Wanted to give my take on the stadium plan...

[JessN]

With regard to the debt, I would hope there is a strategic marketing plan to strike while the proverbial iron is hot. We have a quarterback (in Tua) and a group of now sophomores that have the potential to win multiple NC's (not counting the one last season) before they leave. Tua is already being pushed by the pundits for the Heisman and currently has the best odds according to Vegas to win it. Front load this 10 year project with as much money as they can put in the coffers. Because as Jesse mentioned, the first sign of a downturn and the corporate money goes like a vapor.

If by "win multiple NCs" you mean competing for two, then OK. If Tua supplants Jalen as the starter, he's gone to the NFL after the 2019 season. You won't see him finish out his eligibility here. Ditto DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, etc., barring injury.

In my opinion, anything that takes the actual players into consideration as a determining factor -- beyond their health and well-being -- is poor business. You see this mostly when schools let players have a say in replacing a head coach. But it also comes up when schools try to capitalize on a certain player's popularity or performance. There is no less reliable, repeatable factor than whatever a teenager happens to be doing at any given moment. I think you can capitalize on Saban, but once you extend that to Tua and Co.,. you're in the danger zone if you're letting that drive $600MM decisions.

 

[JessN]

Didn't GB say they've already got $143 million of the $600 pledged? By the time construction starts after next season, surely they have at least a third or more pledged.

They probably do but in regards to fundraising, the big dogs often walk early, not late. I could see a few mid-level corporate clients being excited about the West terraces but you're not going to make up a $400MM balance through that. And a lot of the individuals who would usually be OK with scotching a check for a donation are the very ones you just said "Sorry, you're moving" to.

 

[JessN]

I agree with the comments about BDS so I won't repeat what has already been said. I'm disappointed in the Coleman reno for a couple of reasons. One, it is going to start until 2021-22 which is WAY too long to push that out. It should be done immediately IMHO. Two, I would have preferred a new arena and for what we're spending I'm expecting to be underwhelmed in the end result primarily because of the air hanger roof/ceiling and reduced capacity. I know the fans will be closer to the action but I'm concerned the atmosphere won't change that much because of the high rounded ceiling will still deaden the crowd noise. I'm not an acoustical engineer so I may be completely wrong but the appearance, especially the exterior, is still going to be a major disappointment even if the overall atmosphere is improved somewhat.

I'm disappointed in the Coleman delay myself, but there were a couple of considerations here to note. One, a new arena added at least $70 million to the cost of the Coleman project. Two, we're already going to have to play a year of games away from Tuscaloosa, anyway, and that would have been multiple years had they built a new arena. Because I don't think they had many options other than building the new one on the site of the old one. A lot of the land that had been committed to previous Coleman replacement projects has since been taken up by other construction.

 

[JessN]

I have season tickets on U-1.... and I am pretty nervous about what kind of price increase might be coming. I was told about the plan a few month ago and they supposedly wanted my suggestions. I told them that I liked my seats and did not want to have to pay more into Tide Pride. I could tell the decisions had already been made.

I helped a family member fill out that same survey. They absolutely had their minds made up before the survey ever went out.

As for what's going to happen to you specifically, $10k one-time enrollment fee per seat (meaning $40k if you have 4 seats in your name) plus a significant increase to the Tide Pride cost of each seat every year. I think it's going up to around the $3k/seat mark annually. And then you have to pay for tickets on top of that.

 

[B1GTide]

I helped a family member fill out that same survey. They absolutely had their minds made up before the survey ever went out.

As for what's going to happen to you specifically, $10k one-time enrollment fee per seat (meaning $40k if you have 4 seats in your name) plus a significant increase to the Tide Pride cost of each seat every year. I think it's going up to around the $3k/seat mark annually. And then you have to pay for tickets on top of that.

Stubhub

 

[JessN]

Stubhub

I don't disagree but even the usual ticket sellers have to join Tide Pride and they'll price in the new structure into the cost of the ticket, just as the actual Bama fans are doing now. Ticket prices are only about 1/2 of total cost, on average, of annual outlay.

Also on StubHub, I've seen talk the last couple of days that Alabama has considered tracking which tickets get sold so that someone who sells too many tickets (i.e., a broker) gets theirs pulled. Now that, I could get on board with, because there are seats all around my family's that have never had the same people in them for any two games, ever. And most of the time, have opposing fans in them. Unfortunately, that means season ticket holders would eventually get penalized for using the StubHub service to pay themselves back for the cost of Tide Pride membership, even though StubHub is a UA partner.

 

[jabcmb]

I helped a family member fill out that same survey. They absolutely had their minds made up before the survey ever went out.

As for what's going to happen to you specifically, $10k one-time enrollment fee per seat (meaning $40k if you have 4 seats in your name) plus a significant increase to the Tide Pride cost of each seat every year. I think it's going up to around the $3k/seat mark annually. And then you have to pay for tickets on top of that.

I’ll either have to start picking up cans or trading crypto currency futures.

 

[B1GTide]

I don't disagree but even the usual ticket sellers have to join Tide Pride and they'll price in the new structure into the cost of the ticket, just as the actual Bama fans are doing now. Ticket prices are only about 1/2 of total cost, on average, of annual outlay.

Also on StubHub, I've seen talk the last couple of days that Alabama has considered tracking which tickets get sold so that someone who sells too many tickets (i.e., a broker) gets theirs pulled. Now that, I could get on board with, because there are seats all around my family's that have never had the same people in them for any two games, ever. And most of the time, have opposing fans in them. Unfortunately, that means season ticket holders would eventually get penalized for using the StubHub service to pay themselves back for the cost of Tide Pride membership, even though StubHub is a UA partner.

This would be monumentally stupid. You pay for your seat, it is yours to do with as you wish. If Alabama does this you will end your Tide Pride program. It will die overnight.

 

[edwd58]

I do not go to games to enjoy the comfort and conveniences of home but for the in person experience of gameday and live football, thus, I'm not a big fan of the proposed BDS upgrades. I started buying season tickets in the early 80's and have been in Tide Pride Century Club since inception. We've been loyal through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the post-Bryant regimes. Currently we have 4 seats in U3-D - west upper deck. I've not received any emails (other than the survey to which I provided my input) indicating a potential relocation or increases in my Tide Pride contribution, perhaps we'll go unscathed? However, I can't help but think bad news will eventually come. While I might be willing to absorb a modest increase, there's no way I'd consider paying the prices published for the new club seating sections on levels U1, U2, or the new loge. Should that actually come to pass, I dare say that, as much as I love Bama football, the University will have overestimated how far my love, loyalty, and resources go. It is sad just to contemplate, and no doubt would be sadder still if it comes to fruition, but I'd give up my tickets. The worst part is that would be an action forced upon me by the very university I care so much for.​

 

[B1GTide]

I do not go to games to enjoy the comfort and conveniences of home but for the in person experience of gameday and live football, thus, I'm not a big fan of the proposed BDS upgrades. ​

I started buying season tickets in the early 80's and have been in Tide Pride Century Club since inception. We've been loyal through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the post-Bryant regimes. Currently we have 4 seats in U3-D - west upper deck. I've not received any emails (other than the survey to which I provided my input) indicating potential a relocation or increases in my Tide Pride contribution, perhaps we'll go unscathed? However, I can't help but think bad news will eventually come. While I might be willing to absorb a modest increase, there's no way I'd consider paying the prices published for the new club seating sections on levels U1, U2, or the new loge. Should that actually come to pass, I dare say that, as much as I love Bama football, the University will have overestimated how far my love, loyalty, and resources go. It is sad just to contemplate, and no doubt would be sadder still if it comes to fruition, but I'd give up my tickets. The worst part is that would be an action forced upon me by the very university I care so much for.

I hope you are unscathed. This is going to hurt a lot of people.

 

[WylieTexasTider]

I would not be surprised to see him remain the coach through age 75. I would be fairly surprised to see it go any further than that.

Baring a health issue I’d expect him to stay 9–10 more seasons. That will likely allow him to surpass Bryant in total wins and wins at BAMA. Was at a golf tournament with Lee Roy Jordan recently and he was asked his thoughts and said based on a discussion with Saban this spring, 8-10 years or more. (Then jumped me for saying Nick should win another 2 or 3 titles. I was too low by a few....)

 

[Tides_of_Change]

I've long hoped they would relocate an arena and the track stadium to the rec fields between old frat row and the rec center and softball stadium, and then repurpose the Coleman area for rec fields. That would've allowed them to build it WHILE playing in Coleman to the point that a season for bball, gymnastics, volleyball wouldn't have to be moved. We would have better acoustics, modern design inside and out, and fresh bones that would last many decades. Sentiments for Coleman and moderately improved seating aside, I can't see this as much more than an albeit major facelift. I'm not a fan of the open club on the end at player level. It just doesn't display right and would bug me if I was a player.

I'd much rather spend an extra $70M on that than a tacky as all get out half-mile wide TV on top of BD, even though the idea of a terrace in front with standing room to place students that don't really care about what's going on could be pretty effective. I've been to three games since graduation in '05 to spare myself the costs and droves of people, and I too sincerely hope the good folks who save up for Tide Pride and have committed to it for years aren't ultimately messed over by some of this big-money BS.

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[GP for Bama]

Didn't GB say they've already got $143 million of the $600 pledged? By the time construction starts after next season, surely they have at least a third or more pledged.

At this rate they will have the whole $600 million raised by next week! [emoji846]

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[JessN]

I do not go to games to enjoy the comfort and conveniences of home but for the in person experience of gameday and live football, thus, I'm not a big fan of the proposed BDS upgrades. I started buying season tickets in the early 80's and have been in Tide Pride Century Club since inception. We've been loyal through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the post-Bryant regimes. Currently we have 4 seats in U3-D - west upper deck. I've not received any emails (other than the survey to which I provided my input) indicating a potential relocation or increases in my Tide Pride contribution, perhaps we'll go unscathed? However, I can't help but think bad news will eventually come. While I might be willing to absorb a modest increase, there's no way I'd consider paying the prices published for the new club seating sections on levels U1, U2, or the new loge. Should that actually come to pass, I dare say that, as much as I love Bama football, the University will have overestimated how far my love, loyalty, and resources go. It is sad just to contemplate, and no doubt would be sadder still if it comes to fruition, but I'd give up my tickets. The worst part is that would be an action forced upon me by the very university I care so much for.​

We've got family in approximately the same location as you, just on the north side of the press box rather than the south. Best I can tell, U3 West is going to end up with an increase of more like 5-10 percent per PSL than the drastic change coming to U1/U2 West.

What I'm more concerned about is in some of the promo renderings, the chairbacks are gone from U3. This could have been oversight on the part of the person charged with making the promos, but removing the chairbacks (so as to stuff in more seats) has been talked about a couple of times in recent years. Prior to now, it would get pulled back once someone realized there were 12k or so seats up there and complaints would fly fast and furiously. Maybe they just don't care about that anymore. If the chairbacks were eliminated, it would keep several people I know from attending games in the future due to comfort issues.

 

[B1GTide]

We've got family in approximately the same location as you, just on the north side of the press box rather than the south. Best I can tell, U3 West is going to end up with an increase of more like 5-10 percent per PSL than the drastic change coming to U1/U2 West.

What I'm more concerned about is in some of the promo renderings, the chairbacks are gone from U3. This could have been oversight on the part of the person charged with making the promos, but removing the chairbacks (so as to stuff in more seats) has been talked about a couple of times in recent years. Prior to now, it would get pulled back once someone realized there were 12k or so seats up there and complaints would fly fast and furiously. Maybe they just don't care about that anymore. If the chairbacks were eliminated, it would keep several people I know from attending games in the future due to comfort issues.

Agree with the chair backs. Once you reach a certain age, or if you have back issues of any kind, it becomes almost impossible to sit on a bench without a back for any period of time. I am happy to pay more for seats with chair backs simply because the games would be impossible for a few members of my family without them.

 

[Chukker Veteran]

A few years ago, I gave up on the University doing the right thing when they hired Jo Bonner.

 

[JDCrimson]

Here are my thoughts on the upgrades -

- I think they have always allocated too many seats to the students since the south upper deck was constructed. I don't understand the infatuation with these mega jumbotrons. I would have simply allocated this seating from students who didn't occupy this space to waiting and relocated ticketholders impacted by the west skybox construction. I have been to Jerry world and Mercedes stadium and their jumbotrons are a bigger distraction imo. Honestly I am surprised the west boxes weren't constructed sooner.

- I believe the concourse expansion is setting the stage for offering club amenities separate from seating priority similar to what you see in NFL stadiums. I think this will be a welcome addition but I agree the exterior glass is suspect. Concessions are woefully inadequate. TP is transitioning to an entertainment model similar to NFL stadiums rather than a donation model now that all contributions are not tax deductible.

- With the changing revenue model and almost assuredly less money coming in from the next TV deal coupled with coach likely on the back end of his tenure and a solid economy, TP felt they really needed seize on some momentum while the doors were still open. In 5 years things will look very different for collegiate sports imo. Yes there is some risk but it appears that TP is really trying set its facilities up for the longer term and set apart from all the other programs. There is a belief across many programs that revenue will be declining rather than increasing. Essentially Auburn will be stuck with an aging stadium and big old jumbotron whereas Alabama and A&M invested in NFL amenities in their stadiums.

- This campaign likely wasnt launched without some strong indications that CNS will be at the helm through the campaign and construction timeframes.

- I think we will really like the Coleman upgrades but I too wish it was sooner because I wonder if Avery will be around to see it come to fruition of it is another 5 years before its completed.

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[SkullDuckery]

One thing I think you are missing is that Alabama has gained a whole new generation of Bryant area fans since Saban has been here. Also your school enrollment has almost doubled. I think those two factors will help alleviate any Dubose/ Shula attendance numbers when things turn downhill on the field.

 

[imauafan]

One thing I think you are missing is that Alabama has gained a whole new generation of Bryant area fans since Saban has been here. Also your school enrollment has almost doubled. I think those two factors will help alleviate any Dubose/ Shula attendance numbers when things turn downhill on the field.

There are attendance issues right now. Even for some of the bigger games it's not difficult to see empty seats when the cameras pan across the stadium.

 

[Ole Man Dan]

I think the problem is that Alabama needed to get ahead of this and fast because the cash cow isn't going to be there forever. I think the NFL found that smaller stadiums with better anemities, retro looks, and etc lose less money than behemoths like Cowboys Stadium and Fed Ex field. More folks are watching games on their HD tv than actually booking hotels and spending money in games. The age of the 100k being a plus is about dead. I think Auburn probably did one of the smartest things in investing in a jumbotron over joining the 100k club.

I admit to not thinking this change thru. Jess's explanation is spot on.
Question is can we persuade the powers that be of what the future might look like.
I'm not for higher ticket prices, and I'm really not for smaller seats like Tennessee did. Jumbotron... MAYBE.