"Redbirds Rising" Goal: $25 Million Indoor Facility

[MPE773]

I was sitting on the East side, so I couldn't see how many seats were open, but the West side was completely full and students were coming over to our side to find seats. Also there were quite of few people sitting in the grass on both sides of the field.

All the more reason to flip the bird when they get the new turf and film from the East side!

Why in the world would anyone want an ESPN3 audience to not see the new stadium. #DontFlipTheBird

 

[dpdoughbird06]

Give me a reason to donate. FCS football and softball is not going to do it.

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Your world may be that simple but it is not that simple for everyone. One can like what Spack has done/doing, one can agree that ISU football has improved, one can also agree that ISU has done a good job of getting players to the NFL and one can support ISU football/Weisbecker annually yet at the same time want ISU to make a significant move on football before one considers materially donating towards ISU athletics. BTW good job to those that do support ISU athletics but annual donations seem to be trending down based upon some NCAA athletic department data on ISU athletics.

Do that many people even donate to Redbird Athletics/WSF? My wife and I are way higher on the points ranking when I log in than we should be based on our modest contributions. If contributions are trending down from an already low starting point, that's bad, bad news.

Hopefully this new campaign swings the donation pendulum back up so we can keep growing our Redbird Football brand and afford better opponents than St. Xavier. I doubt folks will even last til halftime of that game...

(I base my relatively low donation assumption on the heavy - relative to our peers - reliance on student feed to fund our athletics.)

 

[jbird]

Give me a reason to donate. FCS football and softball is not going to do it.

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Agreed. There seems to be a logical disconnect saying that
"I'm not going to donate because the program is not where I want it to be." Maybe if more people donated, the program would get to where u want it.

 

[saxman210]

Give me a reason to donate. FCS football and softball is not going to do it.

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Agreed. There seems to be a logical disconnect saying that
"I'm not going to donate because the program is not where I want it to be." Maybe if more people donated, the program would get to where u want it.

I’m not saying this is my opinion, but I think most people want to hear the PLAN to move up to FBS, if that’s the donors’ ultimate goal.

If Larry lyons came forward and said “we have petitioned the Big 12 to become a member institution in football only for the 2022 season and beyond but we need $40 million private donor funds to complete phase 2 of Hancock before they will let us in....” then I think people may open up their checkbooks a little wider.

And yes, I’m well aware that that’s a far fetched, impossible dream but that’s why I used it as the example.

Joining the WSF is also difficult for Chicago-based alum as the main perk is season ticket selection. But when you have a young family, it’s counter-intuitive to drive 1.5 hours each way for a 2 hour basketball game.

And I would be lying if I didn’t include a general foul taste in some of the criminal activities of some of our players in various sports as a reason that I donate elsewhere in the University. 3 of our 4 graduating seniors in basketball last year had a DUI. So my money should go towards their scholarship so they can go to school for free and have that money to pay their legal bills for their bad choice?

 

[Reggie Redbird]

just listened again .. Lyons did say the highest priority is the indoor facility, but no mention of target date to break ground ... so this looks like it is really going to happen and funding is well on its way.

Huge next step ! Huge ! Huge ! Nicely done !

Will it happen in the next 25 years? I think so, unless the student fees which built the arena and are now paying for the football stadium, are needed to rehab the arena. It all depends on how long the Hancock Stadium bonds take to pay off. Once they are, the university administration and the students could use those student fees to then pay for the indoor facility.

Will it happen in the next 5? I highly doubt it. To build something like they have shown in pictures, basically slapping our logo on YSU's facility, is going to take several seed gifts of $2-3 million or more to get started and about $12-15 million coming from somewhere after that. If we want to scale this down and see what we can build for $8-10 million, that would be an option. However, we would still need those seed gifts, plus more to even build that.

Bottom line: can we get someone to make the biggest cash gift in ISU history to help fund this, even at a scaled-down level? If we can get that, can we find another $3-5 million in gifts to help build it? If we throw up a national title run here in the next few years, that could greatly help things.

 

[JHBird]

Redbird arena expansion??? Mean seating reduction.....?? But indoor facility is BIG!! Didt the softball stadium just get upgrades just 5 yrs ago??

I agree. I Can't believe they would expand Redbird Arena. When do they sell out ever? I could see then reducing the number of seats and building some luxury suites. As far as the softball stadium, they did some work on it last year...I think it had something to do with the dug outs.

The video of the new practice facility looks awesome - pretty much looked like they already built it! Most teams could use it in a big way, like the soccer team during winter as well as the softball team. When I played soccer in my younger days at Central Michigan, we had a turf area for winter practice and that was back in the 1980's. I can't believe ISU still doesn't have one!. I wonder if it will that replace Horton? I hope so. That thing is a real eyesore. If they're never going to tear it down they should improve it, like starting with a new facade.

 

[JHBird]

Give me a reason to donate. FCS football and softball is not going to do it.

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Answers
#1 Yes!
#2 Yes!
#3 Yes!

I think the number one thing is to get that Stadium filled up. It looked pretty full Sat night, and should be packed for the final three games. I started coming to ISU games shortly after the Stadium renovation. That seemed to be the spark I needed for some reason. I'm not an alumni, but an employee that's been working here for 7 years. After starting to come to the football games, I started going to the basketball games. I even go to all the soccer games now, and started watching the Volleyball team. I kinda feel like ISU is my alma mater now.

 

[Redbird]

Multiple comments in this thread that I find ironic, some of which have already been pointed out.
First, I love when people talk about how many empty seats there are when they are HOME WATCHING ON ESPN3. You are part of the problem. Don't sit at home and complain about fans coming in late or leaving early when you aren't even there.
Second, and the most picked apart comment regarding donation. If FCS football and softball don't get it done for you, what will? Please tell us exactly what would get you to donate? I find it funny that you are so wrapped up in the goings on of ISU yet, by your own words, don't donate. You either support the teams and university or you don't.

 

[isuquinndog]

I was sitting on the East side, so I couldn't see how many seats were open, but the West side was completely full and students were coming over to our side to find seats. Also there were quite of few people sitting in the grass on both sides of the field.

All the more reason to flip the bird when they get the new turf and film from the East side!

Why? They want the East side to be on TV so they will film from the West side. That's not going to change until Horton comes down.

 

[fourthandshort]

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Agreed. There seems to be a logical disconnect saying that
"I'm not going to donate because the program is not where I want it to be." Maybe if more people donated, the program would get to where u want it.

I’m not saying this is my opinion, but I think most people want to hear the PLAN to move up to FBS, if that’s the donors’ ultimate goal.

If Larry lyons came forward and said “we have petitioned the Big 12 to become a member institution in football only for the 2022 season and beyond but we need $40 million private donor funds to complete phase 2 of Hancock before they will let us in....” then I think people may open up their checkbooks a little wider.

And yes, I’m well aware that that’s a far fetched, impossible dream but that’s why I used it as the example.

Joining the WSF is also difficult for Chicago-based alum as the main perk is season ticket selection. But when you have a young family, it’s counter-intuitive to drive 1.5 hours each way for a 2 hour basketball game.

And I would be lying if I didn’t include a general foul taste in some of the criminal activities of some of our players in various sports as a reason that I donate elsewhere in the University. 3 of our 4 graduating seniors in basketball last year had a DUI. So my money should go towards their scholarship so they can go to school for free and have that money to pay their legal bills for their bad choice?

the school paid for their legal/court fees ?

do you get the same foul taste when non-athlete students, who may have some scholarship money, get in legal trouble with the Normal Police ? Lots of college kids, athletes and non-athletes, do dumb college kids stuff .. including driving will intoxicated. Or how about a far more widespread issue .. driving while distracted by cell phones.

Last question .. have you seen the study completed Vidette about how Normal Police spend an inordinant amount of time targeting ISU students for many many things with random stops .. and not just alcohol related. But they also hang around campus during school day looking for jaywalkers and regularly fine them. More recently, I understand they are now targeting designated drivers for unlawful taxis service, because they get paid $1 gas money to pick up kids who have been drinking to drive them home .. you know, students act responsibly about their drinking and calling for designated driver - think about the behavior policy are discouraging there ... so they can collect more revenue from college students. So when they stop that car with 4 students in a designated driver stuation, they do the whole 9 yards looking for any violation they can .. designated driving fine, underage drinking, check for proof of license/registration/insurance .. broken tail light.

Look up the study conducted by the Vidette that shows ISU students are being fined at 10 to 20 times the rate as Wisconsin and MIchigan state students included in the study, because of the incredible number of random stops they conduct ... and all for the revenue $$$.

I'm all for law enforcement .. but there has to be a limit. And ISU students get target at an astronomical rate compared to most college towns.

 

[Hamdonger]

First off, REDBIRD ARENA. We need to continually put money into Redbird to protect and improve on this great investment. Remember, she's almost 30 yrs old as a whole but is still the crown jewel of our athletics dept.

HANCOCK. She could be. The front porch look is fantastic, and looking eastbound it's a great sight. I think we all totally see the potential, but someone mentioned a 25 yr plan on the training facility (I realize you were 'just sayin') vs. a 5 yr plan. We need a team of leaders who are focused on a 5 year plan. If we want that, we as interested alumni need to be invested in it as well.

As much history as Horton has...I think it's time to discuss sending her to the vet and putting her down. I walked through the old stomping grounds (Horton) last winter, in depth...and she's in pain, let me tell ya.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

One thing - Coach Spack and Coach Muller have to be willing to be a big part of the conversations with major boosters. If I'm going to meet with someone who is going to get me excited about this project, it's going to be those two that drive extra motivation. I know they have a lot on their plates, but they need to be part of the conversations with your top 10-20 boosters on the project.

 

[Hamdonger]

One thing - Coach Spack and Coach Muller have to be willing to be a big part of the conversations with major boosters. If I'm going to meet with someone who is going to get me excited about this project, it's going to be those two that drive extra motivation. I know they have a lot on their plates, but they need to be part of the conversations with your top 10-20 boosters on the project.

Good point and I'd be quite surprised if they weren't in those convos already.

 

[Hamdonger]

Coaches aren't just coaches, they're ambassadors for the university.

 

[fourthandshort]

we need a 3 year plan on indoor facility ... no longer than that .. lost time is lost opportunity. Need to make this happen to keep momentum moving forward. From what others have said here, demolition of Horton will be difficult given stadium logistics.

 

[jbird]

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Agreed. There seems to be a logical disconnect saying that
"I'm not going to donate because the program is not where I want it to be." Maybe if more people donated, the program would get to where u want it.

I’m not saying this is my opinion, but I think most people want to hear the PLAN to move up to FBS, if that’s the donors’ ultimate goal.

If Larry lyons came forward and said “we have petitioned the Big 12 to become a member institution in football only for the 2022 season and beyond but we need $40 million private donor funds to complete phase 2 of Hancock before they will let us in....” then I think people may open up their checkbooks a little wider.

And yes, I’m well aware that that’s a far fetched, impossible dream but that’s why I used it as the example.

Joining the WSF is also difficult for Chicago-based alum as the main perk is season ticket selection. But when you have a young family, it’s counter-intuitive to drive 1.5 hours each way for a 2 hour basketball game.

And I would be lying if I didn’t include a general foul taste in some of the criminal activities of some of our players in various sports as a reason that I donate elsewhere in the University. 3 of our 4 graduating seniors in basketball last year had a DUI. So my money should go towards their scholarship so they can go to school for free and have that money to pay their legal bills for their bad choice?

I have always understood that there are people with financial, logistical, family, etc. matters and priorities that make donations to WSF and the purchase of game tickets (let alone season tickets) not very practical. I live in the Springfield area, and so my 2 and 1/2 hours round trip to Hancock or Redbird Arena is not as difficult as the travel for some others. My reference was to people who on principle do not donate or attend games because they are not happy with where the program is, and who claim that they will only donate or buy tickets when we become something that we aren't. I'm all in favor of progress and "moving up" at the "doable" time, but I do not withhold donations or cease buying season tickets because nobody has shown me that we will be in the upper tiers of Division 1 college athletics soon.

 

[saxman210]

Agreed. There seems to be a logical disconnect saying that
"I'm not going to donate because the program is not where I want it to be." Maybe if more people donated, the program would get to where u want it.

I’m not saying this is my opinion, but I think most people want to hear the PLAN to move up to FBS, if that’s the donors’ ultimate goal.

If Larry lyons came forward and said “we have petitioned the Big 12 to become a member institution in football only for the 2022 season and beyond but we need $40 million private donor funds to complete phase 2 of Hancock before they will let us in....” then I think people may open up their checkbooks a little wider.

And yes, I’m well aware that that’s a far fetched, impossible dream but that’s why I used it as the example.

Joining the WSF is also difficult for Chicago-based alum as the main perk is season ticket selection. But when you have a young family, it’s counter-intuitive to drive 1.5 hours each way for a 2 hour basketball game.

And I would be lying if I didn’t include a general foul taste in some of the criminal activities of some of our players in various sports as a reason that I donate elsewhere in the University. 3 of our 4 graduating seniors in basketball last year had a DUI. So my money should go towards their scholarship so they can go to school for free and have that money to pay their legal bills for their bad choice?

the school paid for their legal/court fees ?

do you get the same foul taste when non-athlete students, who may have some scholarship money, get in legal trouble with the Normal Police ? Lots of college kids, athletes and non-athletes, do dumb college kids stuff .. including driving will intoxicated. Or how about a far more widespread issue .. driving while distracted by cell phones.

Last question .. have you seen the study completed Vidette about how Normal Police spend an inordinant amount of time targeting ISU students for many many things with random stops .. and not just alcohol related. But they also hang around campus during school day looking for jaywalkers and regularly fine them. More recently, I understand they are now targeting designated drivers for unlawful taxis service, because they get paid $1 gas money to pick up kids who have been drinking to drive them home .. you know, students act responsibly about their drinking and calling for designated driver - think about the behavior policy are discouraging there ... so they can collect more revenue from college students. So when they stop that car with 4 students in a designated driver stuation, they do the whole 9 yards looking for any violation they can .. designated driving fine, underage drinking, check for proof of license/registration/insurance .. broken tail light.

Look up the study conducted by the Vidette that shows ISU students are being fined at 10 to 20 times the rate as Wisconsin and MIchigan state students included in the study, because of the incredible number of random stops they conduct ... and all for the revenue $$$.

I'm all for law enforcement .. but there has to be a limit. And ISU students get target at an astronomical rate compared to most college towns.

We could go round and round about all these issues related to law enforcement but that’s not my point. My point is that there are many places to donate at ISU and that people (myself included), could have various reasons as to why they pick where they donate their money, that’s all.

 

[fourthandshort]

I’m not saying this is my opinion, but I think most people want to hear the PLAN to move up to FBS, if that’s the donors’ ultimate goal.

If Larry lyons came forward and said “we have petitioned the Big 12 to become a member institution in football only for the 2022 season and beyond but we need $40 million private donor funds to complete phase 2 of Hancock before they will let us in....” then I think people may open up their checkbooks a little wider.

And yes, I’m well aware that that’s a far fetched, impossible dream but that’s why I used it as the example.

Joining the WSF is also difficult for Chicago-based alum as the main perk is season ticket selection. But when you have a young family, it’s counter-intuitive to drive 1.5 hours each way for a 2 hour basketball game.

And I would be lying if I didn’t include a general foul taste in some of the criminal activities of some of our players in various sports as a reason that I donate elsewhere in the University. 3 of our 4 graduating seniors in basketball last year had a DUI. So my money should go towards their scholarship so they can go to school for free and have that money to pay their legal bills for their bad choice?

the school paid for their legal/court fees ?

do you get the same foul taste when non-athlete students, who may have some scholarship money, get in legal trouble with the Normal Police ? Lots of college kids, athletes and non-athletes, do dumb college kids stuff .. including driving will intoxicated. Or how about a far more widespread issue .. driving while distracted by cell phones.

Last question .. have you seen the study completed Vidette about how Normal Police spend an inordinant amount of time targeting ISU students for many many things with random stops .. and not just alcohol related. But they also hang around campus during school day looking for jaywalkers and regularly fine them. More recently, I understand they are now targeting designated drivers for unlawful taxis service, because they get paid $1 gas money to pick up kids who have been drinking to drive them home .. you know, students act responsibly about their drinking and calling for designated driver - think about the behavior policy are discouraging there ... so they can collect more revenue from college students. So when they stop that car with 4 students in a designated driver stuation, they do the whole 9 yards looking for any violation they can .. designated driving fine, underage drinking, check for proof of license/registration/insurance .. broken tail light.

Look up the study conducted by the Vidette that shows ISU students are being fined at 10 to 20 times the rate as Wisconsin and MIchigan state students included in the study, because of the incredible number of random stops they conduct ... and all for the revenue $$$.

I'm all for law enforcement .. but there has to be a limit. And ISU students get target at an astronomical rate compared to most college towns.

We could go round and round about all these issues related to law enforcement but that’s not my point. My point is that there are many places to donate at ISU and that people (myself included), could have various reasons as to why they pick where they donate their money, that’s all.

my bad .. got carried away. I do feel like athletes get singled out more than they should and Normal police are way over the top .. but again, I got carried away.

 

[Birdfan 4Life]

and for pete's sake ... we are long overdue for a new turf in Hancock. Our field coloring looks horrendous. Way overdue !!

New turf is coming after Spring practice 2018.

I hope they get the End Zones painted RED with White lettering like at the National Championship down in Frisco...that looked really sharp. Glad to hear something is coming :text-+1:

 

[Birdfan 4Life]

Give me a reason to donate. FCS football and softball is not going to do it.

You either like Redbird Football or you don’t.
You either like what Coach Spack has done or you don’t.
You either like the players we are putting in the NFL or you don’t.

So much good momentum and trajectory after 50 years of nothing before. If you don’t like it, spare the rest of us that financially support this program.

Your world may be that simple but it is not that simple for everyone. One can like what Spack has done/doing, one can agree that ISU football has improved, one can also agree that ISU has done a good job of getting players to the NFL and one can support ISU football/Weisbecker annually yet at the same time want ISU to make a significant move on football before one considers materially donating towards ISU athletics. BTW good job to those that do support ISU athletics but annual donations seem to be trending down based upon some NCAA athletic department data on ISU athletics.

Then donate directly to the End Zone Club / Players if you can't get over the "Athletic Department"
https://redbirdfan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50