šŸˆ BDS Upgrade? Will UA reduce seating? (UPDATE: UA adds new cell towers to BDS)

TerryP said:
Some interesting ideas being floated around this week that will be welcomed to some, disliked by others.

With BDS the dollar figure seems to be around 300 million. The idea is taking the current press box area and turn it into more "zone" type seating--luxury/sky boxes if you will. The new press box will be moved to the end-zone. Along with those there will be other structural changes on the comesmetic end. I keep hearing a few terms like "more family friendly" (gives me the idea of more open space within BDS,) and "student friendly."

IF they do this you can expect changes in the U section of BDS. Also, there's word the number of seats may be reduced (not season ticket holders though some may be moved.)

It's a work in progress...but rest assured we're going to see changes in both of the two largest venues on campus.
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It sounds like the rich get richer. Those that sit on the 50-yard line already have a good experience. Let's take the money and widen the concourses, upgrade the vending areas and improve the ticket taking technology.
 
OldPlayer said:
Let's take the money and widen the concourses, upgrade the vending areas and improve the ticket taking technology.
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You're on point. The term that was used was a "built out" of the existing base. I took it to mean just that--easier fan experiences once inside BDS. Cosmetic, in that there's talk of new entrances as well which fits with a more friendly concourse design.

**Imagine, if you will, sitting on the West side for an afternoon game and being a part of the zone on that side. Right? Step inside for a few minutes when the sun is just a little too much and then right back out to your seats if you wish? Good food...
 
TUSKstuff said:
I'm starting to sense a growing concern among the Aggie faithful and their future stadium expansion. Bet I can guess what it's going to look like.
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It's leading into an interesting argument. You've got those who say no more expansion because your ordinary Joe can't afford tickets. How many of them will say "you're reducing the number of seats?" (Angrily, I might add.)

Bamabww said:
TerryP said:
IF they do this you can expect changes in the U section of BDS.
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Bummer, that's where my son's seat are located.
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It might take in U1 and U2, maybe they take it higher instead of wider and it's hitting into U3 G-L areas. I'm sure they'll take care of Tide Pride members. I like the idea of taking the Press Box, Pres's box, Ivory and a couple of the upper sections of U3 for another 50 yard line "Zone."
 
TerryP said:
It's leading into an interesting argument. You've got those who say no more expansion because your ordinary Joe can't afford tickets. How many of them will say "you're reducing the number of seats?" (Angrily, I might add.)
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Can you spend 300 million dollars on renovations and it be anything less than major? I think everyone is pretty much over the idea that they have the largest stadium. Let's do it better seems to be the calling card these days. Fan interaction is in and I think that's what we are in for. I'm OK with that.
 
TerryP said:
TUSKstuff said:
I'm starting to sense a growing concern among the Aggie faithful and their future stadium expansion. Bet I can guess what it's going to look like.
Click to expand...
It's leading into an interesting argument. You've got those who say no more expansion because your ordinary Joe can't afford tickets. How many of them will say "you're reducing the number of seats?" (Angrily, I might add.)

Bamabww said:
TerryP said:
IF they do this you can expect changes in the U section of BDS.
Click to expand...

Bummer, that's where my son's seat are located.
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It might take in U1 and U2, maybe they take it higher instead of wider and it's hitting into U3 G-L areas. I'm sure they'll take care of Tide Pride members. I like the idea of taking the Press Box, Pres's box, Ivory and a couple of the upper sections of U3 for another 50 yard line "Zone."
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Well....it is funny how the SEZ has been completed....and how the expansion has create a lot of empty seats....all games...except AU...( ( will be lsu and TN when they get competitive again).... a whole lot....of empty seats....and not just endzone..
I can see reducing capacity and increasing high roller boxes....making getting tickets around stadium harder to get... but they already been paid for...
Going to keep up with WHAT i could have got good tickets for around stadium this year and post it.....probably half what i am paying for my U3 season tickets...
 
Birdman37 said:
TerryP said:
doemasters said:
i got it as well and told them to add some wifi or some sort of cell coverage,
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Probably most requested and should be one of the highest priorities.
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I wonder if there is something we dont get about this. Even in the press box, the wifi was atrocious.
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Amount of money spent. The Super Bowl had access points on every chair from what I understand. Boosters? I don't know. Bad Ass? Yes.
 
@50+yeartidefan, Tax system has changed for the donors. Some, may, be left out in the cold preferring their original seats to the new ones.

There's no reason to think TP members will be left out (as in losing seats, ridiculous.)

Still. Price of progress. Some will be left sitting at home...likely casual fan on a weekend.
 
TerryP said:
@50+yeartidefan, Tax system has changed for the donors. Some, may, be left out in the cold preferring their original seats to the new ones.

There's no reason to think TP members will be left out (as in losing seats, ridiculous.)

Still. Price of progress. Some will be left sitting at home...likely casual fan on a weekend.
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Well...all the seats are TP seats...except visitors and students...those are still not showing up regularly... even Ark and MSU....Ole MS....plus non conference...
Tax system may have changed...but..really...if you got the $$$ the tax system aint ur bitch...
101K is nice....like Baptist in church....numbers numbers numbers...
 
I can see the reduction....by a small amount. High rollers are gonna roll and those seats will be bought/purchased before the expansion is completed. I agree the tax break for those guys is no biggie. They can pay and it isn't going affect whether or not they purchase tickets.

It will be interesting to see what they do. I like the idea of a larger concourse and being able to get out (getting in is no problem) of the stadium. I have no problems with the quality and varieties of food offered, but I do have a problem with having to put it on lay-a-way. I rarely eat inside the stadium. Typically a drink and candy/peanuts, simply based on pricing.

Overall, the connectivity, be it wi-fi or cell coverage is the elephant in the room. If other large venues have this figured out, then it is high time BDS does the same.

Addressing what used to be the arms race for the moniker of "largest stadium, I agree, is no longer an issue. Quality/experience rules the day. Also let's not forget the affordability of HD TV coupled with the fact that all the games are televised, makes it harder for sporting events to put AIS (ass in seat). I think that Bama being on their Dynasty run has allowed them to not feel this repercussion nearly as much. Hence the dragging of the feet for the necessary ($$$) wi-fi/cell coverage.
 
rammerjammer said:
I can see the reduction....by a small amount. High rollers are gonna roll and those seats will be bought/purchased before the expansion is completed. I agree the tax break for those guys is no biggie. They can pay and it isn't going affect whether or not they purchase tickets.

It will be interesting to see what they do. I like the idea of a larger concourse and being able to get out (getting in is no problem) of the stadium. I have no problems with the quality and varieties of food offered, but I do have a problem with having to put it on lay-a-way. I rarely eat inside the stadium. Typically a drink and candy/peanuts, simply based on pricing.

Overall, the connectivity, be it wi-fi or cell coverage is the elephant in the room. If other large venues have this figured out, then it is high time BDS does the same.

Addressing what used to be the arms race for the moniker of "largest stadium, I agree, is no longer an issue. Quality/experience rules the day. Also let's not forget the affordability of HD TV coupled with the fact that all the games are televised, makes it harder for sporting events to put AIS (ass in seat). I think that Bama being on their Dynasty run has allowed them to not feel this repercussion nearly as much. Hence the dragging of the feet for the necessary ($$$) wi-fi/cell coverage.
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Not disagreeing with you (mostly), but a couple of points:

The new tax laws impact private as well as corporate citizens. Based on the product (Alabama football), I don't think there will be a decline in people wanting to attend - somehow, someway. But, the impact of how Tide Pride "donations" are recognized will make an impact.

Getting in is a major problem. Every entrance is always backed up. Some think it's because of security, but I see it as people who don't know how to use the ticket scanners. I don't think there's ever been a time when they didn't have to try three or more times to scan my ticket.

WIFI in BDS sucks. You don't have to use it for your battery to be drained as your phone is constantly searching for a connection.

While the variety of concessions isn't bad, the operations suck. The process and operations of a typical concession stand is the same as in the 1970s. Many of the concessions are run by "volunteers" who are fund raising for their church or organization. The prices aren't going to go down. It should take less than a minute from the time you place your order to the time you walk away with your order.
 
During my short stint the most difficult thing for me is staying in touch with my wife. I only have two tickets, and spent that time last season taking my young kids, all under seven years old. She of course wanted updates on how they were doing and all that jazz, and it was extremely difficult staying in contact because the signals were awful and nearly impossible to get a message out, as folks are saying well before this comment. Forget getting up to date scores, because once they finally refreshed the game was ten minutes further along.

The concessions are the only other concern I have. I'm sure they let the local high school booster clubs and such run them for extra cash, but good lord have mercy they need to train these folks. I stood at the checkout spot for literally fifteen minutes for a hot dog, pack of candy, and two Cokes before the Colorado State game, almost missed kickoff. The folks in front of me received that same service, and I'm sure the folks behind me as well. Most of the concession folks are nice, but some have attitudes and will piss you off. I think the variety we offer is just fine, but service time needs to be decreased big time.
 
The only way things get better is when you listen closely to the consumer. I give Arthur Blank a lot of credit for listening to the fans and they have created a wonderful fan experience in MBS. The food and beverage program, including pricing, is second to none and has single-handedly improved fan interaction and makes for a great overall experience. Stadiums have that potential to impact peoples experience as much as the games if they will just look around at what is working and take note.
 
TUSKstuff said:
The food and beverage program, including pricing, is second to none and has single-handedly improved fan interaction and makes for a great overall experience.
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Just so folks will know if they don't already know ... the concessions and drinks are contracted out to Learfield. It's part of the deal signed with Bama back in '14.
 
utstnx said:
i got it and put my 2 cents in also. Wifi and cell coverage are a must. Also better opponents for home games.
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Never fear, 5G will soon be here.. To fry your brains more efficiently than 4G currently does.

That's probably the reason why AT&T hasn't bothered contracting another tower site yet because they're so close to rolling out 5G.

Seriously, I don't ever put my phone to my head. I always use earbuds.
 
TUSKstuff said:
TerryP said:
It's leading into an interesting argument. You've got those who say no more expansion because your ordinary Joe can't afford tickets. How many of them will say "you're reducing the number of seats?" (Angrily, I might add.)
Click to expand...

Can you spend 300 million dollars on renovations and it be anything less than major? I think everyone is pretty much over the idea that they have the largest stadium. Let's do it better seems to be the calling card these days. Fan interaction is in and I think that's what we are in for. I'm OK with that.
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Only the federal govt could
 
Sgt. Lincoln Osiris said:
utstnx said:
i got it and put my 2 cents in also. Wifi and cell coverage are a must. Also better opponents for home games.
Click to expand...

Never fear, 5G will soon be here.. To fry your brains more efficiently than 4G currently does.

That's probably the reason why AT&T hasn't bothered contracting another tower site yet because they're so close to rolling out 5G.

Seriously, I don't ever put my phone to my head. I always use earbuds.
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Could put it aside for 3-4 hours and enjoy game and atmosphere....
O yeah, there is the obnoxious rap shit at full blast....
Almost glad i lost most of my hearing in VN...
 

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