KingBob Wrote:if it was done right the first time... why are you having to redo it again after one or two years? There are ways to fix the dang thing easily and quickly, without having to spend a lot of money on it... you don't need to spend a million dollars on a gem to make it beautiful... all I am saying is that there are tools and techniques out there, that exist at this moment that can make it beautiful without having to spend much time and effort...

You can insult me all you want, all I was doing was trying to make you see that there are alternative methodologies to the madness... seek them and maybe you might find out that they will work... narrow minded thinking will lead you to possible a solution that is unbefitting...

No need to worry about how we'll go about making it happen KB, we'll take care of it.

Your time is best spent coming up with a one-line solution on behalf of mankind to achieve world peace (you'll likely propose doing it via beer sales).

TampaRocket Wrote:

rocketfootball Wrote:Just a thought on the circle of bricks - maybe setup where people can adopt a brick so to speak. The money made for adopting bricks can be used to help pay for the fin, lighting, and enhancement.

That's what I was getting at...it's been a long day

You know, I don't think I even saw your post before I posted mine.

The concrete base of the rocket is right next to the driveway, so you couldn't make a circle of bricks. Maybe 2/3 of a circle.

DetroitRocket Wrote:The concrete base of the rocket is right next to the driveway, so you couldn't make a circle of bricks. Maybe 2/3 of a circle.

hell, it would be cool if that was bricks too.

I don't like the idea of a fence of some sort around the Rocket. One of the things I've noticed families like to do to kill time before games is to throw your kid on your shoulders and actually touch one of tail fins. This creates an emotional attachment.

Maybe bollards might be more appropriate.

UT Astrophysics Wrote:I don't like the idea of a fence of some sort around the Rocket. One of the things I've noticed families like to do to kill time before games is to throw your kid on your shoulders and actually touch one of tail fins. This creates an emotional attachment.

Maybe bollards might be more appropriate.

To be honest I had to look up the word "bollards". Yes, they would work, good point. In an ideal situation I'd like to see a circle of bricks surrounding the base (which means the base would have to be moved farher away from the pathway), the circle would be surrounded with the bollards, and the rocket illuminated at night (potentially with lights recessed into the ground shining upwards). No real landscaping (i.e., foliage) would be necessay. It would be nice if someone know of an architect who would help draw up some different concepts.

I too had to look up "bollards"...don't feel bad.

Here's a concept using my limited PowerPoint capabilities. View is from directly overhead looking down on the Nike-Ajax. The Pavers (bricks) could potentially be blue instead of red (or any other color). Placement of lighting is not shown in the diagram. I suppose some flowers (blue and gold) could be planted around the outside perimeter as well.

Thoughts and comments welcome (KB excluded).

A Bollard with Chain:

Hey RR, I really like your vision. This sort of thing would really improve the look and bring more attention to the Ajax.

A suggestion; what if the layout of the bricks around the rocket had the UT athletic logo in it, sort of like a background on a website. You really only need 3 shades of brick to do it. It would be neat as long as they aren't planning on changing the logo anytime soon.

RangerRocket Wrote:Here's a concept using my limited PowerPoint capabilities.

I hereby bestow upon you an honorary MBA.

FtLauderdaleRocket Wrote:Hey RR, I really like your vision. This sort of thing would really improve the look and bring more attention to the Ajax.

A suggestion; what if the layout of the bricks around the rocket had the UT athletic logo in it, sort of like a background on a website. You really only need 3 shades of brick to do it. It would be neat as long as they aren't planning on changing the logo anytime soon.

Thanks. I stopped by a local company that can do the bricks/pavers after work today. They've done alot of the major "brick fundraisers" here in the Toledo area (incl the Toledo Zoo). I've got some pricing info for brick, limestone, and granite pavers. Putting the Rocket logo on the bricks/pavers was right at the top of the list.

High-Level Steps:

1. Obviously the first step is to sell this idea to the powers that be at the University. Determine the process that we'd have to follow.
2. Draw up some concept drawings (determine layout, total square feet, etc.)
3. Get additional space allocated near the Glass Bowl.
4. Get some construction quotes (site prep, electrical, concrete, bollards, etc.).
5. Determine total costs/required budget.
6. Get GO decision to proceed to fundraising phase.
7. Sell bricks/pavers to raise necessary funds (engage Alumni Association, etc.).
8. Once budget has been met, proceed with construction.
9. Get the Nike-Ajax repaired.
10. Cut the ribbon.

What have I missed?

Shrakkrocket Wrote:

KingBob Wrote:next time i am up there.... i will do it myself

no thanks, we don't need an abstract rocket

maybe if it was a "BOTTLE" rocket you would be more of an expert?

RangerRocket Wrote:

FtLauderdaleRocket Wrote:Hey RR, I really like your vision. This sort of thing would really improve the look and bring more attention to the Ajax.

A suggestion; what if the layout of the bricks around the rocket had the UT athletic logo in it, sort of like a background on a website. You really only need 3 shades of brick to do it. It would be neat as long as they aren't planning on changing the logo anytime soon.

Thanks. I stopped by a local company that can do the bricks/pavers after work today. They've done alot of the major "brick fundraisers" here in the Toledo area (incl the Toledo Zoo). I've got some pricing info for brick, limestone, and granite pavers. Putting the Rocket logo on the bricks/pavers was right at the top of the list.

High-Level Steps:

1. Obviously the first step is to sell this idea to the powers that be at the University. Determine the process that we'd have to follow.
2. Draw up some concept drawings (determine layout, total square feet, etc.)
3. Get additional space allocated near the Glass Bowl.
4. Get some construction quotes (site prep, electrical, concrete, bollards, etc.).
5. Determine total costs/required budget.
6. Get GO decision to proceed to fundraising phase.
7. Sell bricks/pavers to raise necessary funds (engage Alumni Association, etc.).
8. Once budget has been met, proceed with construction.
9. Get the Nike-Ajax repaired.
10. Cut the ribbon.

What have I missed?

That sounds like a pretty complete "to do" list in order to complete this project.

I'm trying to think outside the box and look for any potential obstacles. Does anyone know what the University's plans are for the parking lot and road that runs along there? I remember hearing things in the past where they wanted to take out the parking lot and put in a green space and then retain the road for buses only. If this is the case, would the current location of the Ajax be the best location.

Like I said...I don't claim to be "in-the-know" but I'm just trying to think outside the box.

Thinking outside the box ....if you said that at my company, you'd have about 200 people lined up to do you bodily harm. Say you like to have an innovative and robust design resulting from thinking outside the boz and you'd be missing and presumed dead....

I have never paid any attention to the Ajax Rocket.

I'd like to see improvements to the inside of Glass Bowl Stadium and a BCS bowl game. Then a nice expansion to 40,000 seats.

I guess mine is a more ambitious goal.

owen Wrote:I have never paid any attention to the Ajax Rocket.

I'd like to see improvements to the inside of Glass Bowl Stadium and a BCS bowl game. Then a nice expansion to 40,000 seats.

I guess mine is a more ambitious goal.

That's a multi-million dollar project. This is a project of the people.

UT__Rockets Wrote:

owen Wrote:I have never paid any attention to the Ajax Rocket.

I'd like to see improvements to the inside of Glass Bowl Stadium and a BCS bowl game. Then a nice expansion to 40,000 seats.

I guess mine is a more ambitious goal.

That's a multi-million dollar project. This is a project of the people.

Well said UT_Rockets.

Owen I'll take on the rocket project, I have paid alot of attention to the rocket recently. You can take on the GB improvements. You're obviously more ambitious than I am.

owen Wrote:I have never paid any attention to the Ajax Rocket.

I'd like to see improvements to the inside of Glass Bowl Stadium and a BCS bowl game. Then a nice expansion to 40,000 seats.

I guess mine is a more ambitious goal.

You sound like my boss when it comes to setting goals. I'm trying to teach him the difference between having a vision and having dreams. Of course, he also sets the goals and then comes back at the end of the year to find out how everyone else did. A lot of parallels

MotoRocket Wrote:

owen Wrote:I have never paid any attention to the Ajax Rocket.

I'd like to see improvements to the inside of Glass Bowl Stadium and a BCS bowl game. Then a nice expansion to 40,000 seats.

I guess mine is a more ambitious goal.

You sound like my boss when it comes to setting goals. I'm trying to teach him the difference between having a vision and having dreams. Of course, he also sets the goals and then comes back at the end of the year to find out how everyone else did. A lot of parallels

As UT_Rockets stated the is a "fan driven initiative". Something that is small enough in scope that we should be able to make happen (and something that the Athletic Department doesn't have the interest or time to do).

On the other hand, as fans we won't have much input to a multi-million dollar GB upgrade other than to donate to the cause. By the way, 50% of my donation to the Rocket Club is earmarked for GB improvements, and it's a fairly decent amount of money.......