[NU Sports] Talent

[Jonathan Hodges]

Note that just a few years ago, NU tried to "fill in" part of the lagoon
(the retention pond enclosed by the lakefill) and was met by student
protests, Evanston pushback, and eventually an Illinois EPA evaluation that
put a hold on the project (not sure of the status now, but I believe NU
eventually abandoned its plans).  And that was for a project that actually
would have netted an increase in green space on campus (and made room for a
new building along the way).

Like others, I sincerely doubt that NU would ever get support/approval to
expand the lakefill.  Therefore, there just isn't room on campus for a
stadium and amenities (and those who want to expand into Evanston, there was
the whole "historic district" saga which I won't go into right now).

Also, as others have mentioned, an on campus stadium wouldn't automatically
increase attendance.  The location is just as bad as Central St for those
coming in from out of town, there may be more parking spots, but don't think
NU would cordon off lots for priority parking.  And getting a few more
students to roll out of bed wouldn't fill up the place much more than now.
Yes, I think it would be cool and a great location, but it's unlikely and
wouldn't solve many other problems.

And I don't think tearing down the south end zone bleachers would actually
increase the attendance, either.  Yes, the seats stink, but it has given NU
an excuse to sell cheap seats.

Jonathan

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 4:18 PM, Jim Leonard <jleonard518 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> This is a minor point (given the probability) but I seem to remember that
> the original permit for the lakefill was 160 acres. I remember hearing that
> phase I was only 83 acres and that NU had the ability to essentially double
> it in the future. This is just a factoid from a former campus tour guide, it
> does change the uphill battle it would take. Moving the stadium away from
> mass transit just doesn't make sense.
>
> I think NU could do more with Dyche. Eliminate the south endzone seats and
> put purple seat backs on the existing sideline seats. Get it down to the
> loudest 40,000 seats you can - and then drop the price so they seats are
> full.
>
> Go Cats!
> Jim
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: "cherron604 at aol.com" <cherron604 at aol.com>
> To: tbng at comcast.net; nwu-sports at tssi.com
> Sent: Mon, October 19, 2009 3:54:25 PM
> Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Talent
>
>
> An on-campus stadium is not an option without additional lakefill.
>
>
>
> Additional lakefill is not an option - Evanston will fight it, everybody
> concerned about the Lake will fight it.  Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan
> will all fight it. (Remember, sand from the Indiana Dunes was used in
> Lakefill #1 - that could never happen today.)  Senator Paul Douglas nearly
> derailed Lakefill #1 - Lakefill #2 would be political poison - NU would be
> blown out of the water.
>
>
>
>
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