Josh Whitman Interview

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If we execute our plan, we can stand toe-to-toe with Ohio State, with Michigan, with Wisconsin, with Penn State. We've done it before, we can do it again. It's not easy, but we have to think and act differently than they think and act.

Ohio State and Michigan, sure. But Wisconsin and Penn State?

The "we need money" sign is flashing pretty brightly from Josh Whitman.

Did anyone notice that the "I-Fund 1K Challenge" website took down the counter that counted the number of new donors as well as the target date by which they were to reach 1K?
 
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The "we need money" sign is flashing pretty brightly from Josh Whitman.

Did anyone notice that the "I-Fund 1K Challenge" website took down the counter that counted the number of new donors as well as the target date by which they were to reach 1K?

Yes, I did notice. I do not know whose idea that was, but because you make a coaching change, it will not automatically result in donations and I guess they may had overestimated the immediate effect of our coaching changes.
 
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Illiini

In the land of the Nittany Lion
Notice: He actually said "Chief", and differentiated between mascot and symbol. It's great to have an administrator who appreciates the true spirit of the university.
 
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DReq

Always Illini
Central Illinois
The "$6.2 million in the red" mention there is getting a lot of media pickup.



It will attract the many who complain about a waste of tax dollars. No tax dollars were harmed in the making of this DIA.
 
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ILL in IA

Iowa City
I don't live in the C-U area, so am completely out of the know on this. But how often do either venues host concerts/events outside of Illinois athletics? Living in Iowa City, I have always wondered what type of events/shows Carver and Kinnick could bring into the area and the money that could generate.
 
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But how often do either venues host concerts/events outside of Illinois athletics?

Green Day had a show at Assembly Hall not too long ago, and I think Garth Brooks is playing there in the near future. Seems like they try to book at least one event a month. I'd have no idea how much money those shows bring in, though.
 
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IlliniKat91

Chicago, IL
Green Day had a show at Assembly Hall not too long ago, and I think Garth Brooks is playing there in the near future. Seems like they try to book at least one event a month. I'd have no idea how much money those shows bring in, though.

Probably not much beyond the rental fee and maybe some food. All the merch sales and the majority of the tickets go to the performer, I believe.
 
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ilphotog

The camera never lies
Champaign
DIA took it over several years ago. It used to be it's own entity. A good guess is that profits go towards daily operation and the renovation bill. As for concerts making money, some make a lot, some make a little or break even and some may lose money. Most bands or artist will play/perform for a negotiated amount. Shania Twain was $225,000., so ticket prices will look to cover that and more for profit.
 
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Dan

Admin
(To discuss the mascot/Chief aspects of this story please use New Mascot Thread)

The athletic department operates at a deficit, bringing in $91.6 million last year against expenses of $97.8 million, Whitman said. The Big Ten now makes up the largest share of the UI's income (38 percent), at $35.1 million last year and a projected $38 million this year.

Until 2011-12, ticket revenue was the largest income-producer; it's now No. 3, or $15 million last year. Whitman said that's why he has invested so heavily in football and basketball, to rejuvenate the UI's two revenue-producing sports. Selling more seats could lead to $10 million to $15 million a year in new ticket sales, parking, merchandise and donations, he said.

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2017-05-02/whitman-gets-tough-questions-full-ui-senate.html
 
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I don't live in the C-U area, so am completely out of the know on this. But how often do either venues host concerts/events outside of Illinois athletics? Living in Iowa City, I have always wondered what type of events/shows Carver and Kinnick could bring into the area and the money that could generate.

Going to see Tom Petty at SFC next week.
 
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Illiini

In the land of the Nittany Lion
This is central Illinois we're talking about here. Country sells. :)

Back in the late sixties, acts like Simon & Garfunkel, Jefferson Airplane, Johnny Cash, Fifth Dimension, and Bill Cosby were brought in, all for about $2.50--or for a date, about half a guy's weekly budget. Bill Cosby packed the place, the regular seats and seats on the floor. Must have been 18,000+ in attendance, or half the student body.

But they also brought in Dinah Shore. Both people who went thought it was a great show.
 
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Gunner23

Panama City, Florida
Back in the late sixties, acts like Simon & Garfunkel, Jefferson Airplane, Johnny Cash, Fifth Dimension, and Bill Cosby were brought in, all for about $2.50--or for a date, about half a guy's weekly budget. Bill Cosby packed the place, the regular seats and seats on the floor. Must have been 18,000+ in attendance, or half the student body.

But they also brought in Dinah Shore. Both people who went thought it was a great show.

I went to a couple of Def Leppard concerts and a Metallica concert that seemed to have the Hall stuffed to capacity. :cool: