Memorial Stadium renovations coming?

[Pazhoosier85]

Sounds like plans are in the works already.

 

[secondasky]

Article mentions no additional seating at this time. If that holds true, huge mistake.

 

[Tammany Hall]

Not much detail in there. Glad they’re working on it.

The stadium seems close to about the right size — could add a few thousand more seats, but I don’t see a need for anything drastic. You could get into UW for just $40. The one or two marquee games will be pricey, but the rest of the games will continue to be fairly cheap.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

View embedded media

Sounds like plans are in the works already.

I cannot see the article but they recently collected feedback on premium seating and other enhancements. Before Covid there was enough interest in leasing suites on the east side but that was tabled with the bugdet issues at the time. I suspect we will soon hear about opportunities to get those suites going. Lots of businesses in Indy are interested.

 

[Walt542]

Article mentions no additional seating at this time. If that holds true, huge mistake.

Yes, that was the plan pre Cignetti. Now they should be reconsidering that. At least get it up to 60,000 at this time and plan for more later if Cig hangs around and makes IU a regular football contender.

 

[Bucket Getter]

I cannot see the article but they recently collected feedback on premium seating and other enhancements. Before Covid there was enough interest in leasing suites on the east side but that was tabled with the bugdet issues at the time. I suspect we will soon hear about opportunities to get those suites going. Lots of businesses in Indy are interested.

I’m fairly certain that’s why they added the field level and Sample Terrace “suites” in the SEZ. Trial type thing with temporary suites (and pricing) to gauge interest. It’s been a complete success.

 

[td75]

With the CFP and the dynamics of hosting a potential playoff game, I wonder how important seating capacity becomes?

 

[Courtsensetwo]

I’m fairly certain that’s why they added the field level and Sample Terrace “suites” in the SEZ. Trial type thing with temporary suites (and pricing) to gauge interest. It’s been a complete success.

Could be. Those suites come from a vendor that manages these tents at several stadiums. You can’t see shit that low in the end zone so they are good for entertaining guests that are not all that into the game. You are right though they have been successful

 

[4NDANA]

Do you think you lose much seating capacity if they did something like chair back seats in the sections below the lower entry or sections either side of the fifty? May premium price some of us out of our current seats?

 

[kurt cloverdales]

amen, don't need more seats though, just seats and amenities, u of l over built, 50k full and seats in demand is much better than 65 with 10 k empty

 

[jjwwss]

amen, don't need more seats though, just seats and amenities, u of l over built, 50k full and seats in demand is much better than 65 with 10 k empty

Please seats with backs.

 

[Tammany Hall]

Do you think you lose much seating capacity if they did something like chair back seats in the sections below the lower entry or sections either side of the fifty? May premium price some of us out of our current seats?

You lose a decent amount of capacity -- Cal went from 72K to 62K just by adding individual seats and bench backs in place of bleachers. Of course it's a case by case basis depending on the renovation.

I'm pretty sure some sections around the 50 will be converted to premium individual seats or at least bench backs. Sort of like a larger version of the Henke Hall of Champs seats in the north end zone.

I would guess some bleachers will be added to offset capacity loss. The corners can be filled in where the green matts are, the south endzone has quite a bit of space that could be seats, and I'd guess the east side may be built up a little higher, new suites will probably go there too someday. We'll see.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

You lose a decent amount of capacity -- Cal went from 72K to 62K just by adding individual seats and bench backs in place of bleachers. Of course it's a case by case basis depending on the renovation.

I'm pretty sure some sections around the 50 will be converted to premium individual seats or at least bench backs. Sort of like a larger version of the Henke Hall of Champs seats in the north end zone.

I would guess some bleachers will be added to offset capacity loss. The corners can be filled in where the green matts are, the south endzone has quite a bit of space that could be seats, and I'd guess the east side may be built up a little higher, new suites will probably go there too someday. We'll see.

I am sure the comfy chairs will happen and displace some folks with really good seats. Not a fun process.

 

[Tammany Hall]

amen, don't need more seats though, just seats and amenities, u of l over built, 50k full and seats in demand is much better than 65 with 10 k empty

Exactly. Illinois is too big. Louisville overbuilt too. No point in building a stadium that is only full for two or three games per year.

It's tough to see a case for more than 53-55K until we have way more season ticket holders and easily sell out cupcake games.

Also have to consider the future of sports viewing will someday start to include more VR and alternatives like these sports bars with mini-IMAX's (these look incredible). It's a long-term trend that makes watching away from the stadium even better and probably limits how many seats are needed further into the future.

It is nice the stadium looks pretty good right now, despite the old press box. Looking back just 20 years to the old dinky little north and south bleachers and wow we have come a long way.

 

[jacksback]

More bathroom facilities please! The lines just to get into the men's pisser is insane during these sold out games. Not to mention more porta potties outside as they've been literally overflowing lately.

 

[Grateful Redbeard]

The press box is sooo outdated. It needs to be torn down and then rebuilt with a bunch of suites that stretch from end zone to end zone on the west side. Stack them 4 suites high and add some loge seating as well. There's no better way to make $$ than to add more premium seating offerings. I'd much rather see us upgrade the stadium, amenities, bathrooms, and big screens all before we worry about increasing the stadium to seat 75K.

I think something like what Cincinnati did would be a great model for IU to improve upon: https://www.aro.net/nippert-stadium/

 

[Tammany Hall]

The press box is sooo outdated. It needs to be torn down and then rebuilt with a bunch of suites that stretch from end zone to end zone on the west side. Stack them 4 suites high and add some loge seating as well. There's no better way to make $$ than to add more premium seating offerings. I'd much rather see us upgrade the stadium, amenities, bathrooms, and big screens all before we worry about increasing the stadium to seat 75K.

I think something like what Cincinnati did would be a great model for IU to improve upon: https://www.aro.net/nippert-stadium/

Nippert is a cool stadium. I like the outdoor loge seating vs all behind glass. Some version of that would be sweet.

My guess is they're going to build up behind the east stands, something like the below, though with our signature limestone accented design/architecture that looks really good. It's easier to do this on the east side vs. the west side. But as you said the press box for sure needs to be updated too, which could make a case for some west sides suites as well? Idk.

 

[IUgradman]

You don’t want suites on the east side because the sun will make it hard to see.

 

[WhyisIUBBcursed]

I am sure the comfy chairs will happen and displace some folks with really good seats. Not a fun process.

One thing I loved about the Nebraska game was sitting 50 yard line row 13 and stood the entire game. Comfy seats are going to make it way too easy for the old f—-ers to sit

 

[IUNorth]

Nippert is a cool stadium. I like the outdoor loge seating vs all behind glass. Some version of that would be sweet.

My guess is they're going to build up behind the east stands, something like the below, though with our signature limestone accented design/architecture that looks really good. It's easier to do this on the east side vs. the west side. But as you said the press box for sure needs to be updated too, which could make a case for some west sides suites as well? Idk.

I'm sure it'll end up being something like the Wake pictures, and what you describe.

If I were them, I'd do something on both sides though. Put a really nice building, like the Wake building, on the West side, with the top of it being a big endzone to endzone press box/suites. Even if that means cutting out the top 10+ rows.

Then add a concourse building on the east side, and build a small upper deck above it. Again, even if you need to cut out some of the top rows.

Replace some of the lower bleacher seating with nicer individual seats.

Obviously tie both sides in will with the North and South End Zone structures.

Ending capacity still in the low 50s. A huge nice press box, a bunch of nice suites. Much better concourses with some restaurants and more bathrooms and concession areas.

 

[Tammany Hall]

I'm sure it'll end up being something like the Wake pictures, and what you describe.

If I were them, I'd do something on both sides though. Put a really nice building, like the Wake building, on the West side, with the top of it being a big endzone to endzone press box/suites. Even if that means cutting out the top 10+ rows.

Then add a concourse building on the east side, and build a small upper deck above it. Again, even if you need to cut out some of the top rows.

Replace some of the lower bleacher seating with nicer individual seats.

Obviously tie both sides in will with the North and South End Zone structures.

Ending capacity still in the low 50s. A huge nice press box, a bunch of nice suites. Much better concourses with some restaurants and more bathrooms and concession areas.

Could happen. The East and West stands are 65 years old, if there are useful life considerations and it’s hard to retrofit them with premium seating, we may see a larger project and those stands rebuilt.

 

[Al Bino]

Where would they play while these renovations are going on?

 

[IUNorth]

Where would they play while these renovations are going on?

Depends on how they do it. Vandy has been playing in the stadium while their renovations are on going. Not sure if that's feasible with whatever the details would end up being, or not. Northwestern showed that temporary stadiums can be pulled off, but I'm not sure there's anything in or around Bloomington that would be as marketable as the Lake front stadium they whipped up.

So maybe Lucas Oil if they needed to?

 

[Walt542]

Where would they play while these renovations are going on?

They played there all during both the north and south end zone renovations. Should be able to manage it again.

 

[Grateful Redbeard]

Nippert is a cool stadium. I like the outdoor loge seating vs all behind glass. Some version of that would be sweet.

My guess is they're going to build up behind the east stands, something like the below, though with our signature limestone accented design/architecture that looks really good. It's easier to do this on the east side vs. the west side. But as you said the press box for sure needs to be updated too, which could make a case for some west sides suites as well? Idk.

With the sun shining into the east stands, I think you'd want to tear down the old press box and add suites to the west side 1st. The appetite and $$ is there to fill those things, and that's the most $/Sq Ft IU can make. The press box is a dump and we need suites more than we need another stand and adding capacity. The pics you shared above are cool as well. There are a lot of options and I'm sure a high end architecture firm would come up with something that will blow us all away.

 

[Tammany Hall]

With the sun shining into the east stands, I think you'd want to tear down the old press box and add suites to the west side 1st. The appetite and $$ is there to fill those things, and that's the most $/Sq Ft IU can make. The press box is a dump and we need suites more than we need another stand and adding capacity. The pics you shared above are cool as well. There are a lot of options and I'm sure a high end architecture firm would come up with something that will blow us all away.

I heard there were pre-covid plans for east side suites, but that’s a good point on the sun, maybe the suites go on the west side after all. I have no idea and am happy either way.

It’s fun to think about. Nice thing is the current stadium is pretty good, so all of this is upside.

 

[Bucket Getter]

I'm sure it'll end up being something like the Wake pictures, and what you describe.

If I were them, I'd do something on both sides though. Put a really nice building, like the Wake building, on the West side, with the top of it being a big endzone to endzone press box/suites. Even if that means cutting out the top 10+ rows.

Then add a concourse building on the east side, and build a small upper deck above it. Again, even if you need to cut out some of the top rows.

Replace some of the lower bleacher seating with nicer individual seats.

Obviously tie both sides in will with the North and South End Zone structures.

Ending capacity still in the low 50s. A huge nice press box, a bunch of nice suites. Much better concourses with some restaurants and more bathrooms and concession areas.

That’d be a home run plan. Until recently, I’d have said “not a chance in h that happens!” Now, I’m not so sure. Dolson is showing his chops. And the prez is right there with him. She actually visited the SEZ suite next to mine last game. Pretty cool to see her excited about the sport before basketball. 😉

 

[Bucket Getter]

With the sun shining into the east stands, I think you'd want to tear down the old press box and add suites to the west side 1st. The appetite and $$ is there to fill those things, and that's the most $/Sq Ft IU can make. The press box is a dump and we need suites more than we need another stand and adding capacity. The pics you shared above are cool as well. There are a lot of options and I'm sure a high end architecture firm would come up with something that will blow us all away.

I’d hope they don’t hire the crew that did the SEZ. Although it’s nice and serves the overall purpose, I still don’t think it meshes nearly as well as the NEZ. Kinda looks like an afterthought comparatively speaking.

 

[Tammany Hall]

Where would they play while these renovations are going on?

I think they stick to using the stadium during construction. The renovation may not affect the seating bowl very much, in which case fans just have to navigate some construction. If they are going to do serious work on the east and west stands, I’d guess they try to get most of that done in the springs/summers to minimize the impact to games.

I kinda doubt they play a season at Lucas Oil. That would stink.

All guesses on my part.

 

[Tammany Hall]

I’d hope they don’t hire the crew that did the SEZ. Although it’s nice and serves the overall purpose, I still don’t think it meshes nearly as well as the NEZ. Kinda looks like an afterthought comparatively speaking.

It’s sort of silly the SEZ was built and they still have all this open space and temporary tent suites on the field. It looks okay, but they could have built more permanent premium seating with the option to add more general seating if demand was there. That’s some valuable space not used so well, probably fixable if they want but I am not sure. Not a big deal though.

 

[Bucket Getter]

I think they stick to using the stadium during construction. The renovation may not affect the seating bowl very much, in which case fans just have to navigate some construction. If they are going to do serious work on the east and west stands, I’d guess they try to get most of that done in the springs/summers to minimize the impact to games.

I kinda doubt they play a season at Lucas Oil. That would stink.

All guesses on my part.

It wouldn’t be ideal for students, but it’d be a 17-minute drive for me. 😂

 

[goody1986]

View embedded media

Sounds like plans are in the works already.

If I were IU, I'd consider some of the following:

1) Expand suites, loge boxes, club seating, and press box. Could be done on west and/or east side, and additional permanent high-end seating at the field level.
2) Replace a good % of bench seats with seat backs. Say 25-50%. This would reduce capacity substantially, so it would require adding seating elsewhere.
3) Lower some of the higher walls near the corners of the end zones and fill those in with additional seats (the areas where you see that fake grass and IU Health advertisements. It would only provide a small increase in seating but would look much better.
4) The top level of the SEZ is really underutilized. All the space use iterations we've seen of that space in the short time it has been around let's us know that it just wasn't designed well from the start. Get rid of the tents and empty rooftop look with additional suites and standard seating.
5) Fill in the weird gaps between the stands and SEZ with additional seating or at least something aesthetically pleasing. Trees, plants, branding.
6) To the extent possible, follow the aesthetics of the NEZ which is far and away the most attractive portion of the stadium.
7) Double the number of bathrooms and concessions.
8) Keep the capacity between 53-58k. Design for the option of future expansion
9) Expand the used space in the concourses on the east side all the way to the fence surrounding the stadium
10) Build a new football-only facility next to Mellencamp.
11) Follow the lead of Notre Dame and other stadiums and include classroom and office space in any additions. This allows you to build a more 365 building and beautify it in process.
12) Get a modern sound system
13) Get a modern LED lighting system that actually has color capability. The AD went cheap a few years ago and bought us lighting technology from the early auts. We've seen incredible gameday vibes created with creative lightning and sound displays at Bama, UGA, Tennessee, South Carolina, and a few others. Catch up.

 

[abraxis]

The press box is sooo outdated. It needs to be torn down and then rebuilt with a bunch of suites that stretch from end zone to end zone on the west side. Stack them 4 suites high and add some loge seating as well. There's no better way to make $$ than to add more premium seating offerings. I'd much rather see us upgrade the stadium, amenities, bathrooms, and big screens all before we worry about increasing the stadium to seat 75K.

I think something like what Cincinnati did would be a great model for IU to improve upon: https://www.aro.net/nippert-stadium/

Before making all these expensive, structural stadium changes, including increasing seating capacity to 75 K as suggested, we might want to wait and see how sustainable our very recent success proves to be. I remember how big ticket demand was the latter half of the “Rags to Riches” season and into the following ‘68-‘69 season. What was discovered is that disappointment breeds disinterest. Let’s wait and see how this all plays out, figuratively and literally, so speaketh David Downer, brother of Debbie.

 

[IUNorth]

If I were IU, I'd consider some of the following:

1) Expand suites, loge boxes, club seating, and press box. Could be done on west and/or east side, and additional permanent high-end seating at the field level.
2) Replace a good % of bench seats with seat backs. Say 25-50%. This would reduce capacity substantially, so it would require adding seating elsewhere.
3) Lower some of the higher walls near the corners of the end zones and fill those in with additional seats (the areas where you see that fake grass and IU Health advertisements. It would only provide a small increase in seating but would look much better.
4) The top level of the SEZ is really underutilized. All the space use iterations we've seen of that space in the short time it has been around let's us know that it just wasn't designed well from the start. Get rid of the tents and empty rooftop look with additional suites and standard seating.
5) Fill in the weird gaps between the stands and SEZ with additional seating or at least something aesthetically pleasing. Trees, plants, branding.
6) To the extent possible, follow the aesthetics of the NEZ which is far and away the most attractive portion of the stadium.
7) Double the number of bathrooms and concessions.
8) Keep the capacity between 53-58k. Design for the option of future expansion
9) Expand the used space in the concourses on the east side all the way to the fence surrounding the stadium
10) Build a new football-only facility next to Mellencamp.
11) Follow the lead of Notre Dame and other stadiums and include classroom and office space in any additions. This allows you to build a more 365 building and beautify it in process.
12) Get a modern sound system
13) Get a modern LED lighting system that actually has color capability. The AD went cheap a few years ago and bought us lighting technology from the early auts. We've seen incredible gameday vibes created with creative lightning and sound displays at Bama, UGA, Tennessee, South Carolina, and a few others. Catch up.

Expanding on your points 10 and 11...

Do sensible things to improve press box, add luxury suites, improve some of the premium seating, and create better concourses. I would, for sure, try to create structures that can be utilized outside football season, as you pointed out.

But make sure you have money in the kitty to replace Mellencamp with a new indoor practice facility.

The post below about waiting to see how sustainable this success is...there are a lot of "chicken or the egg" type elements at play. I'd strongly contend that modernizing the stadium AND then wowing with a new practice facility will help attract recruits and coaching candidates, which will help sustain our new found national relevance.

The alternative is waiting to see how it goes, and be completely dependent on the coaching staffs. I say strike while the irons hot.

 

[Grateful Redbeard]

Before making all these expensive, structural stadium changes, including increasing seating capacity to 75 K as suggested, we might want to wait and see how sustainable our very recent success proves to be. I remember how big ticket demand was the latter half of the “Rags to Riches” season and into the following ‘68-‘69 season. What was discovered is that disappointment breeds disinterest. Let’s wait and see how this all plays out, figuratively and literally, so speaketh David Downer, brother of Debbie.

I totally agree and would want expanding our capacity to 75K to be at the very bottom on our stadium upgrade to-do list. The suites would be sold on multi year leases, so a bad season wouldn't diminish the income immediately. Cig might not be taking us to the CFP every year, but we also won't be pining for 6-6 and the motor city bowl. 9-3 as a baseline would mean MS is sold out every home game. I believe that is totally within Cig's abilities to achieve.

 

[Grateful Redbeard]

Expanding on your points 10 and 11...

Do sensible things to improve press box, add luxury suites, improve some of the premium seating, and create better concourses. I would, for sure, try to create structures that can be utilized outside football season, as you pointed out.

But make sure you have money in the kitty to replace Mellencamp with a new indoor practice facility.

The post below about waiting to see how sustainable this success is...there are a lot of "chicken or the egg" type elements at play. I'd strongly contend that modernizing the stadium AND then wowing with a new practice facility will help attract recruits and coaching candidates, which will help sustain our new found national relevance.

The alternative is waiting to see how it goes, and be completely dependent on the coaching staffs. I say strike while the irons hot.

I think a practice facility/football complex is the most important facility upgrade needed. I'm going to look like I'm a UC Bearcat fan, but they are very close to us geographically, in stadium size, and are in a P4 conference. I believe that IU is a much better job, mostly due to being in the B10, but UC is kicking our ass with their stadium and practice facilities. They are way ahead of us, but the $$ is there if we keep winning and selling out MS. I guarantee that the most optimistic budget ever made by the athletic dept for 2024 has been absolutely blown out of the water already, and we still have 1 more home game left. We are talking going from like a $30,000,000 projection to a $60,000,000 haul from football. That's program changing $$ that will get reinvested in facilities and coaches salaries. While the price tag on UC's practice facility was like $130,000,000, Penn St is about to start a $700,000,000 stadium renovation. We can join the facilities arms race if we sellout all our home games every fall.

https://ipf.gobearcats.com/

 

[IUNorth]

I think a practice facility/football complex is the most important facility upgrade needed. I'm going to look like I'm a UC Bearcat fan, but they are very close to us geographically, in stadium size, and are in a P4 conference. I believe that IU is a much better job, mostly due to being in the B10, but UC is kicking our ass with their stadium and practice facilities. They are way ahead of us, but the $$ is there if we keep winning and selling out MS. I guarantee that the most optimistic budget ever made by the athletic dept for 2024 has been absolutely blown out of the water already, and we still have 1 more home game left. We are talking going from like a $30,000,000 projection to a $60,000,000 haul from football. That's program changing $$ that will get reinvested in facilities and coaches salaries. While the price tag on UC's practice facility was like $130,000,000, Penn St is about to start a $700,000,000 stadium renovation. We can join the facilities arms race if we sellout all our home games every fall.

https://ipf.gobearcats.com/

Agree totally. And maybe this isn't financially or logistically feasible, but why not tie in to one or both of our world class schools, and make the practice facility also an academic facility for the school of medicine and/or the business school? Lots of very cool potential things for sports medicine and/or sports management in such a building?!

 

[IUgradman]

IU’s football facilities are built into Memorial Stadium. The meeting rooms, weight room, coaches’ offices, academic center, cafeteria, locker room, and player’s lounge are all pretty new or have been recently renovated. A football only facility would be redundant.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

I’m all in for this if we schedule some night games:

 

[IUNorth]

IU’s football facilities are built into Memorial Stadium. The meeting rooms, weight room, coaches’ offices, academic center, cafeteria, locker room, and player’s lounge are all pretty new or have been recently renovated. A football only facility would be redundant.

Maybe...but necessary none the less. They can repurpose the MS areas if a new practice facility takes over for these places.

Relevancy in major college football is an arms race. IU has played their way in to that race, they're going to have to spend money to stay in it, or it won't have lasting power.