The Rock

[IU Scott]

Behold:

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Not good enough because they did not spend enough money on this project LOL!

 

[IU Scott]

Before doing the North and South end zones, they should have just built a new Stadium. And they should have built a new Basketball Arena. They've had oppurtunities to build state of the art facilities but they keep band aiding everything.

Some of you will never be happy will you, goodbye eyore

 

[Larryismyname]

I’ve been attending games at Memorial Stadium since the mid-70s.
I’ve seen the entire evolution. I, as Fred mentioned in his press conference, always hated the barbed wire fencing as well as that plexiglass cover on the East Side entrance that was so stained with pigeon droppings that it had turned yellow. I’ve been to probably 10 of the 14 stadiums in the Big 10. Many are bigger but not necessarily better. Been to the bowl games. Been to tiny BB&T stadium at Wake Forest. Actually loved the setting for North Carolina’s stadium. Stanford Cardinal stadium, the MAC stadiums. Walked around Maryland Byrd Stadium and thought it looked run down on the outside. Memorial Stadium is fine in my opinion. It’s not a 109,000 seat erector set but the design and style fits the campus.

Many of the new facilities feel commercial to me and the style doesn’t fit with the campus itself.
If you want to build something that looks like Space Mountain from Disney on the outside, that’s great, but to me it doesn’t feel like part of the university architecture. IU blended theirs well.

Been to both Stanford Stadiums. The new one has all the trappings of a modern facility but none of the character of the old one, which was nearly a bowl and included a running track for much of its life.

Kenan was / is gorgeous and fits well with their campus. Duke’s does, too, but it’s small.

As for IU, I never thought it fit well with the campus because it isn’t really part of the campus. Moving the athletic facilities to the far north end of IUB was probably a practical necessity, but it took the two main stadiums and put them (along with the New Fieldhouse) out in the middle of a field, which quickly became a white gravel parking lot. Not exactly a great look and never convenient for the students, and IU has been trying to make up for it ever since.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I’ve been attending games at Memorial Stadium since the mid-70s.
I’ve seen the entire evolution. I, as Fred mentioned in his press conference, always hated the barbed wire fencing as well as that plexiglass cover on the East Side entrance that was so stained with pigeon droppings that it had turned yellow. I’ve been to probably 10 of the 14 stadiums in the Big 10. Many are bigger but not necessarily better. Been to the bowl games. Been to tiny BB&T stadium at Wake Forest. Actually loved the setting for North Carolina’s stadium. Stanford Cardinal stadium, the MAC stadiums. Walked around Maryland Byrd Stadium and thought it looked run down on the outside. Memorial Stadium is fine in my opinion. It’s not a 109,000 seat erector set but the design and style fits the campus.

Many of the new facilities feel commercial to me and the style doesn’t fit with the campus itself.
If you want to build something that looks like Space Mountain from Disney on the outside, that’s great, but to me it doesn’t feel like part of the university architecture. IU blended theirs well.

Your post reminded me that had also checked out the stadiums at GT and UVA, although I didn't attend games there. Both looked like good places to see a game.......as you said about MS, both fit into campus.

Like you, I'd rather go to an older stadium that fits well with the campus than a newer stadium that's out in the middle of a field. PSU & UK are examples of newer stadiums that are somewhat separated from the campus.. UK's stadium is newer than MS but doesn't have much character.

I've been to Bama's stadium, but not inside. It's also a newer stadium, but it's right on campus. I really wonder about the parking situation there. For whatever reason I expected Bama's campus to have a lot of older buildings, but almost everything there is newish and brick.

 

[Indianaftw]

absolutely no idea what you think building new would accomplish.

He thinks we would start bleeding 5 star recruits overnight

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Been to both Stanford Stadiums. The new one has all the trappings of a modern facility but none of the character of the old one, which was nearly a bowl and included a running track for much of its life.

Kenan was / is gorgeous and fits well with their campus. Duke’s does, too, but it’s small.

As for IU, I never thought it fit well with the campus because it isn’t really part of the campus. Moving the athletic facilities to the far north end of IUB was probably a practical necessity, but it took the two main stadiums and put them (along with the New Fieldhouse) out in the middle of a field, which quickly became a white gravel parking lot. Not exactly a great look and never convenient for the students, and IU has been trying to make up for it ever since.

True enough about MS's location, but it does at least border the campus, and there are green areas nearby. I hope the U will resist the temptation to fill in the remaining green areas. And maybe move the IU credit union out and green up that space.

It's too bad they didn't plant a lot more trees 50 years ago.......with the landscaping they're doing now, including everything they've done west of the IU baseball stadium and in the SEZ, it will look dramatically better in 10 years or so.

 

[MyTeamIsOnTheFloor]

Always finding the dark cloud in the silver lining, eh?

Some people hate sunshine.

Many people these days confuse "negative" with "intellectual." They feel superior when they make negative comments about everything, because it "proves" they are the only ones smart enough to see the cracks, weaknesses, failures, problems. The little people who aren't as smart as they are can't see it - only elite thinkers can point out these things. The whole Woodstock Generation thing, where they could describe in great detail why society was awful, but couldn't pick up their own garbage,

Me? I think our stadium looks better than it ever has. The improvements will help us be a better football program, a better athletic department and a better university. I'm stupid, but happy.

 

[RBB89]

20 years...

 

[turney333]

Been to both Stanford Stadiums. The new one has all the trappings of a modern facility but none of the character of the old one, which was nearly a bowl and included a running track for much of its life.

Kenan was / is gorgeous and fits well with their campus. Duke’s does, too, but it’s small.

As for IU, I never thought it fit well with the campus because it isn’t really part of the campus. Moving the athletic facilities to the far north end of IUB was probably a practical necessity, but it took the two main stadiums and put them (along with the New Fieldhouse) out in the middle of a field, which quickly became a white gravel parking lot. Not exactly a great look and never convenient for the students, and IU has been trying to make up for it ever since.

Though part of the reason MS was built that far north, was that at the time of its construction, there were plans to expand the main part of campus in that direction. I think everything east of Dunn and south of the 17th had been allocated for future expansion projects with the goal of accommodating a student population of 60-70k, thus making the athletics complex an integrated part of campus. However, shortly after completion of MS, the university probably correctly determined that a student population that large would present too big a logistical challenge for IU and Bloomington and decided instead to expand existing and create new regional campuses.

 

[Larryismyname]

Though part of the reason MS was built that far north, was that at the time of its construction, there were plans to expand the main part of campus in that direction. I think everything east of Dunn and south of the 17th had been allocated for future expansion projects with the goal of accommodating a student population of 60-70k, thus making the athletics complex an integrated part of campus. However, shortly after completion of MS, the university probably correctly determined that a student population that large would present too big a logistical challenge for IU and Bloomington and decided instead to expand existing and create new regional campuses.

I knew some of what you’ve mentioned here, but you’ve added far more detail. Interesting that they envisioned such a big campus at the time, which seems inconceivable given the size and ingress / egress challenges presented by little Bloomington.

 

[Bowlmania]

Though part of the reason MS was built that far north, was that at the time of its construction, there were plans to expand the main part of campus in that direction. I think everything east of Dunn and south of the 17th had been allocated for future expansion projects with the goal of accommodating a student population of 60-70k, thus making the athletics complex an integrated part of campus. However, shortly after completion of MS, the university probably correctly determined that a student population that large would present too big a logistical challenge for IU and Bloomington and decided instead to expand existing and create new regional campuses.

I never found it inconvenient at all, as a student or an alum. Granted, it's a pretty good hike from the southeast corner of campus, but it's extremely convenient for thousands of students in Briscoe, McNutt, Foster, all the north side apartments, and many of the frats/sororities along N. Jordan. Also, onsite parking is a luxury not available at many other schools.

 

[IUgradman]

The athletics campus has been made more pedestrain friendly over the years. 17th Street now has sidewalks from Fee to Walnut, Assembly Hall has a nice plaza facing campus, the parking lots north of Memorial Stadium have been landscaped, and now you have the plaza in front of the south end-zone complex.

 

[Hoosier009]

20 years...

We have come a long way baby. No time to start resting...

 

[Chriselli]

I’ve been attending games at Memorial Stadium since the mid-70s.
I’ve seen the entire evolution. I, as Fred mentioned in his press conference, always hated the barbed wire fencing as well as that plexiglass cover on the East Side entrance that was so stained with pigeon droppings that it had turned yellow. I’ve been to probably 10 of the 14 stadiums in the Big 10. Many are bigger but not necessarily better. Been to the bowl games. Been to tiny BB&T stadium at Wake Forest. Actually loved the setting for North Carolina’s stadium. Stanford Cardinal stadium, the MAC stadiums. Walked around Maryland Byrd Stadium and thought it looked run down on the outside. Memorial Stadium is fine in my opinion. It’s not a 109,000 seat erector set but the design and style fits the campus.

Many of the new facilities feel commercial to me and the style doesn’t fit with the campus itself.
If you want to build something that looks like Space Mountain from Disney on the outside, that’s great, but to me it doesn’t feel like part of the university architecture. IU blended theirs well.

I've not been to Wisconsin, the new Minnesota stadium, or Nebraska, but I'm looking forward to checking Minnesota off this year.

I've never been to the state of Nebraska, so I'm lining it up so that the 50th state I visit is Nebraska for the game next October. I've seen IU play in 20-odd states, and driven through many others to get to them, and I think it will be a really personal tribute to the excitement that Indiana football has brought me to have the Hoosiers see me through my quest for all 50 states.

 

[turney333]

I knew some of what you’ve mentioned here, but you’ve added far more detail. Interesting that they envisioned such a big campus at the time, which seems inconceivable given the size and ingress / egress challenges presented by little Bloomington.

I do wonder how the plans ever got that big. Either the plan kept getting incrementally increased and they forgot to take a step back, or perhaps there was some proposed highway/transportation project that fell through, either way it seems inconceivable now.

 

[Larryismyname]

I've not been to Wisconsin, the new Minnesota stadium, or Nebraska, but I'm looking forward to checking Minnesota off this year.

I've never been to the state of Nebraska, so I'm lining it up so that the 50th state I visit is Nebraska for the game next October. I've seen IU play in 20-odd states, and driven through many others to get to them, and I think it will be a really personal tribute to the excitement that Indiana football has brought me to have the Hoosiers see me through my quest for all 50 states.

You’ll love everything about Nebraska, with the possible exception of getting there. Lincoln has a cool downtown area adjacent to the stadium, and the gameday experience is great. Friendly people, a large stadium that’s been sold out since the early 60’s, and deep loyalty to their program. If it works, fly to Omaha. It’s an easy hour drive to UNL and your airfare will be half that of a flight to Lincoln.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

I never found it inconvenient at all, as a student or an alum. Granted, it's a pretty good hike from the southeast corner of campus, but it's extremely convenient for thousands of students in Briscoe, McNutt, Foster, all the north side apartments, and many of the frats/sororities along N. Jordan. Also, onsite parking is a luxury not available at many other schools.

There is something magical about having the stadium in the middle of campus but it also causes a ton of logistics issues just getting around it.

IU's setup is a further walk for students south of tenth or east of Jordan but it also creates the tremendous tailgating and parking advantage of having the vast majority of parking right on site. Visiting fans are always envious of IUs setup. Don't have the messy chopped up tailgate and parking experiences we see on so many campuses. Tenth street stadium and Wildermuth were much smaller buildings than today's stadiums.

Lots of new residential construction going on on the west side of Dunn.

 

[Larryismyname]

There is something magical about having the stadium in the middle of campus but it also causes a ton of logistics issues just getting around it.

IU's setup is a further walk for students south of tenth or east of Jordan but it also creates the tremendous tailgating and parking advantage of having the vast majority of parking right on site. Visiting fans are always envious of IUs setup. Don't have the messy chopped up tailgate and parking experiences we see on so many campuses. Tenth street stadium and Wildermuth were much smaller buildings than today's stadiums.

Lots of new residential construction going on on the west side of Dunn.

The ease of tailgating is what has led to its proliferation, with many people coming to MS with no intention of ever entering the stadium. IU has fed the monster by allowing open access via pass out privileges, taking concession money from their own pockets and almost encouraging fans to leave the confines to visit their vehicles (many never to return to their seats). It’s a phenomenon you rarely see at any other venue, college or professional.

 

[Bowlmania]

There is something magical about having the stadium in the middle of campus but it also causes a ton of logistics issues just getting around it.

IU's setup is a further walk for students south of tenth or east of Jordan but it also creates the tremendous tailgating and parking advantage of having the vast majority of parking right on site. Visiting fans are always envious of IUs setup. Don't have the messy chopped up tailgate and parking experiences we see on so many campuses. Tenth street stadium and Wildermuth were much smaller buildings than today's stadiums.

Lots of new residential construction going on on the west side of Dunn.

Great points. Tailgating is an important part of the overall experience, and we do that very well.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

Great points. Tailgating is an important part of the overall experience, and we do that very well.

It's not just tailgating but that is a big part of the football game day experience everywhere...it is just better at IU in part due to the ability to move and socialize. IU grads (in general) just seem to have a deeper connection to their alma matre and to Btown than other alumni bases. Football Saturdays is a part of that.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

We have come a long way baby. No time to start resting...

Spot on because the Purdues, Illinois, NW, of the world will eventually work to catch up. IU needs to raise the bar again.

 

[Crimson Crush]

One of the worst stadiums I can say I’ve visited was Independence Stadium in Shreveport.

I recall walking through something like a 4H fairground to get into the stadium. Literally, like animal stables on the back side of that stadium.

Many of those old school bowls aren’t the prime travel destination spots.

 

[Crimson Crush]

There is something magical about having the stadium in the middle of campus but it also causes a ton of logistics issues just getting around it.

IU's setup is a further walk for students south of tenth or east of Jordan but it also creates the tremendous tailgating and parking advantage of having the vast majority of parking right on site. Visiting fans are always envious of IUs setup. Don't have the messy chopped up tailgate and parking experiences we see on so many campuses. Tenth street stadium and Wildermuth were much smaller buildings than today's stadiums.

Lots of new residential construction going on on the west side of Dunn.

If you’ve ever been to Knoxville, it’s amazing they can park that many fans around that area. There has to be parking across the river because there is virtually no lots around Neyland Stadium. It’s surrounded by university buildings.

 

[Larryismyname]

If you’ve ever been to Knoxville, it’s amazing they can park that many fans around that area. There has to be parking across the river because there is virtually no lots around Neyland Stadium. It’s surrounded by university buildings.

Many / most bigger (and “fuller) stadiums park fans in close proximity, and the tailgating is every bit as good as what you find at IU. The difference is that fans are there to see the game first and foremost rather than as something do between trips to the college.

 

[Bowlmania]

If you’ve ever been to Knoxville, it’s amazing they can park that many fans around that area. There has to be parking across the river because there is virtually no lots around Neyland Stadium. It’s surrounded by university buildings.

Yep. Many stadiums involve long walks, or waiting for and then riding uncomfortable buses/shuttles to/from the facility.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

If you’ve ever been to Knoxville, it’s amazing they can park that many fans around that area. There has to be parking across the river because there is virtually no lots around Neyland Stadium. It’s surrounded by university buildings.

Lots of busses. Parking scattered all over town. We are fortunate indeed in this particular aspect.

 

[76-1]

One of the worst stadiums I can say I’ve visited was Independence Stadium in Shreveport.

I recall walking through something like a 4H fairground to get into the stadium. Literally, like animal stables on the back side of that stadium.

Many of those old school bowls aren’t the prime travel destination spots.

Sure you aren't my mixing that experience up with the last Bucket game?

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I've not been to Wisconsin, the new Minnesota stadium, or Nebraska, but I'm looking forward to checking Minnesota off this year.

I've never been to the state of Nebraska, so I'm lining it up so that the 50th state I visit is Nebraska for the game next October. I've seen IU play in 20-odd states, and driven through many others to get to them, and I think it will be a really personal tribute to the excitement that Indiana football has brought me to have the Hoosiers see me through my quest for all 50 states.

We drove through Nebraska on the way to Yellowstone one year. About 1/2 way through the state the landscape changes dramatically from mid western to pure western. Very interesting to observe. If you get a chance, check it out.