Spring Break
Stadium shows progress
Ben White
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News
Students at the University of Akron who do not reside under a rock have surely noticed the ever-present construction of the highly-touted Infocision Stadium.
As with most major projects on college campuses, rumors and hearsay surrounding the stadium have circulated to the ears of many students and faculty.
Will the stadium's appearance be different from what we've seen?
One rumor alleged that the stadium's final appearance would contradict the computer-rendered images that the University released several months ago. According to Ted Curtis, UA's Vice President for Capital Planning, this is not true.
"It's going to look exactly like the renderings. We haven't changed anything."
Associate Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek agrees, adding that 95 percent of the design seen in the pictures will be unchanged.
Will there be enough parking spaces?
Though students may find it hard to believe, there are actually over 10,500 spaces on campus. Game days and special events at the stadium will be scheduled to create the least conflict with classes as possible, maximizing parking space.
"The earlier you get there the easier it is to park. Whether you're going to class or going to a Browns game or a shopping center at Thanksgiving time, the earlier you get there the easier it is to park," advises Curtis.
Will tickets cost more next season?
The stadium's original budget of $55 million was raised to $61.6 million in December, prompting more speculation that ticket prices would rise as quickly and as high as the stadium walls themselves.
Fortunately, that is not the case. Though the new stadium will hold slightly less than the Rubber Bowl (30,000 vs. 30,100), officials expect a significant increase in attendance. Season ticket prices may rise modestly, but most revenue will be drawn from premium, loge and individual club seating prices.
Why does the University need a stadium anyway?
In the end, University officials believe that Infocision Stadium will pay for itself in many different ways.
As with most major projects on college campuses, rumors and hearsay surrounding the stadium have circulated to the ears of many students and faculty.
Will the stadium's appearance be different from what we've seen?
One rumor alleged that the stadium's final appearance would contradict the computer-rendered images that the University released several months ago. According to Ted Curtis, UA's Vice President for Capital Planning, this is not true.
"It's going to look exactly like the renderings. We haven't changed anything."
Associate Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek agrees, adding that 95 percent of the design seen in the pictures will be unchanged.
Will there be enough parking spaces?
Though students may find it hard to believe, there are actually over 10,500 spaces on campus. Game days and special events at the stadium will be scheduled to create the least conflict with classes as possible, maximizing parking space.
"The earlier you get there the easier it is to park. Whether you're going to class or going to a Browns game or a shopping center at Thanksgiving time, the earlier you get there the easier it is to park," advises Curtis.
Will tickets cost more next season?
The stadium's original budget of $55 million was raised to $61.6 million in December, prompting more speculation that ticket prices would rise as quickly and as high as the stadium walls themselves.
Fortunately, that is not the case. Though the new stadium will hold slightly less than the Rubber Bowl (30,000 vs. 30,100), officials expect a significant increase in attendance. Season ticket prices may rise modestly, but most revenue will be drawn from premium, loge and individual club seating prices.
Why does the University need a stadium anyway?
In the end, University officials believe that Infocision Stadium will pay for itself in many different ways.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Quite Impressive
posted 9/07/08 @ 9:53 AM EST
This is one of the most positive things happening at UA. Congrats are in order for Dr. Proenza, Ted Curtis and more. I couldn't be happier with the university. (Continued…)
Robin Anderson
posted 9/08/08 @ 3:10 PM EST
But what-the-hey! At least every U. of A. student will have the priviledge of paying a "parking fee" whether they park a car on Campus or not, eh?
Um. (Continued…)
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