(08-14-2016 01:43 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 01:21 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  Blaudschun just posted an article.

Mark Blaudschun
‏@blauds
UMass FB might be near bottom of FBS rankings, but it is getting ready for prime-er time. Read why and how. http://TMGcollegesports.com


UMass getting ready for prime time

Posted by Mark Blaudschun | Aug 14, 2016 | A Jersey Guy, The Grudge Report | 0 

AMHERST, Ma.–Mark Whipple sounded like a kid who wanted to show off the new toys he received for Christmas. The veteran University of Massachusetts football coach, now in the third season of his second tour of duty at UMass, was giving a guided tour of the 39 million dollar football performance center, which puts UMass on an equal or better footing with most Power 5 conference schools.

In his office overlooking the end zone of a newly renovated McGuirk Stadium, Whipple could see what had been an equipment storage shed, which had served as the headquarters for UMass football during Whipple’s first go-around with the Minutemen.

Whipple, who has a Super Bowl ring from his days as an assistant coach in the National Football League, won a then 1-AA national championship with those facilities. The rest of this article is available to subscribers only – to become a subscriber click here.

https://tmgcollegesports.com/2016/08/14/...rime-time/

UMass would be better off dropping football altogether and converting McGuirk into a stadium for a sport their fans actually care about: Lacrosse.

Edit... McGuirk, even after dumping $39 MM into it, still does not have restroom facilities for the fans.

The only thing they did to McGuirk is upgrade the press box to "MAC standards". Then they built the performance center into the endzone. The place is old, dated, and too small--no restrooms (or some modern version of an "out house" set up in a second structure). When they fix the stadium the right way (modernized with proper amenities and legit restrooms IN the stadium), get the football program out of the gutter, and get attendance averaging minimal FBS levels---then maybe we can consider having a serious conversation about adding their football program. But right now---its basically an FCS program masquerading as an FBS team. Lots of potential there---but its a no go right now. Its not that hard. Get the stadium fixed and get the program fixed---attendance will take care of itself.

(08-14-2016 03:30 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:21 PM)pesik Wrote:  the stadium is still horrific

I agree its bad. Is this a before pic or an after pic? Why can't UMass do something like Yulman at Tulane?

It's an after picture, but we all agree this needs to happen sooner than later, if not yesterday.


As the Performance Center fitting well into the old stadium, this expansion should look fine.

(08-14-2016 03:37 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:30 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:21 PM)pesik Wrote:  the stadium is still horrific

I agree its bad. Is this a before pic or an after pic? Why can't UMass do something like Yulman at Tulane?

It's an after picture, but we all agree this needs to happen sooner than later, if not yesterday.


As the Performance Center fitting well into the old stadium, this expansion should look fine.

That looks pretty good. Whats the planned capacity after the proposed expansion/upgrade? Really needs to be about 30K (probably could live with 25K+, that's about all Tulane really has). Like I said, loads of potential there---just get it done! I think the school is a perfect institutional fit. It just needs to catch up investment/facilties wise.

(08-14-2016 03:37 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:30 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:21 PM)pesik Wrote:  the stadium is still horrific

I agree its bad. Is this a before pic or an after pic? Why can't UMass do something like Yulman at Tulane?

It's an after picture, but we all agree this needs to happen sooner than later, if not yesterday.


As the Performance Center fitting well into the old stadium, this expansion should look fine.

I'm rooting for you guys to get it done. I know it can be a process.

Here is Colorado State's new stadium.

(08-14-2016 03:42 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:37 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:30 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:21 PM)pesik Wrote:  the stadium is still horrific

I agree its bad. Is this a before pic or an after pic? Why can't UMass do something like Yulman at Tulane?

It's an after picture, but we all agree this needs to happen sooner than later, if not yesterday.


As the Performance Center fitting well into the old stadium, this expansion should look fine.

I'm rooting for you guys to get it done. I know it can be a process.

Here is Colorado State's new stadium.

That is impressive. Here's NIU's planned expansion to a horseshoe design. 35K with the ability to expand to 42k



And our currently top notch convocation center



Our indoor practice facility and premium endzone area in the terrace club





Just a few of our amenities. The stadium expansion is the only thing still left to be done, but we have a full revision of all our athletic facilities in our master plan. Much of the capital has been raised, just waiting on the state budget to resolve.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

in my honest opinion, i dot think the people in power at UMass really care about football/athletics..im talking the president, and state officials
Massachusetts is one of the richest states in america

you are trying to tell me that texas can field numerous better high school stadiums than the flagship university of mass..i dont blieve that
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.....image.jpg

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews....1200%2C675

even being in the fcs it doesnt make sense, montana and ndst have dramatically nicer stadiums

IMO, its obvious the stadium is an issue, the fact a major plan hasn't been put forward shows the people in power to make a change dont care..
especially considering the window to enter the AAC, and potential to jump from the AAC to a power 5 is closing rapidly

even if it isnt happening in the immediate future something should have been released, Houston announced an IPF that might not open for 4-5 years because we are trying to impress the big 12, smu announced a 150Mil facilities plan that might not happen in totality for 5-10 years, ecu pimping out a potential expansion they arent even sure about

IMO the key to an AAC invite hasnt been in the AAC's hand but the hands of the UMass they just dont feel like turning it...
mass. is rich
if they announced a 200mill facilities/stadium upgrade plan for the next 5 years, an AAC invite likely already came
the AAC isnt in a position to turn down a massively investing state flagships of a populated state

(08-14-2016 03:11 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  OK, was there and for the ribbing about bathrooms. We have them, it's not like ODU.

See that building, beyond the end zone, and space were end zone seating will be going, are the rest rooms.


Yes we need an expansion, here is an overview of the stadium.
The Performance Center in the end zone and Press - Sky Box cost 39 Million.
The new Championship Center for BB cost 33 million.

Have no idea how much the other sports improvements cost but we are investing, but obviously we need to still continue especially with the stadium expansion.

They are still showing option 8 boards, which actually builds over the existing stadium.




Our lacrosse team has a field that was redone in field turf for last season as the field hockey team got a brand new field.

Field hockey and Lacrosse

Softball


Rowing Boat house dedication

That looks like a high school stadium.

(08-14-2016 01:37 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  kick out Tulsa and Tulane

Add Umass and Devry

problem solved

Just Devry. I like 11 in football better. Since that would take the AAC down to 10 in hoops, add either Chicago St or Grand Canyon which would strengthen the AAC and weaken the WAC.
Cheers!

(08-14-2016 04:24 PM)billybobby777 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 01:37 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  kick out Tulsa and Tulane

Add Umass and Devry

problem solved

Just Devry. I like 11 in football better. Since that would take the AAC down to 10 in hoops, add either Chicago St or Grand Canyon which would strengthen the AAC and weaken the WAC.
Cheers!

I see what ya did there!

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

She seats 17k....just the right size for the AAC


what's the problem?

(08-14-2016 04:05 PM)pesik Wrote:  in my honest opinion, i dot think the people in power at UMass really care about football/athletics..im talking the president, and state officials
Massachusetts is one of the richest states in america

you are trying to tell me that texas can field numerous better high school stadiums than the flagship university of mass..i dont blieve that
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.....image.jpg

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews....1200%2C675

even being in the fcs it doesnt make sense, montana and ndst have dramatically nicer stadiums

IMO, its obvious the stadium is an issue, the fact a major plan hasn't been put forward shows the people in power to make a change dont care..
especially considering the window to enter the AAC, and potential to jump from the AAC to a power 5 is closing rapidly

even if it isnt happening in the immediate future something should have been released, Houston announced an IPF that might not open for 4-5 years because we are trying to impress the big 12, smu announced a 150Mil facilities plan that might not happen in totality for 5-10 years, ecu pimping out a potential expansion they arent even sure about

IMO the key to an AAC invite hasnt been in the AAC's hand but the hands of the UMass they just dont feel like turning it...
mass. is rich
if they announced a 200mill facilities/stadium upgrade plan for the next 5 years, an AAC invite likely already came
the AAC isnt in a position to turn down a massively investing state flagships of a populated state

I suspect the same thing---which is why I don't want to invite them until the corrections have been made (not with the "promise" to do so).

(08-14-2016 03:41 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:37 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:30 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:21 PM)pesik Wrote:  the stadium is still horrific

I agree its bad. Is this a before pic or an after pic? Why can't UMass do something like Yulman at Tulane?

It's an after picture, but we all agree this needs to happen sooner than later, if not yesterday.


As the Performance Center fitting well into the old stadium, this expansion should look fine.

That looks pretty good. Whats the planned capacity after the proposed expansion/upgrade? Really needs to be about 30K (probably could live with 25K+, that's about all Tulane really has). Like I said, loads of potential there---just get it done! I think the school is a perfect institutional fit. It just needs to catch up investment/facilties wise.

Well level headed post yet again, Attackcoog

I see almost all your view of UMass... Lots of potential but needs to get it going immediately if it wants in in a solid strong league as the AAC.

(08-14-2016 01:53 PM)isidnirb Wrote:  UMass will never excel in football. What kid is gonna want to play in freezing weather in October? Best thing they can do is put a dome on it and try to be comparable to Syracuse.

Where exactly do you think that UMass and UConn are, and what do you think that the weather is like? And how dissimilar do you think it is from Cinci, Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State and on and on. These weather arguments are really bizarre. Not sure if you noticed where the NFL is located.

(08-14-2016 02:20 PM)JHG722 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 01:33 PM)panicstricken Wrote:  if we have to have a yankee school im fine with umass

They're a Red Sox school mostly.

One of my favorite words. To a Latino, "Yankee" means an American. To a Southerner, it means a Northerner. And to a Northerner, it means someone from New England. And to people in New England, it means someone descended from original settler stock.

(08-14-2016 03:11 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  OK, was there and for the ribbing about bathrooms. We have them, it's not like ODU.

See that building, beyond the end zone, and space were end zone seating will be going, are the rest rooms.


Yes we need an expansion, here is an overview of the stadium.
The Performance Center in the end zone and Press - Sky Box cost 39 Million.
The new Championship Center for BB cost 33 million.

Have no idea how much the other sports improvements cost but we are investing, but obviously we need to still continue especially with the stadium expansion.

They are still showing option 8 boards, which actually builds over the existing stadium.




Our lacrosse team has a field that was redone in field turf for last season as the field hockey team got a brand new field.

Field hockey and Lacrosse

Softball


Rowing Boat house dedication

Rowing, field hockey and lacrosse? No thanks. Youre spending money in the wrong places.

Sent from my VS980 4G using CSNbbs mobile app

(08-14-2016 04:26 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 04:24 PM)billybobby777 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 01:37 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  kick out Tulsa and Tulane

Add Umass and Devry

problem solved

Just Devry. I like 11 in football better. Since that would take the AAC down to 10 in hoops, add either Chicago St or Grand Canyon which would strengthen the AAC and weaken the WAC.
Cheers!

I see what ya did there!

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Hehe...that's what I like about you Stay Cool, you get my sense to of humor. If NIU gets into the AAC I hope they cut you a check or at least give you a trophy. No single fan is a greater advocate of his school than you are. Your will and determination is the reason I've now been warming up to NIU. You are a great NIU fan!
Cheers!

(08-14-2016 08:16 PM)billybobby777 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 04:26 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 04:24 PM)billybobby777 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 01:37 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  kick out Tulsa and Tulane

Add Umass and Devry

problem solved

Just Devry. I like 11 in football better. Since that would take the AAC down to 10 in hoops, add either Chicago St or Grand Canyon which would strengthen the AAC and weaken the WAC.
Cheers!

I see what ya did there!

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Hehe...that's what I like about you Stay Cool, you get my sense to of humor. If NIU gets into the AAC I hope they cut you a check or at least give you a trophy. No single fan is a greater advocate of his school than you are. Your will and determination is the reason I've now been warming up to NIU. You are a great NIU fan!
Cheers!

likewise brother, would be honored to share a conference with a premier team such as ECU. Writing the book on how to absolutely dominate fan support and keeping fans engaged, we could seriously take a lesson or two!

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

(08-14-2016 03:41 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:37 PM)Steve1981 Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:30 PM)BigEastHomer Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 03:21 PM)pesik Wrote:  the stadium is still horrific

I agree its bad. Is this a before pic or an after pic? Why can't UMass do something like Yulman at Tulane?

It's an after picture, but we all agree this needs to happen sooner than later, if not yesterday.


As the Performance Center fitting well into the old stadium, this expansion should look fine.

That looks pretty good. Whats the planned capacity after the proposed expansion/upgrade? Really needs to be about 30K (probably could live with 25K+, that's about all Tulane really has). Like I said, loads of potential there---just get it done! I think the school is a perfect institutional fit. It just needs to catch up investment/facilties wise.

The plan will add 12k additional seats, which will bring capacity up 29k.

It's a sin that the capacity had not been increased, thou in the early 70's the Boston College game had 20k. The major issue is the dame Massachusetts building code that says if you touch the stadium, the whole thing needs to be brought up to current regulations. The isles are 2 inches to narrow among other things. Notice the Press and Sky Box are free standing and the expansion sections do not actually touch the stadium.

Back to the stadium expansion, there are pictures of the end zone, video board etc. There are various cost, ranging to 40 million. The press-sky box and performance center was incorporated into the 2012, 3.1 billion capital improvement plan and was for 30 million. The majority of the difference was from private donations.

LOL....Why in the world would NIU expand their stadium to 35,000? They average 13,000 fans per game.

I guess making a drawing of something makes them feel big time?

UMASS has a lot of potential. Who knows how much they could grow if they got serious. They are the state flagship, so don't underestimate that.

(08-14-2016 02:52 PM)pesik Wrote:  

(08-14-2016 01:53 PM)isidnirb Wrote:  UMass will never excel in football. What kid is gonna want to play in freezing weather in October? Best thing they can do is put a dome on it and try to be comparable to Syracuse.

hows oregon, wasghinton and stanford do it?

How does Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan and Notre Dame do it?
Recruit, "yeah right to me playing football in some freezing weather in October in South Bend, Indiana" hahahahaha
Cheers!