IPF Grounding Breaking

Birdswin

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This was a Great Event and a Big step forward for Redbird Football and Athletics. The set-up, the speakers, the donors, the crowd - all very well done.

There were two small backhoes - one on each side of the podium. The Big Red Marching Machine on one side the Cheerleaders on the other side - 150 chairs for the invited donors and University Officials. There was platform behind the chairs for the media. Pat Vickerman was the emcee, besides AD Brennan and President Kinzy, one of the Board of trustees spoke, the largest donors - Dee & Sheila Miller, BJ Bello, and then QB Annexstad spoke.
 

Birdswin

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One interesting side item - two guys walking thru the parking lot, who looked out of place, stopped at our Tailgate and introduced themselves as the Architects of the new IPF and they wondered what is going on? We were not the only tailgate and they could see a people already gathering down on practice field. I told them it is a combination of the Spring game and the groundbreaking - they were anticipating only about 12-15 people.

My question to them was - Have you factored in how much wind there is here? When on to explain that B-N sits up from an elevation standpoint and so on and so forth. They said the wind should not be an issue. Interesting item is afterward the ceremony - the lead architect said he was very impressed with all of the positive energy and anticipation of this facility. In addition, it was interesting that several of the speakers mentioned the wind and he felt a lot of wind. They then went to the reception at Hancock Stadium.

Then before they left - they stopped at the Tailgate - and agreed to do a shot of moonshine with our crew to toast the IPF. I told them the next time they visit - they need to wear Red. They assured me they will, and were once again surprised at the number of the people and all of the positive energy.
 

Birdswin

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Just reading the story in today's Pantagraph, and I think it's great we have a president who says "It's an exciting day for Redbird athletics and Illinois State University". Other positive comments. Significant. etc.
I totally agree - She is a dynamo of energy when she speaks in front of alums and supporters. She IS a HUGE advocate of Illinois State and does not apologize for it. Bravo!! Bravo!! Bravo!!!
 

Adunk33

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“At first, I wasn’t sure if we would be able to have the bandwidth or the donors to get the project done,” Brennan said.”So, we did look at naming right opportunities to fund this project. But the good news is that we’ve raised the money we’ve needed, so we are out on pursuing naming right opportunities for Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena.”
I mean, I'm glad they don't HAVE to continue looking into naming right opportunities, but why wouldn't you? Easy source of income and all you need to do is put up some signs. I'm sure I'm overlooking something here, but "Rivian Arena" would be just fine and put a nice chunk of change back in the Department's pocket.
 

Humdinger

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I agree Adunk and I'd be very surprised if those discussions haven't been ongoing for some time with Rivian. Very surprised.
 

fourthandshort

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Everything has a price! Especially in college sports in this day and age.
Enron Field didnt age very well. The notion of changing field names is sometimes a turnoff for branding reasons.

And it cuts both ways. Like changing Wrigley Field is an extreme example .. cant imagine Cubs would do that unless they got crazy stupid $ .. but who would do that.

But we're just FCS, so crazy stupid $ is very relative.
 

Virginia Redbird

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Enron Field didnt age very well. The notion of changing field names is sometimes a turnoff for branding reasons.

And it cuts both ways. Like changing Wrigley Field is an extreme example .. cant imagine Cubs would do that unless they got crazy stupid $ .. but who would do that.

But we're just FCS, so crazy stupid $ is very relative.
Let me be clear (in politics that usually means a big lie is coming but, I digress), I don't like much of anything about where college athletics is at. The days of honoring a coach or athletic department administrator by naming a playing field or stadium after them are pretty much a thing of history now. It is all about dollars at this point in time. You offer enough cash and they will name the field after your dog. Fido Field has kind of a nice ring to it you have to admit. Who would do that? If you came to most of us just a few short years ago and laid out an NIL program like we are seeing now with the big schools, well, most of us would have said...who would do that?

I think Comisky Park has changed names a few times. Originally it was White Sox Park but in a few years, the name was changed to Comisky Park for the White Sox founder and owner Charles Comisky. It was New Comisky Park for a bit and then Cellular Field. Now it is Guaranteed Rate Field. You have to admit that FIDO FIELD has a better ring to it than Guaranteed Rate Field! I'm sure the Sox got a ton of money for it though.
 

fourthandshort

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Let me be clear (in politics that usually means a big lie is coming but, I digress), I don't like much of anything about where college athletics is at. The days of honoring a coach or athletic department administrator by naming a playing field or stadium after them are pretty much a thing of history now. It is all about dollars at this point in time. You offer enough cash and they will name the field after your dog. Fido Field has kind of a nice ring to it you have to admit. Who would do that? If you came to most of us just a few short years ago and laid out an NIL program like we are seeing now with the big schools, well, most of us would have said...who would do that?

I think Comisky Park has changed names a few times. Originally it was White Sox Park but in a few years, the name was changed to Comisky Park for the White Sox founder and owner Charles Comisky. It was New Comisky Park for a bit and then Cellular Field. Now it is Guaranteed Rate Field. You have to admit that FIDO FIELD has a better ring to it than Guaranteed Rate Field! I'm sure the Sox got a ton of money for it though.
Hey VA Bird .. clarification .. my "who would do that" referred to situations where it makes no financial sense .. like overpaying for Wrigley renaming rights. My main point though was about being careful about who's name you put on your fields and buildings .. but youre right, money talks and walks ... and FCS can' be too picky. Though ISU tends to be careful in their decisions overall .. so I trust them to make solid decisions like this for most part, even while wishing they would be more agressive in some cases.
 

Adunk33

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I'm curious if there is an opportunity for "Redbird Arena/Hancock Stadium presented by...." or something like "Carle Redbird Area." Keeps the name but adds to it. There could be a happy medium somewhere.
 

Virginia Redbird

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I'm curious if there is an opportunity for "Redbird Arena/Hancock Stadium presented by...." or something like "Carle Redbird Area." Keeps the name but adds to it. There could be a happy medium somewhere.
They could but sometimes it gets pretty awkward. I look at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. They kept Mile HIgh which I assume is a big deal to Bronco fans but still got their corporate cash. It does not roll off the tongue but the cash is in the bank and fans still have Mile High. A compromise I guess.
 

RedbirdSoxFan

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They could but sometimes it gets pretty awkward. I look at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. They kept Mile HIgh which I assume is a big deal to Bronco fans but still got their corporate cash. It does not roll off the tongue but the cash is in the bank and fans still have Mile High. A compromise I guess.
Guaranteed Rate Field at Comiskey Park🤷‍♂️
 

Virginia Redbird

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Hey VA Bird .. clarification .. my "who would do that" referred to situations where it makes no financial sense .. like overpaying for Wrigley renaming rights. My main point though was about being careful about who's name you put on your fields and buildings .. but youre right, money talks and walks ... and FCS can' be too picky. Though ISU tends to be careful in their decisions overall .. so I trust them to make solid decisions like this for most part, even while wishing they would be more agressive in some cases.
I sent an email to the ISU Athletic Department suggesting "Fourthandshort Field at Hancock Stadium". I told them money was no object. I expect my 10% commission at contract signing! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
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