(08-08-2019 04:30 PM)UofMTigerFan Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:22 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:17 AM)Atlanta Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 09:13 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 09:12 PM)Atlanta Wrote:  Just remember the LB is approaching 60 yrs old. So whether now or later the university needs to have a plan for where the school plays FB 10-20-30yrs from now. They cannot & should not rely on the city beyond the current usable life of the LB.

I agree a bit. The LB probably has another 20 years before it becomes Legion Field-like.

Can't imagine we'd let things get that bad. The real problem is that it's a city asset & the university will not invest significantly in it's maintenance & obvious improvements to keep the LB viable for another 20 yrs. Just need a plan. And if there is one, it's the best kept secret in Memphis.

The city has poured tens of millions into the Liberty Bowl in recent years, and everything has been upgraded except the press box, which is on the list for future improvements. Not to mention the $15M or so the city put into developing Tiger Lane.

And another new video board and audio system will be ready for the start of this season. The Liberty Bowl will be viable for a good while yet, and its sight lines are second to none.

(08-07-2019 09:05 AM)Coach Bonez89 Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:22 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:17 AM)Atlanta Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 09:13 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  I agree a bit. The LB probably has another 20 years before it becomes Legion Field-like.

Can't imagine we'd let things get that bad. The real problem is that it's a city asset & the university will not invest significantly in it's maintenance & obvious improvements to keep the LB viable for another 20 yrs. Just need a plan. And if there is one, it's the best kept secret in Memphis.

The city has poured tens of millions into the Liberty Bowl in recent years, and everything has been upgraded except the press box, which is on the list for future improvements. Not to mention the $15M or so the city put into developing Tiger Lane.

And another new video board and audio system will be ready for the start of this season. The Liberty Bowl will be viable for a good while yet, and its sight lines are second to none.

Lipstick on a pig. That is all.

Such a BS post. I would argue that the experience at the Liberty Bowl is superior to any stadium in our conference. I have been to all of them minus ECU.

The parking access is incredible. Tiger Lane is an oasis for tailgaters. The concessions are plentiful & the restrooms modern. The sight lines are perfect and the locker rooms rival any P5 location. The new video boards and sound will do nothing but enhance the experience. The only real flaws with the place are that it is far too big and the press boxes way too high.

Anybody knocking the Liberty Bowl obviously hasn't been to the stadium in the last 5 years.

I'm not hear to argue reasons why they should or shouldn't build on campus. I know for a fact that's the end goal, or at least it should be. I'm talking about getting people on campus, improving infrastructure in the area, getting alums back on campus. There are many more points to express, but I'll save it for another day. Parking accessibility, be damned: It's the experience and what an already proud fan base could build on. Not to mention shuttles could run from very short distances, where many lots exist in that area of town. If you're looking for a BS point, I'm sure plenty can give you one. I've long thought LBMS was a decent venue to play in. But around 2007, I changed my mind. You look at what Louisville did, especially when the cost of steel and concrete was lower. It essentially paved the way for them to be in the ACC today. You have to strike while the iron is hot, because you don't know when opportunity will come knocking. Considering we live in the state of Tennessee, a lot of us Tiger fans sure do act like the "Show me" attitude of Missouri. Build it and it will happen. Keep kicking the can down the road, then you put your future in someone else's hands.

P.S. I made all but the UCONN thrashing at LBMS last year.

(08-08-2019 04:30 PM)UofMTigerFan Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:22 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:17 AM)Atlanta Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 09:13 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 09:12 PM)Atlanta Wrote:  Just remember the LB is approaching 60 yrs old. So whether now or later the university needs to have a plan for where the school plays FB 10-20-30yrs from now. They cannot & should not rely on the city beyond the current usable life of the LB.

I agree a bit. The LB probably has another 20 years before it becomes Legion Field-like.

Can't imagine we'd let things get that bad. The real problem is that it's a city asset & the university will not invest significantly in it's maintenance & obvious improvements to keep the LB viable for another 20 yrs. Just need a plan. And if there is one, it's the best kept secret in Memphis.

The city has poured tens of millions into the Liberty Bowl in recent years, and everything has been upgraded except the press box, which is on the list for future improvements. Not to mention the $15M or so the city put into developing Tiger Lane.

And another new video board and audio system will be ready for the start of this season. The Liberty Bowl will be viable for a good while yet, and its sight lines are second to none.

(08-07-2019 09:05 AM)Coach Bonez89 Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:22 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 07:17 AM)Atlanta Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 09:13 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  I agree a bit. The LB probably has another 20 years before it becomes Legion Field-like.

Can't imagine we'd let things get that bad. The real problem is that it's a city asset & the university will not invest significantly in it's maintenance & obvious improvements to keep the LB viable for another 20 yrs. Just need a plan. And if there is one, it's the best kept secret in Memphis.

The city has poured tens of millions into the Liberty Bowl in recent years, and everything has been upgraded except the press box, which is on the list for future improvements. Not to mention the $15M or so the city put into developing Tiger Lane.

And another new video board and audio system will be ready for the start of this season. The Liberty Bowl will be viable for a good while yet, and its sight lines are second to none.

Lipstick on a pig. That is all.

Such a BS post. I would argue that the experience at the Liberty Bowl is superior to any stadium in our conference. I have been to all of them minus ECU.

The parking access is incredible. Tiger Lane is an oasis for tailgaters. The concessions are plentiful & the restrooms modern. The sight lines are perfect and the locker rooms rival any P5 location. The new video boards and sound will do nothing but enhance the experience. The only real flaws with the place are that it is far too big and the press boxes way too high.

Anybody knocking the Liberty Bowl obviously hasn't been to the stadium in the last 5 years.

Agreed. The main problem is the size. The atmosphere is great.

I want a OCS butt that isn’t happening in the near future. I also enjoy the LB game day experience


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(08-07-2019 08:55 AM)Coach Bonez89 Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 08:21 PM)UofMemphis Wrote:  

(08-05-2019 07:51 PM)Tigers2B1 Wrote:  Memphis doesn't need an on-campus Stadium. The Liberty Bowl is about 2 miles from campus ... A straight walk down Central.

and if we ever did build one it would be at the 'Park Ave Campus' which is still like a mile from main campus.

so essentially we would have to pay 100 million dollars to move one mile closer to main campus....no thanks!

There is room on the main campus. Plus, Memphis doesn't make money on the Liberty Bowl. The shortsightedness of some Tiger fans kills me. It's not about the price tag, it's about the investment in the future.

riiiiight...wake me up when they start construction...until then I’ll be catching games at the Liberty Bowl

(08-07-2019 09:08 AM)Coach Bonez89 Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 12:07 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  I read where the natatorium standoff between the university and county mayor got settled. As far as its' place on the capital projects list, I'm not sure. We may have to wait until the next state of athletics presentation at the March BOT meeting. Per the last meeting, capital projects include IPF phase 2, Leftwich Tennis, Elma Roane, Finch Center, Track and Soccer Stadium with lights (campaign to begin in '19).

It's great that more facilities are being brought or in some cases brought back to campus. I, too, have heard rumblings about Audubon being the site for a future OCS. If/whenever the city agrees on a fairgrounds development plan, I could see that decision spurring an OCS project. But, it'd likely be a city/university project unless $100M+ drops out of the sky. Since freeing themselves from the TBR system, the city and university have worked well together on these types of projects.

Rudd told him that he hopes he enjoys his four years as mayor, because that's all it will be, if he continues to pick these kinds of battles. That shut Harris' dumb*** up pretty quick.

Harris is a smart guy which is why he teaches at the UofM...he has way higher aspirations than County Mayor.

Rudd was on Friday with Greg Gaston and mentioned $10.5M of the $11 for the tennis facility was raised in five weeks. As to the LB, the new AD, Laird Veatch, will put together a strategic plan for the LB and for the football program in general when he comes on board. Actually, he will take it over as I've heard this has begun already. I wouldn't get too excited for an OCS any time soon as the university seems content with the city partnership. However, they do want to keep the LB "competitive and meaningful for the university" as well as "improve fan experience" per Rudd.

(08-09-2019 01:25 PM)UofMemphis Wrote:  

(08-07-2019 09:08 AM)Coach Bonez89 Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 12:07 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  I read where the natatorium standoff between the university and county mayor got settled. As far as its' place on the capital projects list, I'm not sure. We may have to wait until the next state of athletics presentation at the March BOT meeting. Per the last meeting, capital projects include IPF phase 2, Leftwich Tennis, Elma Roane, Finch Center, Track and Soccer Stadium with lights (campaign to begin in '19).

It's great that more facilities are being brought or in some cases brought back to campus. I, too, have heard rumblings about Audubon being the site for a future OCS. If/whenever the city agrees on a fairgrounds development plan, I could see that decision spurring an OCS project. But, it'd likely be a city/university project unless $100M+ drops out of the sky. Since freeing themselves from the TBR system, the city and university have worked well together on these types of projects.

Rudd told him that he hopes he enjoys his four years as mayor, because that's all it will be, if he continues to pick these kinds of battles. That shut Harris' dumb*** up pretty quick.

Harris is a smart guy which is why he teaches at the UofM...he has way higher aspirations than County Mayor.

Cohen's congressional seat?

(08-06-2019 08:57 AM)tigerjeb Wrote:  one of the first things the BOT did was open discussions with the city for the university to ultimately assume control over Audubon Park. what that really meant was leaving the wooded walking trail along the Goodlett Rd frontage for the Normal Station neighborhood and most everything east of Cherry Rd (bisecting the park) to the Botanic Gardens. there are whispers that if a new stadium is built it will be on the golf course property between the wooded area and Cherry Rd and south of this new tennis facility. Time will tell but the city is committed to fully redeveloping the fairgrounds and there will be a time when LBS has to be said goodbye to. that isnt any time soon, but the time will come. below is an image showing how the properties relate to each other

announced yesterday that the University is purchasing the Audubon Baptist Church and 3 adjoining residential properties for the new University Middle School. there will be room to ultimately add a high school facility as well. the property is the church icon in the image in the quoted post. one step closer to connecting the main and park avenue campuses

(09-04-2019 01:16 PM)tigerjeb Wrote:  

(08-06-2019 08:57 AM)tigerjeb Wrote:  one of the first things the BOT did was open discussions with the city for the university to ultimately assume control over Audubon Park. what that really meant was leaving the wooded walking trail along the Goodlett Rd frontage for the Normal Station neighborhood and most everything east of Cherry Rd (bisecting the park) to the Botanic Gardens. there are whispers that if a new stadium is built it will be on the golf course property between the wooded area and Cherry Rd and south of this new tennis facility. Time will tell but the city is committed to fully redeveloping the fairgrounds and there will be a time when LBS has to be said goodbye to. that isnt any time soon, but the time will come. below is an image showing how the properties relate to each other

announced yesterday that the University is purchasing the Audubon Baptist Church and 3 adjoining residential properties for the new University Middle School. there will be room to ultimately add a high school facility as well. the property is the church icon in the image in the quoted post. one step closer to connecting the main and park avenue campuses

Good news, thanks for sharing. It can take decades - perhaps long after the originators have passed away - for a vision to fully come to fruition.

"Construction of the football program’s indoor practice facility is tentatively set to be completed by mid-summer.
Work on improvements to Elma Roane Fieldhouse is expected to begin in the next couple of months.
Plans to expand the Leftwich Tennis Center also are moving forward.
Despite the financial impact felt by the University of Memphis because of the coronavirus pandemic, the school’s facility projects remain on course, athletics director Laird Veatch said...
given the way public institutions plan for and finance facility projects, they are not in jeopardy of being put on hold or falling through completely.
“It can be challenging in this kind of environment,” he said. “(But) those kinds of projects typically come from earmarked dollars that have already been specifically set aside. So they don’t necessarily impact your annual operating expenses"

https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/s...278951002/

Looks extremely similar to the Tulsa Tennis facility in terms of layout. Obviously newer and maybe a bit larger in terms of # of courts.

Trust me, the University of Memphis has a lot of work to do when it comes to building athletic facilities. Building the Indoor Practice facility basically means the football team is good hands until a new stadium. Men's team is obviously in good hands. Building the tennis complex means they'll be okay. Soccer, is in good hands stadium wise, but they're lacking locker rooms drastically. Girls basketball and volleyball needs improvement (which is why they need to improve the field house), but volleyball needs improvement to their practice facility.
It'll take time! It will. While we're doing this, we're also building a new recreation center for students, music building for the band students (future project), and I believe there will be a new engineering building coming soon.
However, the university has got to have a crane on campus, it's practically a must. Hopefully, they'll be able to buy more probably that's sandwich in between main campus, and south campus.

(06-02-2020 02:50 PM)GoDownSwinging Wrote:  Trust me, the University of Memphis has a lot of work to do when it comes to building athletic facilities. Building the Indoor Practice facility basically means the football team is good hands until a new stadium. Men's team is obviously in good hands. Building the tennis complex means they'll be okay. Soccer, is in good hands stadium wise, but they're lacking locker rooms drastically. Girls basketball and volleyball needs improvement (which is why they need to improve the field house), but volleyball needs improvement to their practice facility.
It'll take time! It will. While we're doing this, we're also building a new recreation center for students, music building for the band students (future project), and I believe there will be a new engineering building coming soon.
However, the university has got to have a crane on campus, it's practically a must. Hopefully, they'll be able to buy more probably that's sandwich in between main campus, and south campus.

The Scheidt School of Music starts construction this summer. the new STEM engineering building was scheduled for state funding this calendar year but everything in Tennessee was pushed back a year due to the virus.
the next football need is new flooring in the weight room as the current floor is original to the building and 10 years old. Silverfield said that and some new equipment needed should come in under $400k

https://www.memphis.edu/musiccenter/

bumping an old thread but Dr Rudd put this out today. Its nice to see that despite the difficulties of the past year, this is still reasonably close to schedule and breaking ground

(05-18-2021 11:47 AM)tigerjeb Wrote:  bumping an old thread but Dr Rudd put this out today. Its nice to see that despite the difficulties of the past year, this is still reasonably close to schedule and breaking ground

Non Memphis folks underestimate the relationship between the city and university. Not that it hasn’t ebbed and flowed, but support has been on an uptrend for a while now.

total project costs have gone up $5 million due to the crazy increases in building materials. heres a story detailing that and the city floating the donors a loan guaranteed by the U of M to cover those increases along with design changes forced by the increased costs

https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroc...om-memphis

City, University of Memphis, FedEx celebrate tennis center upgrade named for Vietnam war hero
Samuel Hardiman
Memphis Commercial Appeal

A heady day for the Memphis tennis community Thursday was touched by a reminder of patriotic sacrifice.

The city of Memphis and the University of Memphis broke ground on the expansion of the Leftwich Tennis Center in East Memphis. The ceremonial shovels breached the earth in front of the monument to Lt. Col William Leftwich, a Memphis native and decorated Marine who was killed during the Vietnam War and the man for whom the center is named.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland quoted tennis great Arthur Ashe, who said, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

Strickland, a tennis player himself, said he hoped the new $24 million Leftwich would bring "bravery and resolve" to Memphians and honor Ashe and Leftwich by activating, as Ashe said, the urge to "serve others."

Scott Leftwich, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate like his father, thanked the city for the "tremendous honor" of rededicating the facility, which was built about a half-century ago.

The $24 million expansion will turn an old, tired facility into what University of Memphis President M. David Rudd has described as one of the best in the Southeast. The city-owned facility will be home to U of M's women's and men's tennis teams and could attract college and other tournaments

link to rest of story: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/n...638700002/