Scott Stricklin chat transcript

[slickdawg]

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!

[TheRef]

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

[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.

[TheRef]

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.

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

[Todd4State]

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

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.

[Todd4State]

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

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

[Coach34]

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

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

[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)....

[Dawg61]

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

[Homedawg]

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.

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

[hacker]

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

Scott Stricklin:
It do
3:27

I laughed

[Homedawg]

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)....

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.

[engie]

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

Where have you been?

[Dawg61]

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.

[engie]

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.

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...

[Homedawg]

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...

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

[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.

[BHildreth3]

Dog bone decals - forgot about those

[engie]

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

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...

[engie]

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.

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...