Whats everyone's take on Bobcat Plaza

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Sun May 16, 2004 3:27 pm

I just got my ticket renewal forms and they have a flyer on the new Bobcat Plaza that is in the works between the stadium and the track. It will have a hall of fame ring and a lot of other stuff it sounds like as well as benches to sit on etc. You can buy a brick for 100.00 and they will put your name on it.

From the drawing it also looks like they are going to landscape the parking lot/tailgate areas as well as pave it I guess. This all sounds great and I'm happy they are going to be doing this, but I would rather they had enclosed the south stands/replace the bleachers than do this next part. I'm not sure on the costs associated with each one though so maybe the enclosure will be the next thing they do. Anyone know the plan on all this?

GavinDonos · Post by **GavinDonos** » Sun May 16, 2004 6:10 pm

I would imagine that if they do pave the parking lot it will be because it will benefit both people going to watch football and track meets. This new pavillion and it's proceeds are for the entire athletic dept. I could imagine the outcry within the department if football took the money and used it on their stadium!

Perhaps the football boosters could start something similar where the proceeds go straight to the stadium for improvements/renovations.

I think our best shot is for Joey to sign a 60 million dollar contract, and after he has everything he needs for himself and family, he can throw a big hunk o' dough right at the south grandstands.

Or we could convince Ted Turner to pay for the renovation by again donating to the U.N. After that we would start a "wheat for grandstands" program in conjunction with the U.N., they send their engineers and construction teams in to do the work and we give them wheat to feed people all over the world...

Alright, I'm stretching here, any more ideas?

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Mon May 17, 2004 7:39 am

I would bet Bobcat Plaza is a concerted effort by the athletic department to spruce up that area for all activities, not just football. The track team is most deserving of reaping some rewards and improvements to their area, and I think this benefits everyone.

I cant wait to see the finished product. Any word on final completion, or significant milestones to be met in this project?

As much as that south endzone needs to be demolished and rebuilt, any improvements to that area of campus will be welcomed.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Mon May 17, 2004 8:13 am

Very good points. I'm sure that is true it is a 'joint' expendature to get the area over there more attractive for both the football and track areas. It should be pretty cool I think. I like the grass parking lot, but all the glass has to go I think and paving might be a good thing for that. I had a buddy really cut up his hand last year while falling/diving for a football on the grass there. Too many old souveniers (glass) from past Bobcat tailgaters hanging around in the dirt

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Mon May 17, 2004 8:56 am

Actually, most of the money for the paving project came from UM fans. They finally got fed up with having to walk on 'unclean' ground from their cars to the stadium. I hear there's another fund the UM fans are starting which would pay for building big gawdy concrete bleachers to replace the south enzone bleachers - 'cause they like concrete, and lots of it.

Bozgriz · Post by **Bozgriz** » Mon May 17, 2004 9:52 am

Sarcasm noted and appreciated! Tell you what, I would throw an extra couple of bucks toward buying some new wood to replace that southendzone deathtrap...

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Mon May 17, 2004 10:49 am

I believe the track program took the lead on this, and it is probably intended to make money more than spend it. I'd rather see real seating for the beautiful new track than more spent on the football stadium (until the need exists and pays for itself). By the way, there's a neat new Lewis and Clark display on Kagy in front of the Museum, in the works. Looks much better than the simple ground squirrel habitat. We really have a good track program, despite the awful condition of the track until last spring. It should get better now, as did the Tennis program in their new facility.