin engaging season-ticketholders to get everyone involved in the process of renovating. Let me know if you have any ideas.
3:10


Comment From Jonathan
Who made the decision to not outline the steel elevator tower with brick on the East side of elevator. Very disappointed in the appearance from the East side of stadium. Seems we should have outlined in brick with a nice black rail to match entry gates.
3:11

Scott Stricklin:
That was the architects' design. Opportunity exists to come back and address if need be. Does seem to need something there, doesn't it?
3:11


Comment From Guest
After the new end zone expansion gets completed, will the the west side & east side be level with each other or will you have to walk down steps where east & end zone come together?
3:12

Scott Stricklin:
Good question. A staircase will connect the east and north concourse due to elevation change.
3:12


Comment From Chris
Scott, can we bring back the dogbone helmet decals back for classroom and on-field performance?
3:12

Scott Stricklin:
That's Coach Mullen's call, but I'll be happy to pass that along.
3:13


Comment From Kent
I want to commend you on the improvements made to the west side concourse. They are great!
3:13

Scott Stricklin:
Thanks.
3:13

Scott Stricklin:
Glad you liked them.
3:13


Comment From raoul
Alabama just committed 30 million to a new baseball stadium
3:13

Scott Stricklin:
I saw that. Cost of doing business keeps going up, doesn't it :)
3:14


Comment From jim
Scott when complete will all the student seating be in the endzone and will this open any addtional eastside premium seating
3:15

Scott Stricklin:
jim - Students will be in sections 08 through 17, which includes north endzone and two sections on north end of east side.
So, sections 18, 19 and 20 will become available to Bulldog Club members. These are prime locations from a yard-line standpoint, covering midfield down to about the 20-yard line.
3:16

Scott Stricklin:
Listening to iTunes Radio during this chat. John Mellencamp's "Jack & Diane" just came on. Good tune.
3:17


Comment From JM
Is there a plan to rennovate East Side (bathrooms, ground leveling, concessions), similar to that recently completed on West Side?
3:17

Scott Stricklin:
JM - I'm sure that will happen eventually, but there are no immediate plans on the east side. Some cosmetic upgrades are more likely in the near future.
3:19


Comment From Justin
I've heard the new dawgzillatron in the north end zone will be as big as the current one. When will that go up? Is it something that has to wait until the rest of construction is finished?
3:19

Scott Stricklin:
Justin - The new video board will be the same size as the existing board. (That's a bunch of LEDs!!!). The structure that will hold the board is part of the stadium project, and that structure will begin being put into place after the work that supports it is in place.
3:20


Comment From Stevo
How many sideline seats will expansion open up for Bulldog Club members on the east side next year?
3:20

Scott Stricklin:
Stevo - About 3,000 or so
3:20


Comment From Davey
Scott, do you like cardigan sweaters? Additionally, in response to Chris' question about the helmet stickers, the shoulder patches indicating majors (we used when Jackie was here) was awesome.
3:21

Scott Stricklin:
Davey - I'm not big on cardigans. Don't mind a sweater vest, but it has to fit right.

Those academic patches were unique, weren't they?
3:21


Comment From jim
Scott where will the entry or entries be from the stands to the Gridiron club be located
3:21

Scott Stricklin:
They'll be an 'express' stairwell to the Gridiron from the north concourse.
3:22


Comment From Jake
Is there a way to get from the East to the West side this season or is it completely blocked off?
3:22

Scott Stricklin:
Jake - there's a pathway at field level (in front of the construction) that is open for fans who wish to move from east to west.
3:22


Comment From Denver Dawg
Is Saturday a sellout yet?
3:23

Scott Stricklin:
DD - Not yet. Less than 500 tickets remain as of yesterday. Haven't received an update yet today.
3:24


Comment From BatDawgRilla
With the new SEC network set to launch next August, does the department have plans to bolster the video/marketing department? I would imagine our multimedia opportunities would greatly expand next year. Thanks!
3:25

Scott Stricklin:
Yes. ESPN has provided a "needs assessment" for each SEC school. From an infrastructure standpoint, we are in fairly good shape, although we will have to make some equipment purchases.
3:26


Comment From Stevo
I read Bulldog Club members outside of the top 2,000 will be given a time to log into their account and select seats for 2014. How will that work exactly?
3:26

Scott Stricklin:
Stevo - Bulldog Club will provide a 'virtual Davis Wade Stadium' online that will allow members to go online and see what the view is from available seat locations.
3:27

Scott Stricklin:
TICKET UPDATE: 140 tickets remain for Saturday's game vs. Troy.
3:27


Comment From BatDawgRilla
What it do, Scott Stricklin?
3:27

Scott Stricklin:
It do
3:27


Comment From Jonathan
How are Gridiron and Scoreboard sales coming? What percentage of each have sold and remain.
3:29

Scott Stricklin:
We have deposits for roughly one-third of the Gridiron memberships and Scoreboard Club seats (Pretty good considering we are still 11 months from 2014 kickoff.)
The 22 new suites have all been sold, along with 98% of the Loge seating. We've been pleased with the response.
3:29


Comment From Guest
When do softball/tennis/soccer renovations take place?
3:30

Scott Stricklin:
Guest - As soon as funding can be identified. Looking for donations to help until new SEC Network money comes in.
3:30


Comment From Guest
The rectangular boards on dawgzillatron, have y'all ever thought about putting live stats & scores on it throughout the game.(Similar to Reliant Stadium)
3:30

Scott Stricklin:
The current side panels are completely sold as ad inventory, but the ones on the north end may be used for the purposes you mention.
3:31


Comment From Kyle
How do we plan to improve audio acoustics from the Jumbotron post-renovation? I feel the current system has been hard to hear or understand at certain points.
3:31

Scott Stricklin:
Hopeful that current system can be adjusted to eliminate concerns, but at some point we may have to install a 'distributed' sound system at DWS similar to what we did a couple years ago at Dudy Noble Field.
3:31


Comment From Ohio
Any chance we are looking to improve our tv commercials. They're unique, but seem to be cheaper and less creative than rest of the SEC. I love your leadership!
3:32

Scott Stricklin:
Ohio - I'll pass that along to the campus folks who provide those spots.
3:32


Comment From Ohio
Can we make the bulldog logo less UGA and more MSU?
3:32

Scott Stricklin:
Maybe UGA should make their logo less MSU ...
3:32


Comment From Noah
I see Niblett has done a lot more on Facebook and Twitter for the baseball team. Will he do a lot more once fall ball gets going and of course during the season? Stats, ect.
3:33

Scott Stricklin:
Noah - he better! Kyle does a great job, and I know he's excited about his new responsibilities with our baseball team and overseeing all social media efforts.
3:33


Comment From Stevo
You passed me near the end of the Watermelon Classic 5K in July. When is your next race? I want revenge.
3:34

Scott Stricklin:
I'm just thankful not to have finished last :)
3:34


Comment From Jon
Any ribbon boards for the north end zone?
3:34

Scott Stricklin:
Just the huge video board and side panels, similar to south endzone
3:34


Comment From James
Besides personalized bricks, are there any other plans of a statue/s or other cosmetic enhancements when you walk in new Stadium. Also, I always liked back in the day when Dudy Noble Field had a sign of each SEC Team on outfield wall. It would be cool having the different SEC flags wave above Scott Field?
3:35

Scott Stricklin:
Good idea on the flags.

Re:cosmetic additions, always open to ideas ...
3:36


Comment From jim
Scott adding 6k plus addtiona seats I theink would add approx 1500 to 2000 addtional needs for parking . What are the plans for addressing this need
3:37

Scott Stricklin:
The Gameday Committee is constantly working with campus on ways to provide more parking opportunities. Shuttles to downtown and research center have helped in recent years.
Our campus has been blessed with several large constructions projects, which is great for health of MSU, but adds more challenges to gameday parking.
3:38


Comment From Guest
What about ribbon boards & new jumbotron in The Hump?
3:38

Scott Stricklin:
Needs to happen.
3:38


Comment From Guest
I understand that the visitor locker room will move to the north endzone. What are plans for the current visitor locker room?
3:38

Scott Stricklin:
Expand recruiting center that is currently next to visitor locker room.
3:40

Scott Stricklin:
Thanks for all the questions. Hope my answers were somewhat coherent. Look forward to seeing everyone at Davis Wade Stadium Saturday.
Two keys to a successful life ... 1) be positive and 2) never quit!!! Hail State!

Visitor locker room directly under the student section? I see this ending badly.

Is that chat monitored?

I would be like- Dear Scott- just tell us right now- is Dan toast? Build a new freaking awesome baseball stadium.

Love the World Famous Todd4State.

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Originally Posted by Todd4State

Is that chat monitored?

I would be like- Dear Scott- just tell us right now- is Dan toast? Build a new freaking awesome baseball stadium.

Love the World Famous Todd4State.

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Yes it's monitored. He basically picks and chooses which ones to answer.

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Originally Posted by TheRef

Visitor locker room directly under the student section? I see this ending badly.

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I like it. We need to make our stadium as intimidating as we can.

For some reason, the opposing team running out while the Candy Man is leading a one man pep rally and the blue heads are telling people to sit down just doesn't seem like it would strike fear into the hearts of the opponents.

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Originally Posted by TheRef

Yes it's monitored. He basically picks and chooses which ones to answer.

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That makes a LOT of sense based on the questions. It looks like a feature on Genespage.

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Originally Posted by TheRef

Yes it's monitored. He basically picks and chooses which ones to answer.

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yeahhhhhh, there was no way in hell he didnt get a Mullen-hotseat question

It's gotta be moderated, I would think...

Glad to see he's going to talk to season ticketholders on the plans for baseball before moving forward though. I think he will find the vast majority agree with us on what needs to happen. The SECNetwork money should make that reality alot simpler...

(goes to trusty calculator and figures the money currently being left on the table for DNF season ticket sales and particularly premium ticket sales)....

Did I read that right, we are getting a 2nd Dawgzillatron? 17ing AWESOME!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Todd4State

Is that chat monitored?

I would be like- Dear Scott- just tell us right now- is Dan toast? Build a new freaking awesome baseball stadium.

Love the World Famous Todd4State.

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We aren't building a new stadium. You know that I know that. Might as well stop wishing.

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Comment From BatDawgRilla
What it do, Scott Stricklin?
3:27

Scott Stricklin:
It do
3:27

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I laughed

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Originally Posted by engie

It's gotta be moderated, I would think...

Glad to see he's going to talk to season ticketholders on the plans for baseball before moving forward though. I think he will find the vast majority agree with us on what needs to happen. The SECNetwork money should make that reality alot simpler...

(goes to trusty calculator and figures the money currently being left on the table for DNF season ticket sales and particularly premium ticket sales)....

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Oh he's taking ideas. But trust me, much of the ideas you guys want- aren't feasible w his model. Some changes yes. But a bunch I've seen on here no. Don't know what u specifically want engie just remember the board ideas.

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Originally Posted by Dawg61

Did I read that right, we are getting a 2nd Dawgzillatron? 17ing AWESOME!!

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Where have you been?

http://static.ow.ly/photos/normal/QUCD.jpg

Haha I don't know how I missed that? That's 17ing awesome!! So we know have TWO of the 2nd biggest jumbotron's in college football.

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

Oh he's taking ideas. But trust me, much of the ideas you guys want- aren't feasible w his model. Some changes yes. But a bunch I've seen on here no. Don't know what u specifically want engie just remember the board ideas.

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His model is already in the process of a forced change... It was ready to be "announced" late this year but the winning and regionals are already forcing it to be rewritten. And my guess is that our money people aren't going to stand for being second rate in baseball.

I want a bigger Trustmark Park -- with more suites -- AND a club level with little-to-nothing being done to the outfield. I only want a berm built for students beyond the right field lounges similar to what Swayze has(lowering a few right field lounges a little -- or just building the berm high).

Bama acting is going to force us to act. They are spending $30 mil. Ole Miss spent $20 mil in 2009. We can't do anything less to DNF and stay on par with those other schools who we compete with for recruits and "fans".

Done correctly, a "new" stadium will pay for itself with increased revenue...

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Originally Posted by engie

His model is already in the process of a forced change... It was ready to be "announced" late this year but the winning and regionals are already forcing it to be rewritten. And the money people aren't going to stand for being second rate in baseball either.

I want a bigger Trustmark Park -- with more suites -- AND a club level with little-to-nothing being done to the outfield. I only want a berm built for students beyond the right field lounges similar to what Swayze has(lowering a few right field lounges a little -- or just building the berm high).

Bama acting is going to force us to act. They are spending $30 mil. Ole Miss spent $20 mil in 2009. We can't do anything less to DNF and stay on par with those other schools.

Done correctly, a "new" stadium will pay for itself with increased revenue...

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When u say club level, do u mean above the current grandstand?

As for the outfield, something is going to have to be done at some point. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen in its curren form. They all know it. It's like concussions in the nfl, ignoring it will make it worse. I have seats in the grandstand but I sit in outfield. I don't want a change. Butit can't stay exactly like it is for sure. Someone is going to get killed.

Dog bone decals - forgot about those

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

When u say club level, do u mean above the current grandstand?

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Wherever it works at. I have noticed that it's kinda hard to place a club for baseball...

One option is to build 2 levels of skyboxes(make them more "premium" in the locations) and build a club directly below the pressbox....

I'm telling you -- I sat in a skybox through Feb and early March -- it's the way to go. WELL worth the money when split up between x number of people(in baseball)...

Problem is that they've been sold out since day 1 and never open up for anyone else...

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

As for the outfield, something is going to have to be done at some point. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen in its curren form. They all know it. It's like concussions in the nfl, ignoring it will make it worse. I have seats in the grandstand but I sit in outfield. I don't want a change. Butit can't stay exactly like it is for sure. Someone is going to get killed.

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Need to hire a safety man to approve is all...

I find it funny that people feel they are so dangerous -- yet they pack the hell out and the ONLY one we've ever had collapse out there is the one the school itself built...

The 2 that I frequent are solid as a rock and I'm confident would meet all OSHA requirements for safety...

The discussion on DNF is classic Scott. Translation: We don't have a damn thing planned and I'm lazy and haven't raised any money.

His whole job is to monitor the sports, monitor coaches, upgrade facilities and raise funds. How's he doing?

The fact that we had nothing in the way of plans after our CWS run tells you that he doesn't plan for anything which is not good for his position. As far asthe season ticket holders, they are fine with the status quo. They got a sweetheart deal when it was built and have no desire to have anything that looks like reseating. What a joke.

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

We aren't building a new stadium. You know that I know that. Might as well stop wishing.

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Why in the hell not? This type of "oh boo hoo, we can't afford it so just give up" thinking just pisses me off.

Look objectively at what Arkansas, LSU, UM, and Texas A&M have and now what Bama is about to have. How in the hell are we supposed to compete with these team for recruits in the facilities arms race without tearing down the outdated and poorly designed grandstand that we currently have? When Miss. State has an opportunity to make ourselves a national power in one of the major sports, we have to jump all over that chance and cut no corners. That means no polishing of turds when it comes to DNF. Windows of opportunity like this don't come around very often for us in any sport, so we must do everything we can to elevate our program ASAP while we are still in the national spotlight. Baseball is OUR thing damnit. We take a backseat to NO ONE.

Everyone knows how I feel, and we have been over this many times. I really don't feel like getting into it too deep again.

I want to lower the field and allow the grandstand to have field level seats. The lowest seats in the current grandstand are on top of a 6 footwall. Trustmark, SCAR's stadium, and most MLB stadiums all have field level seats.

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Originally Posted by engie

Need to hire a safety man to approve is all...

I find it funny that people feel they are so dangerous -- yet they pack the hell out and the ONLY one we've ever had collapse out there is the one the school itself built...

The 2 that I frequent are solid as a rock and I'm confident would meet all OSHA requirements for safety...

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Exactly. Just hire someone to inspect the fixtures before they are supposed to be put in. If one is unstable, tell them what to do to fix it.

It wouldn't be that hard.

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Originally Posted by ShotgunDawg

I want to lower the field and allow the grandstand to have field level seats. The lowest seats in the current grandstand are on top of a 6 footwall. Trustmark, SCAR's stadium, and most MLB stadiums all have field level seats.

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THIS X1000

Quote:

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Originally Posted by engie

Wherever it works at. I have noticed that it's kinda hard to place a club for baseball...

One option is to build 2 levels of skyboxes(make them more "premium" in the locations) and build a club directly below the pressbox....

I'm telling you -- I sat in a skybox through Feb and early March -- it's the way to go. WELL worth the money when split up between x number of people(in baseball)...

Problem is that they've been sold out since day 1 and never open up for anyone else...

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I think we will have more boxes. How many more I don't know.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by engie

Need to hire a safety man to approve is all...

I find it funny that people feel they are so dangerous -- yet they pack the hell out and the ONLY one we've ever had collapse out there is the one the school itself built...

The 2 that I frequent are solid as a rock and I'm confident would meet all OSHA requirements for safety...

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When u hire a safety man to approve it, it puts u on the hook even more when they put too many on a rig and it fails. I've had numerous talks with lawyers about this very thing. As for people feeling dangerous, I don't mine is fine. Many are fine. However, when a regional takes place and a frat rig has three time TE capacity on it- sooner or later it will fall. I pray no child is underneath. It's going to happen sooner or later. And if it doesn't great, but why play with fire? Webe already wen sued by that dickhead Doyle Bryan who had a child fall thru the bleacher and he pounce w a lawsuit. (I have no idea how it turne out, although I can find out).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ShotgunDawg

I want to lower the field and allow the grandstand to have field level seats. The lowest seats in the current grandstand are on top of a 6 footwall. Trustmark, SCAR's stadium, and most MLB stadiums all have field level seats.

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I'm not an engineer, I have no idea how feasible this is. Sounds good In theory.

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Originally Posted by messageboardsuperhero

Why in the hell not? This type of "oh boo hoo, we can't afford it so just give up" thinking just pisses me off.

Look objectively at what Arkansas, LSU, UM, and Texas A&M have and now what Bama is about to have. How in the hell are we supposed to compete with these team for recruits in the facilities arms race without tearing down the outdated and poorly designed grandstand that we currently have? When Miss. State has an opportunity to make ourselves a national power in one of the major sports, we have to jump all over that chance and cut no corners. That means no polishing of turds when it comes to DNF. Windows of opportunity like this don't come around very often for us in any sport, so we must do everything we can to elevate our program ASAP while we are still in the national spotlight. Baseball is OUR thing damnit. We take a backseat to NO ONE.

Everyone knows how I feel, and we have been over this many times. I really don't feel like getting into it too deep again.

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Ole miss didn't build a new stadium- they added on to what they had. Ark built the one they have now 10 yrs ago. The one they had before was a shit hole. As for lsu, Bama and a&m, let's be honest, we aren't a comparable to them in the $ category, like it or not. Unless you know someone who wants to pony up $10 mil or so it's a moot point. And with that said any upgrade is going to cost lots of money. Just not what a new place cost. Not even close.

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

I'm not an engineer, I have no idea how feasible this is. Sounds good In theory.

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Problem with lowering the field is that Strick just spent somewhere between $1 and $2 million redoing the playing surface and drainage. That is wasted money if we go that route...

His foresight on this stuff is not very good IMO. I also hated the fact that he has no imminent plans to renovate the east side of Davis Wade and is ok with putting in a STAIRCASE to transition from east to north...

East side should have been renovated in THIS stage of construction. Just do the west side one offseason and the east side the next. We had approved funding up to $80+ mil and only used $69 mil. Should have been a given that you go ahead and apply the same template all the way around IMO...

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Originally Posted by bobcat91

The discussion on DNF is classic Scott. Translation: We don't have a damn thing planned and I'm lazy and haven't raised any money.

His whole job is to monitor the sports, monitor coaches, upgrade facilities and raise funds. How's he doing?

The fact that we had nothing in the way of plans after our CWS run tells you that he doesn't plan for anything which is not good for his position. As far asthe season ticket holders, they are fine with the status quo. They got a sweetheart deal when it was built and have no desire to have anything that looks like reseating. What a joke.

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First, Strick was supposed to know we were going to the finals? And after we did he should have something ready in 2 months? Yea. Second, without the people who put up moebu up front, we wouldnt have the current DNF. Howbwould you solve that problem? Go by priority? Bc that's the next option available. Tell me your solution I'm all ears. Honestly.

Homedawg- tailgating anywhere is also a "lawsuit waiting to happen". Some drunk guy could come up to me, mistake me for someone and knock my teeth out. There was a big fire at the Vandy/Ole Miss tailgate this year. That doesn't mean that they should do away with the Grove or we should stop tailgating in the Junction. I could trip and fall while going to my seat in the grandstand as well and get a spinal cord injury. "Lawsuits waiting to happen" are everywhere. That doesn't mean you live your life in a jar. You don't think MSU has insurance?

The funny thing to me is I would bet a good many of the structures in the LFL are built by engineers and architects. In other words people that know what they are doing when they're building something.

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

Ole miss didn't build a new stadium- they added on to what they had.

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Correct. They spent $20 mil and STILL don't have a modern stadium design that it is the league with Arky, LSU, or USCe. They(and aTm) made what will prove longterm to be a monumental mistake. It's like spending a bunch of money upgrading a carburetor when fuel injection is available for 50% more money. The stadium designs are THAT different in the enjoyment of baseball... That's why practically all major league stadiums have started over in the past 15-20 years...

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Ark built the one they have now 10 yrs ago.

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As the first open concourse design in ALL of college baseball. They were ahead of the curve with Baum. They also built in modularly -- so it can be expanded yearly with additional chairbacks down the lines/outfield and skyboxes while maintaining the same exact look. Baum today has little in common with when it was built. It's expanded almost every single year in some regard. That's the beauty of the "new generation" SEC stadiums....

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The one they had before was a shit hole.

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Who cares what they had 20 years ago?

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As for lsu, Bama and a&m, let's be honest, we aren't a comparable to them in the $ category, like it or not.

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We ABSOLUTELY ARE comparable to them in the $ category for baseball. Why do people think they are building these badass baseball stadiums as a CHARITY with surplus football funds for the hell of it? Why aren't they building $30 mil softball complexes then -- you know -- since all that extra football money is just burning a hole in their pocket? The REAL fact is that these schools are building these stadiums with financial models to MAKE MORE MONEY with them. Bama might be the exception -- but I almost guarantee they won't be longterm. They had badass baseball fan support back in the day.

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Unless you know someone who wants to pony up $10 mil or so it's a moot point.

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Come out and say that we want to build a world-class facility -- and MSU people will pony up like NO ONE ELSE for baseball. That much, I guarantee. Now, nobody is spending SHIT right now -- because they don't trust Stricklin to handle this like we all want done. I know several bigtime MSU boosters that would be happy to give 6-7 figures toward making us the BEST again. They aren't spending money on a facade improvement though...

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And with that said any upgrade is going to cost lots of money. Just not what a new place cost. Not even close.

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Ole Miss spent 72% of what it cost to build Trustmark Park brand new at roughly the same time...to still have a stadium built on 40 year old technology/amenities...instead of modern technology/amenities...

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Originally Posted by bobcat91

The discussion on DNF is classic Scott. Translation: We don't have a damn thing planned and I'm lazy and haven't raised any money.

His whole job is to monitor the sports, monitor coaches, upgrade facilities and raise funds. How's he doing?

The fact that we had nothing in the way of plans after our CWS run tells you that he doesn't plan for anything which is not good for his position. As far asthe season ticket holders, they are fine with the status quo. They got a sweetheart deal when it was built and have no desire to have anything that looks like reseating. What a joke.

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That worries me a lot as well. They have NO clue about how much better Dudy-Noble can be and should be. And then there are some that have this crazy idea that there is "magic" in the grandstand and it helps us to win. Bear in mind too- these are the same people that tried to run off Cohen for cussing.

Their idea of a good baseball venue is:

1. Dudy-Noble
2. Omaha
3. New Hope High School
4. Tupelo High School

And quite possibly in that order.

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Originally Posted by Todd4State

That worries me a lot as well. They have NO clue about how much better Dudy-Noble can be and should be. And then there are some that have this crazy idea that there is "magic" in the grandstand and it helps us to win. Bear in mind too- these are the same people that tried to run off Cohen for cussing.

Their idea of a good baseball venue is:

1. Dudy-Noble
2. Omaha
3. New Hope High School
4. Tupelo High School

And quite possibly in that order.

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Trust me, there are PLENTY of season ticketholders with perspective...

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

First, Strick was supposed to know we were going to the finals? And after we did he should have something ready in 2 months? Yea. Second, without the people who put up moebu up front, we wouldnt have the current DNF. Howbwould you solve that problem? Go by priority? Bc that's the next option available. Tell me your solution I'm all ears. Honestly.

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Only an idiot has no plans for a facility that has been in need of a serious upgrade for years. On top of that Cohen was promised an upgrade when he came. Its been five years and tere are zero plans available. What have they been doing during this time? Plans are he cheapest thing we can do so that should have been already done and fundraising eshould be either in the silent phase or set to begin. As far as the ticket holders, pay the big sums to keep your seat or get the hell over to the bleachers. Basketball was first, football will be reseated after the season and baseball should be next. Sorry that we live in the highly competitive SEC but the days of the good ole boy sweetheart deals are over.

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Originally Posted by bobcat91

The discussion on DNF is classic Scott. Translation: We don't have a damn thing planned and I'm lazy and haven't raised any money.

His whole job is to monitor the sports, monitor coaches, upgrade facilities and raise funds. How's he doing?

The fact that we had nothing in the way of plans after our CWS run tells you that he doesn't plan for anything which is not good for his position. As far asthe season ticket holders, they are fine with the status quo. They got a sweetheart deal when it was built and have no desire to have anything that looks like reseating. What a joke.

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I worry about this a lot too. Many of the old season ticket holders don't realize how far behind our grandstand/press box/ skyboxes are, not to mention how bad the bleachers are, as well as the sightlines.

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Originally Posted by Homedawg

Ole miss didn't build a new stadium- they added on to what they had. Ark built the one they have now 10 yrs ago. The one they had before was a shit hole. As for lsu, Bama and a&m, let's be honest, we aren't a comparable to them in the $ category, like it or not. Unless you know someone who wants to pony up $10 mil or so it's a moot point. And with that said any upgrade is going to cost lots of money. Just not what a new place cost. Not even close.

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So should we just give up trying to have nice facilities?

Look, nobody is expecting this thing to happen overnight. What I (and I assume others here) want is for us to have designs for a new, state-of-the-art, open concourse grandstand w/ skyboxes and a nice pressbox and announce this ASAP to capitalize on our CWS run. Really, these designs should have been done a long time ago, since this has been a known problem for at least a few years now. Now, do I expect us to raise the funds in one month? Hell no, but the sooner we get this out there, the sooner the money will be raised.

I'd MUCH rather us take a few years longer to raise money, build, etc. something done right and state-of-the-art, than watch Stricklin grin like he's done something special while announcing plans for simply polishing a turd. We would save money in the long run, and have a much nicer facility in 8-10 years than we would if we just renovated.

What many people also don't seem to get is this is an investment in the future of our program. We are leaving so much money on the table on premium seating alone that it's not even funny. That doesn't even include the additional revenue we'd get from people who'd normally be sitting in the bleachers actually buying season tickets and gameday tickets. This new grandstand would not be wasted money; it would pay for itself and then some over time. Try not to see it as a burden now, but instead see this new grandstand as an asset for the future. Try to look ahead at this as a visionary.

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Originally Posted by engie

Correct. They spent $20 mil and STILL don't have a modern stadium design that it is the league with Arky, LSU, or USCe. They(and aTm) made what will prove longterm to be a monumental mistake. It's like spending a bunch of money upgrading a carburetor when fuel injection is available for 50% more money. The stadium designs are THAT different in the enjoyment of baseball... That's why practically all major league stadiums have started over in the past 15-20 years...


As the first open concourse design in ALL of college baseball. They were ahead of the curve with Baum. They also built in modularly -- so it can be expanded yearly with additional chairbacks down the lines/outfield and skyboxes while maintaining the same exact look. Baum today has little in common with when it was built. It's expanded almost every single year in some regard. That's the beauty of the "new generation" SEC stadiums....


Who cares what they had 20 years ago?


We ABSOLUTELY ARE comparable to them in the $ category for baseball. Why do people think they are building these badass baseball stadiums as a CHARITY with surplus football funds for the hell of it? Why aren't they building $30 mil softball complexes then -- you know -- since all that extra football money is just burning a hole in their pocket? The REAL fact is that these schools are building these stadiums with financial models to MAKE MORE MONEY with them. Bama might be the exception -- but I almost guarantee they won't be longterm. They had badass baseball fan support back in the day.


Come out and say that we want to build a world-class facility -- and MSU people will pony up like NO ONE ELSE for baseball. That much, I guarantee. Now, nobody is spending SHIT right now -- because they don't trust Stricklin to handle this like we all want done. I know several bigtime MSU boosters that would be happy to give 6-7 figures toward making us the BEST again. They aren't spending money on a facade improvement though...


Ole Miss spent 72% of what it cost to build Trustmark Park brand new at roughly the same time...to still have a stadium built on 40 year old technology/amenities...instead of modern technology/amenities...

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First, ole miss spent $20 mil on the renovation? Last I saw it was 12. Not saying you are wrong but never saw anything close to 20. And if they spent 20 they got screwed. Second, why is open air so important? Watch the game from your seat. If you want something to eat, have it delivers to it. It's available. If you are in the bathroom you can't see anyway. Thirdly, we are comparable to them in baseball income. Yes, actually way ahead on income but we all lose money on baseball, yes even us. The others just lose more. Why are they not spending that on softball? Because they probably dot even charge to get in softball and if they do it's next to nothing. They are doing it because they want to compete in everything as best they can. That is the only way. To say they are building it to make money is nuts. Come on engie, you are better than that. As far as the people willing to spend 6-7 figures that's possible. Typically speaking the excuse being used on Stricklin is just that, an excuse. On that says, oh I would have given this if he had done this, whatever. Although there is a big difference between 6&7 figures. If they want to then I feel certain they will pony up and we have nothing to worry about. However, considering we have only had less than 10 single gifts of 7 figures or more to the athletic dept i find it hardto believe we have multiple 7 figure givers for this project. Hope I'm wrong.

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Originally Posted by Todd4State

Homedawg- tailgating anywhere is also a "lawsuit waiting to happen". Some drunk guy could come up to me, mistake me for someone and knock my teeth out. There was a big fire at the Vandy/Ole Miss tailgate this year. That doesn't mean that they should do away with the Grove or we should stop tailgating in the Junction. I could trip and fall while going to my seat in the grandstand as well and get a spinal cord injury. "Lawsuits waiting to happen" are everywhere. That doesn't mean you live your life in a jar. You don't think MSU has insurance?

The funny thing to me is I would bet a good many of the structures in the LFL are built by engineers and architects. In other words people that know what they are doing when they're building something.

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I'm not referring to tailgating. I'm talking about a trailer falling down and people, lots of people being hurt. And if you think most of those rigs have engineers and architects involved then u haven't been out there much. As far as your insurance remark- I don't know but insurance won't be enough to cover someone who does because of negligence. And truly that's what this is- I'm sorry. An I repeat- I stay in the outfield, I don't want it to go away! I'm sure our insurance really lives the Doyle Bryan case. And that was on the bleachers!!!!!