Illinois Renaissance: The Renovation of Memorial Stadium

[Dan]

http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/

Looks like the more info will be added to the website soon.

[Illini25]

Ahhhh...very cool! :cool:

[illini4everjp]

I wonder where they are going to put the lifesize stature of the Galloping Ghost? :D :D

[Dan]

Probably a bit of a rush job to get that website up and running, as it was linked from a beautiful "Illinois Renaissance" brochure that arrived to donors today. "seamless" should be "seamlessly", and they should remove the "live webcam" text.

[Dan]

A look at some of the brochure, and I posted more info here (http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/GoIllini/20051107_illinois_renaissance_the_renovation_of_memorial_stadium).

http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/i/20051107-memorial-stadium-renovation-1.jpg

http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/i/20051107-memorial-stadium-renovation-2.jpg

http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/i/20051107-memorial-stadium-renovation-3.jpg

http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/i/20051107-memorial-stadium-renovation-5.jpg

[FightingIllinut]

very nice thread and info Dan, thanks!!

[Dan]

Official website up top now looks to be in working order.

[JCJP]

I don't know about everyone, but i can't wait. That too cool.

[FightingIllinut]

cant hurt recruiting to have a nice modern facility...but i thought they were earmarking 100 million to build a basketball stadium...they had done a feasibility study and it was obvious that renovating the hall wasnt a option and that rebuilding was the obvious choice...also my brother says that UofI doesnt own Assembly Hall and that it is leased from thew city for events which begs the question why consider renovating something you dont own....the new scoreboard in the Hall is a great start though :)

[TheTownie]

I'm all for the renovations at Memorial Stadium. I've yet to find out ( and if anyone knows I'd be thankful for the info) how they plan to address seating of the folks outside the club seats and luxury boxes. Are those awful metal bleachers going to FINALLY be removed? Will individual seats WITH BACKS ever be a reality? I know that would probably reduce capacity a little but it's better to have 55,000 comfortable fans than 40,000 in a place that seats 70,000 because the seats suck. I'm enthused about the remodel, but for the love of all that is holy GET RID OF THOSE METAL BLEACHERS!!!

[FightingIllinut]

I'm all for the renovations at Memorial Stadium. I've yet to find out ( and if anyone knows I'd be thankful for the info) how they plan to address seating of the folks outside the club seats and luxury boxes. Are those awful metal bleachers going to FINALLY be removed? Will individual seats WITH BACKS ever be a reality? I know that would probably reduce capacity a little but it's better to have 55,000 comfortable fans than 40,000 in a place that seats 70,000 because the seats suck. I'm enthused about the remodel, but for the love of all that is holy GET RID OF THOSE METAL BLEACHERS!!!
from the sounds of it the lack of any mention regarding improved general seating i would tend to believe the bleachers will remain

[illini4everjp]

http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2006/02/10/sports/mark_tupper/1013023.txt

Of the 52 suites being offered initially to I-Fund donors who annually contribute to the school's athletic department, 48 already have been sold. And many of these are priced between $45,000 and $59,000 annually, a cost that includes 18 tickets for each home game, priority parking passes, in-suite food and refreshments (alcohol is extra) and a variety of extras.Because it was the university's mission to maintain the historical integrity of the stadium (primarily the granite colonnades that give the structure its distinctive look), all renovations had to be placed within the walls of the stadium. For example, elevators could not be built outside the main wall of the stadium. And constructing them inside was more expensive.
"Within the next year we'll probably decide whether we're renovating the Assembly Hall or building a new facility," Hood said. "If we're renovating, there are a lot of things we could do to tie the two areas together. Maybe it's a new ticket office or a team store or a place for fund-raising gatherings before games that could be used for each place. Anything is possible, but it became apparent to us we needed to take a step back and figure out what we want to do."

[Dan]

The Daily Illini also had an article on the renovations today, on the front page-

http://www.dailyillini.com/media/paper736/news/2006/02/10/News/Stadium.Prepares.For.Makeover-1608520.shtml?norewrite&sourcedomain=www.dailyillini.com

[Dan]

Illinois Renaissance update:

Accordingly to the official site, the luxury boxes/seating sales is going well. Only 3 suites left and 30 seats of the 77 Club left available. More info here (http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/default.htm).


Also they posted this new rendering of the north end zone-

http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/images/North_Bowl.jpg

The structure looks too ticker-toyey for my taste.

[illini4everjp]

Looking at that picture, I have a feeling they were going for Wrigley bleachers and just failed at it. But I am glad to see the sales are going well, I would take those seats over nothing.

[Dan]

I don't like that it appears the north end zone is not completely bricked in like the rest of the stadium. Also, it has an arrowhead shape to it which also doesn't fit it.

They have a good argument for getting a piece of the luxury club/suites/seating- saying essentially that there is a barely any turnover for that type of seating so you gotta get it now.

[4Illini]

I agree on the design of the north end zone seating. It looks like glorified bleachers and maybe that was the idea, but I love the classic, massive look of the brick and would have preferred that motif. I wonder if they wanted to design outdoor gathering spaces and felt they'd lose that if they built in too much structure there?

I'm pleasantly surprised that the suite sales have gone so well. That's impressive.

[4Illini]

cant hurt recruiting to have a nice modern facility...but i thought they were earmarking 100 million to build a basketball stadium...they had done a feasibility study and it was obvious that renovating the hall wasnt a option and that rebuilding was the obvious choice...also my brother says that UofI doesnt own Assembly Hall and that it is leased from thew city for events which begs the question why consider renovating something you dont own....the new scoreboard in the Hall is a great start though :)

The ruckus over a new, basketball only venue, has subsided somewhat. And, considering quotes like the following from Brett Dawson, why not?

"Weber said at Tuesday's banquet that based on conversations he had at the Final Four, "the word is out" that the Assembly Hall might be the toughest place to play in college basketball. That's great for Illinois fans, but probably not so good for scheduling."

I have to confess, I'm biased when it comes to the Hall, having watched dozens and dozens of games there in the 60's and 70's. My father was working in the University's Architectural Office in those days and was assigned to oversee a major portion of the construction of the facility. He loves it. So do I. I still consider it one of the most elegant, structurally brilliant, functionally versatile, and architecturally pure buildings I've ever seen. It's an iconic structure. And now, it's a nationally acknowledged pit.

I doubt it's a recruiting drawback. The real drawback isn't the facilities, it's Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding corn and soybean fields. I don't think it's time yet to jettison the grand old Hall.

[Dan]

Interesting story about the Hall 4Illini, you should expand upon it and post it in the basketball forum.

The real drawback isn't the facilities, it's Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding corn and soybean fields.Now I have to question your love of Illinois ;)

[illini4everjp]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/illinois/cs-060420illini,1,1846730.story?coll=cs-college-headlines

"Sales have gone extremely well—we've sold 43 of the 46 suites," said associate athletic director Warren Hood, who is overseeing the project that began last fall. The project will cost anywhere from $120 million to $160 million. Suites and club seats are funding 80 to 85 percent.The timetable calls for the first phase involving the west, north and east sides to be completed in 2008. The south side will be renovated "at a later date," Hood said.Coach Ron Zook calls the project "a very serious thing that shows the student-athletes that we're serious about taking this program back where it's supposed to be by spending this kind of money."

[4Illini]

Interesting story about the Hall 4Illini, you should expand upon it and post it in the basketball forum.

Now I have to question your love of Illinois ;)

Oh, no! I love Ilinois (except for the bugs and the humidity) and I love C-U even more. It's just that I'm guessing the Twin Cities and the agricultural surroundings may not be the biggest draw for recruits, especially city kids. I'm East Central Illinois heartland to the bone.

[illini4everjp]

http://www.sj-r.com/sections/sports/stories/85596.asp

CHAMPAIGN - When the University of Illinois Board of Trustees meets Thursday in Chicago, final approval will be given for the Memorial Stadium renovation. The $116 million project has been in the works for nearly two years as athletic department officials planned the construction and began leasing suites and stadium club seating. After the board gives its final authorization, construction will begin following the state high school football championships on Thanksgiving weekend.Thirty minutes after the last state championship football game on Nov. 25, builders will begin work on the stadium. Completion isn't expected until August 2008. The construction will continue through the 2007 season. A new press box with luxury suites, indoor and outdoor club seating and an updated media area are the highlights of the stadium renovation. Seating in the north end zone also will be rebuilt, enclosing the stadium with a new grandstand.The south horseshoe won't be renovated in this plan, Hood said. That construction will be tied to the renovation of Assembly Hall or construction of a new basketball arena.

[Dan]

What happened to the south horseshoe? That seemed to me an essential part of the renovations.

[FightingIllinut]

Board of Trustees approves plans

http://fightingillini.cstv.com/

http://illinois.scout.com/2/530105.html

[FightingIllinut]

Board of Trustees approves plans

http://fightingillini.cstv.com/

http://illinois.scout.com/2/530105.html
made an error by making that first link to the official UofI home page which currently has the article on the front page but due to it not being there long i better include the actual direct link in case someone comes accross this a few days after the fact
http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051106aaa.html

[OBSCS06]

What happened to the south horseshoe? That seemed to me an essential part of the renovations.
The horseshoe is the main reason for renovating, but at one time I think they wanted to build a tunnel between AH and MS (the plans for the horseshoe had the Illini Hall of Fame there). Seems like they'll make the decision on the future of AH now that MS is finalized.

[illini4everjp]

Field of Dreams

http://www.uiaa.org/urbana/fieldofdreams.pdf

[fightingillini fan 4-ever]

Field of Dreams

http://www.uiaa.org/urbana/fieldofdreams.pdfAbsolutely beautiful. I sure would like to have a room. GO ILLINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[illini4everjp]

Construction starts after the Purdue (I'd run out of the stadium if I were you)

http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/gallery/images/e_model_lg.jpg

[Dan]

(I'd run out of the stadium if I were you)I was surprised I didn't see cranes, dumpsters, anything resembling construction equipment on Saturday. Turns out they won't start the construction until after the high school playoffs in a week or so.

In 2007 the entire West Balcony and almost half of the West Main will be closed off of spectators, I estimate that will account for a 15-18k reduction in capacity - which would end up in the 55k range for a sellout. 53k was the biggest crowd of 2006. When the renovations are complete in 2008(?) capacity should be around 65k.

Season ticket holders, no matter where you're located expect your seat to be relocated in 2007, and probably again in 2008, due to the fact that with the closure of most of the West side everything will have to be shifted around, and re-shifted again when the renovations are completed.

Block I / student section - I've heard a lot of rumors but expect that the sweet location of the 40-yd line of Block I to be a thing of history next season and forever. Block I / student section might be shifted to the West Main along north end zone, or the horseshoe, or broken up into two sections... well we won't know until next summer.

[Dan]

I'm excited about the potential of the Renaissance, but I think we should expect the unexpected with the final product in terms of design and timing. Design, as in it may not look like the rendering on the website above. Timing, as in who knows what parts of the renovations will be ready for 2008.

[TheTownie]

I'm still of the mind that the seats for "Joe Fan" ( those God-awful, uncomfortable, backless and far-to-close-together-numbered metal bleachers) should at the very least be replaced by something a little more conducive to paying dang near $50 a seat.

[illini4everjp]

http://illinois.scout.com/2/591069.html

The newly constructed north end seating area will become the primary "student-only" seating area, including the Block I. Plans include an exclusive entrance for students, brand new restrooms and concession stands. The Marching Illini Band seating area will also move to the lower level of the new north end construction. The video and scoreboard will be moved from the north end to the south end of the stadium."What most excites me about the new student section is that it will give Illinois students the opportunity to have their spirit for football become something that is recognized and known

[bonick03]

I'm excited about the potential of the Renaissance, but I think we should expect the unexpected with the final product in terms of design and timing. Design, as in it may not look like the rendering on the website above. Timing, as in who knows what parts of the renovations will be ready for 2008.While I agree with you on the timing, to an extent, I think the final product should look quite a bit like the renderings (this coming from an architecture grad). At this stage of the development, you usually only see minor changes from a structural standpoint, and any considerable changes usually come in the form of interior decorations (a lesser art by my less-than-humble estimation). And while I am absolutley sick of seeing all the new campus buildings in this neo-Georgian style, with a touch of mid-80's, post-modern, over-exposed-lines-and-grids boring CRAP, I guess it could be worse.

A professor of mine from many years ago described the process of design selection by the University and it goes something like this: University trustees ask a panel of architecture and design faculty to select an appropraite architecture firm for the new building(s). This panel recommends a great, progressive, intuitive design firm to the trustees who ignore their recommendations and hire someone who will reproduce the same old stagnant style that you see everywhere on campus (red brick, punched white windows, sloped green roof) with instructions to "jazz it up a bit". And then they pay too much for it.

Look at other campuses in the Big10, especially Minnesota, and you'll find better *new* architecture than you do at the U of I. It's a shame. Illinois is one of the pioneers of modern american architecture, and with buildings as monumental and unique as the Krannert Center and Assembly Hall, you wonder why the University has since taken a wrong turn.

Oh well. At least we have good basketball.

[Navy_Illini]

I spent many mornings running ramps in that stadium. It needs to be redone. Any guess on the estimate on how much it will seat? The field we have is great now we will have the updated stadium to surrond it.

[bonick03]

I spent many mornings running ramps in that stadium. It needs to be redone. Any guess on the estimate on how much it will seat? The field we have is great now we will have the updated stadium to surrond it.I think the final estimate for seating will be around 65,000 plus luxury boxes and press seating.

[Dan]

I think the final estimate for seating will be around 65,000 plus luxury boxes and press seating.That's the number I've heard as well.

[Dan]

The Renaissance website has updated with new renderings.

West Side-
http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/gallery/west.htm

North End Zone-
http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/gallery/nendzone.htm

Great West Hall (looks great indeed)-
http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/gallery/greatwest.htm


http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/default.htm

[DaBulls41]

I am not happy with the Block I and students moving to the north endzone. That is all.

[zogillinifan]

What is the current capacity? I thought it was like 75k. Apparently they're removing seats?

[Dan]

As of 2006 current official capacity is 69k, but they could squeeze in 72k if demand was there. With the renovations a lot of seats will be lost in the Main and Balcony on the West Side, and a few new seats will be added to the new North End Zone area.

Everything I've heard is once it's complete in 2008 capacity will be down to 65k.

[illynifan34]

I've heard some rumors of a new Assembly Hall coinciding with the second stage of construction, and that is why they are waiting on the south side work, anyone hear anything like this, or am I just whacked out? BTW I love Assembly Hall the way it is :D :D :D

[illini4everjp]

BOOOOOO new Assembly Hall. Remodel the old one, don't build a new one.

BTW - The Webcam is on for Memorial Stadium - http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/#

[illynifan34]

BOOOOOO new Assembly Hall. Remodel the old one, don't build a new one.

BTW - The Webcam is on for Memorial Stadium - http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/#

Remodel with a ring of Krush around the court....

[illini4everjp]

Remodel with a ring of Krush around the court....
So let it be written . . .

[illini80]

Remodel with a ring of Krush around the court....
Hate to be negative, but if Gunther had his way I think he would be more likely to sell those hot seats to high paying alumni. I know that Weber wouldn't go for that so it won't happen that way. Did you know that all freshman and some sophomores couldn't get a season ticket for b-ball. That's what I am told anyway. (My son is a 2nd sem soph and got a ticket this year.) Something is not right when the students get left out for the $$. :mad: I know I know, this is the wrong forum. :rolleyes:

[FightingIllinut]

Hate to be negative, but if Gunther had his way I think he would be more likely to sell those hot seats to high paying alumni. I know that Weber wouldn't go for that so it won't happen that way. Did you know that all freshman and some sophomores couldn't get a season ticket for b-ball. That's what I am told anyway. (My son is a 2nd sem soph and got a ticket this year.) Something is not right when the students get left out for the $$. I know I know, this is the wrong forum. no, this is the right forum (and the right thread) its just that this thread hasnt gotten the attention it should have...i am neither a student, alumni or boo$ter but i do agree with your opinions that Guenther would sell em for big bucks even if it means leaving the students high and dry and i also agree that something is not right when that happens

[illini4everjp]

http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/renaissance/StadCam.jpg

[OrangeFever]

I've heard some rumors of a new Assembly Hall coinciding with the second stage of construction, and that is why they are waiting on the south side work, anyone hear anything like this, or am I just whacked out? BTW I love Assembly Hall the way it is :D :D :D

The last word I got was that the University will not replace the Assembly Hall with a basketball-only arena (what Bill Self lobbied for), but will rennovate the Hall with, as I undestand it, a lowered playing surface and movement of stands closer to the floor. I don't even know if this is accurate, and I don't have any further details. I would expect any rennovation plan would make some effort to make the seating area somewhat less vast, and might actually reduce the capacity somewhat, but that's sheer speculation on my part.

Does anyone here know more, or know if I'm correct in what I've heard (from a source considered reliable but not official)?

[fightingillini fan 4-ever]

I love the assembly hall...What a great place for sure but it sure would be nice to have more seating so I dont know what the anbwer is.I do feel that there would be no problem filling extra seats. Damn do I wish I had season tickets. GO ILLINI!!!!!!!!!!!