What’s up with the stadium plan
Posted July 19th, 2007 by mrasor
Football
For more than a month, the university has fed me semi-truths as to why I cannot have the stadium plan.
First, it was, “They aren’t complete, so you can’t have them.” Then, it was, “The board of trustees hasn’t seen them, so neither can you.” Last, it was, “It doesn’t constitute a public record.”
During this battle, I was fully aware of the real reason: UA wants a big party in early August where fans can feast their eyes upon the new stadium for the first time.
Finally, the university admitted to me today that the entire stadium plan is mine if I want it. UA also said that it has big plans to “surprise” people on Aug. 1 with some exciting details about the stadium.
Because there is no real journalistic purpose in spoiling a surprise, I had no problem with a compromise. I will have one new rendering for you in the coming days (possibly today).
I suppose it would’ve been nice to be taken seriously before I threatened legal action.
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Some updates on local recruits…
Hoban safety Will Fleming picked up a second offer, and it’s not one you would expect unless you’ve followed his recruitment. Hawaii and Akron are dueling — possibly for the first time ever — to get the Zips’ defensive coordinator’s son.
Scout.com says Akron North’s Larry Dawson is starting to attract recruiters’ attention. The running back still has just one offer, and that’s from the Zips. Teams who could offer in the future include Kansas, Connecticut, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh and Ball State.
Buchtel cornerback Johnny Adams now has six scholarship offers: Akron, Syracuse, West Virginia, Michigan State, Indiana and Purdue. “Mr. Excitement” has visited Pitt, Michigan State, Ohio State and Akron so far.
Garfield defensive end Whitney Mercilus says Illinois, Purdue and Michigan are his top three. Eight teams, including Akron, Illinois and Purdue, have offered scholarships to the No. 12 weakside defensive end in the nation. Michigan has not.
July 19th, 2007 at 10:48 am
Good idea. I thought that may have been the reason for the run-around this past month. I’m as excited as anyone to see the new plans, but we don’t want to spoil any unveiling party they may want to throw for us. But you’re right, I wish they had just been honest with you up front; I think we’d all be more than willing to wait!
July 19th, 2007 at 11:05 am
R U telling me you actually have a rendering in hand? If so, I am amazed the administration caved in. Anyone really good could have stalled for another 2 weeks. Looking forward to seeing what you have and disappointed to hear that it is not a bowl or horseshoe.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I will have a rendering in hand within five minutes. I’ll post it asap.
I also have some details about the buildings surrounding the stadium.
July 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Now that the stadium rendering is out (great job finding it, btw), I want to say something about these recruits. It is absolutely imperative that UA starts getting local talent. Too many great talents have grown up here and left for college. Beany Wells (OSU), Tyrell Sutton (Northwestern), Antonio Pittman (OSU), Mike Vrabel (OSU, Patriots), the list goes on. The talent is some of the best in the country, and it always slips right through our fingers. These kids have the local interest already. They can bring more people to games because the local fans are already familiar with them. We aren’t recruiting them nearly as hard as kids hundreds of miles away. Its frustrating.
Just my $0.02
July 19th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Thanks UAkid,
I agree wholeheartedly. Even if we have to take a tiny step back in talent, we should go for the locals, especially the Akron high schools. We could probably find a Larry Dawson in Florida, but let’s get the one with friends and family in this area.
That’s what pumps up attendance. We complained about b-ball attendance a little. How bad would it have been w/out Romeo and Dru?
July 19th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
I was in that stadium when it was called Peden. It is almost identical to Ohio University’s Peden Stadium. Get something original
July 21st, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I’ve been to Peden Stadium twice, and this doesn’t look anything like it. Okay, brick and a 100-yard field. That’s about it. This blows Peden out of the water. There’s really no comparison!