Why does the new soccer/track & field stadium have aluminum bleachers? Are a few hundred seats a deal breaker for the budget?
Memorial Stadium
- Status
DReq
Always Illini
- Central Illinois
I, too, appreciate Fighter's presentations of the possible future for the horseshoe. I am a fan of the Iowa version among these pictures but would like to think there is a talented Illini architecture grad who could put together a seamless addition that would complement the grand stadium we enjoy at Illinois. Those had interesting ideas but would love to see what an original look at the possibilities would produce. For now I am inspired by these existing possibilities and hope we have a few big time donors who want to see this happen. So long as we keep Bielema at the helm I have to think that is a possibility.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I think another reason I keep reposting this stuff is that my opinion actually changes over time. With that said, here is my current ultimate tiered wish list for the Horseshoe.
1) Unrealistically awesome dream scenario
I have posted this before, but I think the coolest thing to do would be to "box in" Memorial Stadium on all four sides to make it a square bowl. It would be completely unique in college football, it would be architecturally awesome and it would be an absolute hornet's nest of trapped noise! I would love to create the vibe of Borussia Dortmund's soccer stadium (pictured below) and rename our football student section to the Orange Wall to imitate BVB's world famous "Yellow Wall" fan section that seems like it towers into the air and has intimidated visiting teams for years. Then we would have an exterior that matches the east and west sides to tie the entire stadium together architecturally.
One hiccup would be where we'd move the scoreboard, but I think you could maybe even work it out to have two in each corner. Or, alternatively, you could always throw one on top of the new SEZ like it is now (just higher up). And, of course, we know they'd never do this without peppering the whole area with suites (maybe that could be on the NEZ side??).
In-Stadium View
Exterior View (but maybe even a bit more similar to what we have on the east/west, if possible)
Borussia Dortmund Examples (overall closed in square structure and Yellow Wall example of our student section in the SEZ)
2) Original ~2016 renovation plans
All things considered, this would still be a home run and a half. It's like a version of Iowa's renovation (which seems quite popular here, for good reason) that is specifically tailored to our stadium. While I would prefer a more architecturally significant and understated exterior than what was initially depicted in the drawings below, it would still be a great renovation that would solve all of our issues.
In-Stadium View
Exterior View
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7140585/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-21%20at%2011.08.03%20AM.png)
3) Copying Iowa
As people have mentioned, Iowa pretty much nailed the modern end zone seat renovation with their north end zone. It is a tall structure, it encloses the space and it includes revenue-generating suite areas while also having practical seating layouts for "normal" fans, too. The downside is that the exterior of this type of add-on does nothing for the stadium's architecture, but if money is tight ... at least get the inside done well!
Interior View
Exterior View
Honestly, the only thing over the next 5-year period that I see as a bit of gross negligence is doing nothing. Remember those temp bleachers that used to be behind the Horseshoe to give it that interesting shape? Those can't be that expensive. Even just getting a set of those to perfectly fit the current gaps in the Horseshoe (obviously just as a temporary solution) would make a WAY bigger difference than many realize in making that area look less dinky:
Current
Temp Bleachers in Front
Temp Bleachers In Front and Back
Okay, now I'll try to go enjoy my Saturday.
1) Unrealistically awesome dream scenario
I have posted this before, but I think the coolest thing to do would be to "box in" Memorial Stadium on all four sides to make it a square bowl. It would be completely unique in college football, it would be architecturally awesome and it would be an absolute hornet's nest of trapped noise! I would love to create the vibe of Borussia Dortmund's soccer stadium (pictured below) and rename our football student section to the Orange Wall to imitate BVB's world famous "Yellow Wall" fan section that seems like it towers into the air and has intimidated visiting teams for years. Then we would have an exterior that matches the east and west sides to tie the entire stadium together architecturally.
One hiccup would be where we'd move the scoreboard, but I think you could maybe even work it out to have two in each corner. Or, alternatively, you could always throw one on top of the new SEZ like it is now (just higher up). And, of course, we know they'd never do this without peppering the whole area with suites (maybe that could be on the NEZ side??).
In-Stadium View
Exterior View (but maybe even a bit more similar to what we have on the east/west, if possible)
Borussia Dortmund Examples (overall closed in square structure and Yellow Wall example of our student section in the SEZ)
2) Original ~2016 renovation plans
All things considered, this would still be a home run and a half. It's like a version of Iowa's renovation (which seems quite popular here, for good reason) that is specifically tailored to our stadium. While I would prefer a more architecturally significant and understated exterior than what was initially depicted in the drawings below, it would still be a great renovation that would solve all of our issues.
In-Stadium View
Exterior View
3) Copying Iowa
As people have mentioned, Iowa pretty much nailed the modern end zone seat renovation with their north end zone. It is a tall structure, it encloses the space and it includes revenue-generating suite areas while also having practical seating layouts for "normal" fans, too. The downside is that the exterior of this type of add-on does nothing for the stadium's architecture, but if money is tight ... at least get the inside done well!
Interior View
Exterior View
Honestly, the only thing over the next 5-year period that I see as a bit of gross negligence is doing nothing. Remember those temp bleachers that used to be behind the Horseshoe to give it that interesting shape? Those can't be that expensive. Even just getting a set of those to perfectly fit the current gaps in the Horseshoe (obviously just as a temporary solution) would make a WAY bigger difference than many realize in making that area look less dinky:
Current
Temp Bleachers in Front
Temp Bleachers In Front and Back
Okay, now I'll try to go enjoy my Saturday.
Shief
- Champaign Area
Okay, now I'll try to go enjoy my Saturday.
I like where @Fighter of the Nightman is going, looking to keep some of the current design but adding new features. Some adjusted thoughts from me:
- SEZ - Borrow from the ~2007 renovation - add the lower rows, keep a middle tunnel, add ~20 permanent rows behind the current rows, and then place a scoreboard and advertisements/ribbon boards behind the horseshoe
- SEZ Interior - Construct new restrooms, have a variety of food vendor options, and maybe a hall of fame/Illini sports museum
- SEZ Exterior - Enclose the SEZ, borrow from the ~2013 proposal
- ESL Lower - Potentially remove the upper ~25 rows and replace them with box seats (to mirror the WSL), then provide updated restrooms, food vendors, etc.
- ESL Upper - Add a larger walkway, restrooms, and some food vendors
- NEZ - Repurpose the ~2013 SEZ 'wall' design but built it in the NEZ - this may allow for elevated coaches' offices, a recruiting lounge, etc. and an alternative location for the scoreboard/ribbon boards - the Marching Illini's stands would be immediately above the field level lounges and the team would enter/exit the field through the middle tunnel, visitors would enter/exit through the corner passage
- SEZ Future - Add a ~30 row upper deck (?), move the scoreboard to the NEZ
At a high level, I want MS to have a capacity between 60k and 70k. Adding the SEZ lower and upper rows should add ~6k (capacity ~66k). Removing the ~25 rows on the ESL will take out ~5k (cap. ~61.5k). Redeveloping the NEZ to the 'wall' design would likely add ~6k seats (cap. ~67.5k). Adding an upper deck to the SEZ would add ~7k (cap. now ~74.5k).
Thoughts?
Overhead View (?)
Horseshoe Concept (?)
SEZ Exterior (?)
NEZ Idea (?) - yes this was the SEZ drawing in ~2013 but I like it better in the NEZ
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
On a side note, this rendering always confused me from way back in 2005 or 2006 when it was first shown, haha. At first glance, this looks like a relatively massive structure that dwarfs the current Horseshoe. However, when you really analyze it, I feel like it is super deceiving. While it certainly brings the seats down closer to the end zone and fixes that issue, look at where it intersects the column towers and compare it to the current Horseshoe:
The stands literally meet the tower at the exact same spot, lol. So are what appears to be thousands of more seats just cascading back into the sky?? How is there room for that with the street right behind there unless some mega structure is going to be built to totally reform that area (presumably needing some type of skywalk-type thing that extends above the street)?? I mean, this is pretty much the exact same angle with both pictures showing a RELATIVELY similar setup for the SEZ, yet the rendering looks to have a capacity of about twice as many seats.
FTR, I am totally okay with trying to maintain some type of Horseshoe-esque shape to the SEZ. My main issues are:
1) How far away the seats are from the field. That will almost certainly be addressed in any renovation to that area, otherwise it would be a complete and utter failure.
2) How "dinky" the Horseshoe looks architecturally compared to the grandness of the rest of the stadium, mostly having to do with its comparatively tiny height, which makes the stadium look unfinished and haphazardly thrown together in the SEZ ... the photo below really displays that issue well.
The East Balcony looks huge compared to the Horseshoe, lol, and it makes the SEZ this jarringly out-of-place element to what otherwise has the feel of a grand cathedral.
If we can keep the Horseshoe shape while solving those two issues, then I think that's great! We would probably have to incorporate some type of upper deck and rework everything to have a concourse and revenue-generating suites in the middle section, of course.
Ha! Yes, it’s an eloquent piece. Truly excellent writing the author should be proud of. Honestly, I think it applies to the entire SEC. And knowing the Illini were involved in what was likely the most visible moment of putting the SEC in check, arguably the tipping point in public perception, gives me a smile like BB’s sh*t grin on the sideline. It also shows that bowl games still matter.
Edit to be relevant to the topic, when and where is the Bielema statue with his arms out going to be added? It’ll really tie the stadium together.
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My browser doesn’t let me reformat, or I’d bold the two key problems you’ve identified 1) the street limits any expansion of the horseshoe to the rear 2) the whole structure is too away from the field. It sits in the wrong location. Replacement is the only way to correct that.The stands literally meet the tower at the exact same spot, lol. So are what appears to be thousands of more seats just cascading back into the sky?? How is there room for that with the street right behind there unless some mega structure is going to be built to totally reform that area (presumably needing some type of skywalk-type thing that extends above the street)?? I mean, this is pretty much the exact same angle with both pictures showing a RELATIVELY similar setup for the SEZ, yet the rendering looks to have a capacity of about twice as many seats.
FTR, I am totally okay with trying to maintain some type of Horseshoe-esque shape to the SEZ. My main issues are:
1) How far away the seats are from the field.
I was in the first line that day. Can’t believe there wasn’t a serious injury with that mass of people. I don’t think goal posts will ever come down quicker.
What a glorious day that was.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Every time I see a new post in here, I hold onto the pipe dream that our recent uptick in success and enthusiasm around the program will AT LEAST get us back toward this watered down SEZ renovation plan that was still being floated as "in the works" as recently as a few years ago...
Guess I will keep patiently waiting! I guess I am just surprised what a low priority the Horseshoe is for the DIA. We have done so many big things (like redoing the whole west side and a brand new scoreboard) and so many small things (like this, random ribbon boards, touch-ups to the speakers, etc.) before even putting the tiniest big of lipstick on the pig that is the Horseshoe!
Guess I will keep patiently waiting!
I guess I am just surprised what a low priority the Horseshoe is for the DIA. We have done so many big things (like redoing the whole west side and a brand new scoreboard) and so many small things (like this, random ribbon boards, touch-ups to the speakers, etc.) before even putting the tiniest big of lipstick on the pig that is the Horseshoe!Every time I see a new post in here, I hold onto the pipe dream that our recent uptick in success and enthusiasm around the program will AT LEAST get us back toward this watered down SEZ renovation plan that was still being floated as "in the works" as recently as a few years ago...
View attachment 42419
Guess I will keep patiently waiting!
I think we're quite a bit off from needing additional capacity. I'd rather tickets be pricier for big games than have an 80K stadium at 65-70% capacity most weeks.
To do any renovation justice, I think Kirby will need to be rerouted or vacated. It could probably be taken down to one lane each direction...can't imagine there's that much traffic 99% of the time.
I'd much rather maintain the aesthetic of a horseshoe for the SEZ, but I do like the idea of a vertical bowl. I think the 2013 render is the best option. Memorial Stadium is architecturally significant. Any renovation could easily detract from that significantly if not well done.
The NEZ should have spanned the two north towers. I previously held what I believe to be a minority opinion that the NEZ was fine for the student section, but I don't see the DIA moving them to the east main again.
I think the DIA likes they can charge $98 for a season ticket in the horseshoe. A great entry price for families with the hope of selling more expensive seats in the future. If you renovate they will have to raise the price.Every time I see a new post in here, I hold onto the pipe dream that our recent uptick in success and enthusiasm around the program will AT LEAST get us back toward this watered down SEZ renovation plan that was still being floated as "in the works" as recently as a few years ago...
View attachment 42419
Guess I will keep patiently waiting!
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I have posted this before, but we really don't have to increase capacity at all. A first obvious idea to me is to make East Main match West Main, with a brick wall separating the lower level from the balcony and removing the seats underneath the overhang. This not only helps to restore some of Memorial Stadium's symmetrical look, but it also frees up over SEVEN THOUSAND seats with which to work in the end zones! I tried to do a mockup of this a while back:
However, even if we didn't do that at all, consider this illustration of how awfully the Horseshoe's capacity is distributed and how we could build a much more impressive and aesthetically/architecturally complete structure while not adding capacity. These two areas literally hold the same number of seats...
It's just that ours is a bunch of crappy seats crammed into the tiniest space possible, as far away from the end zone as possible and on a very stupidly gradual slant backwards so as to make the structure as unimposing as possible ... and Iowa's looks great, lol.
Fair point, but we first floated the renovation of the SEZ around 2006, coming off of five straight losing seasons and just four total wins in the previous two years. We then put out the updated (and MUCH more expansive) renovation idea in 2016 after another streak of five straight losing seasons and after just firing our last several coaches. Finally, we advertised the watered down renovation I posted above in 2019 after SEVEN straight seasons and during a time when our average attendance was truly pathetic, in the mid-30k range.
We have now won eight or more regular season games in two of the previous three years, we just won 10 games for the fifth time EVER as a program (and the first time in 24 years...), our average attendance has skyrocketed into the 55k+ range, we have over doubled our season ticket base in just three years and the revenue received from the Big Ten is at previously unthinkable levels. If the DIA had willingness to do the obvious and touch up the Horseshoe during those previous times, I am bewildered why it's not even on their radar right now.
no one should be expecting anything like this anytime soon, unless some benefactor donates 250M.
There are simply too many unknowns in the college football world right now for these decisions to be made if 150M or more needs to be borrowed to make up the amount needed , should donations not be enough.
There are simply too many unknowns in the college football world right now for these decisions to be made if 150M or more needs to be borrowed to make up the amount needed , should donations not be enough.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Now I will definitely agree there. Hate to sound dramatic, but our stadium is an iconic cathedral of college football between the end zones, and the SEZ is some MAC-level BS ... getting the SEZ right will be absolutely huge in tying the stadium together, and I hope they are able to build a nice, tall, imposing structure that (A) solves the current issues of the Horseshoe and (B) honors the incredibly unique architecture of Memorial Stadium.Maybe they have something else in mind that will BLOW OUR MINDS
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
EDIT: This was supposed to be the second half of my post...
I feel like a lot of people don't even register this, but if I took a friend to Memorial Stadium for the first time and walked up from this angle, he would think we played in one of the coolest stadiums in the country with 80k+ seats.
... and if we walked up from this angle, he would think we had one of the smaller and crappier stadiums in the Big Ten. And now it doesn't even have trees to cover up those ugly stands!!
I totally get how some could feel that I am over-zealous about a relatively minor issue. However, from my perspective, we are SO damn close to having a Wrigley Field-level iconic status as a stadium, and it is purely and simply the Horseshoe holding us back ... and I am passionate to do something about it.
Love that passion! The 2013 SEZ render is the path forward IMO. I think a brick exterior is a huge gamble. May be better off with a spandrel glass facade.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Curious why you think brick is a risk? I am not knowledgeable about the building aspect of this stuff at all, FWIW. Also, it looks like the ~2016 updated rendering to the 2013 render would incorporate a column-like structure that I personally think would look really, really cool and keep with the theme of the stadium:
It looks noticeably different than what was proposed in 2013:
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I have some family and friends from Ohio coming in for the OSU game. This post has cemented the need for me to take them in the Grange Grove entrance that day, despite our seats being in the Horseshoe.EDIT: This was supposed to be the second half of my post...
I feel like a lot of people don't even register this, but if I took a friend to Memorial Stadium for the first time and walked up from this angle, he would think we played in one of the coolest stadiums in the country with 80k+ seats.
... and if we walked up from this angle, he would think we had one of the smaller and crappier stadiums in the Big Ten. And now it doesn't even have trees to cover up those ugly stands!!
I totally get how some could feel that I am over-zealous about a relatively minor issue. However, from my perspective, we are SO damn close to having a Wrigley Field-level iconic status as a stadium, and it is purely and simply the Horseshoe holding us back ... and I am passionate to do something about it.
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