I'd love to know the cost and time required here. Feels like this was a Golden ask. Lots of times new coaches make various program / infrastructure demands. Some big, some small. Was this big or small and why'd it take so dang long? White didn't ask when they dropped $60M into the place? Nobody thought of it then (except every fan ever)? Why now? Why'd it seem so easy? Unlikely we'll get answers. Answers or not, I'm freaking elated and even more ready for the season to start!
it was considered during the renovation, but declined due to cost. I think, in retrospect, even those decision makers would admit that was a mistake. The price tag that has been floating around for this to get done has always been around $1 million. I’m not sure if it actually came in at that amount, or if that estimate was even close to accurate… But that’s what I’ve always been told. I don’t think this was a Todd Golden request. I’ve actually spoken with Scott Stricklin about this a couple times… And he has always been very much behind the idea, and said that it would happen… just needed to find the money. Florida had some “found money” when Mike left for UGA … so maybe consider it a parting gift. I’m kidding… sorta. I do think this would’ve been done much sooner if it was perceived as a high priority item. And in fairness to the uaa, they have had a ton of big projects/expenditures of late. I can certainly see how this would get pushed. I too am thrilled this made its way up the list and got done!
The parting gift makes sense, actually. I've heard the $1M thrown around here a bunch. Hard to know without understanding what was required. Wonder if they'll they keep the old camera in place for bench shots.
Scott Stricklin sent me an email, thanking me for my patience. I have a hunch there may have been some sarcasm. Lol. I’ve griped, at times, about a lagging attention to basketball. But this is a nice step forward, as are some of the additional staff positions. There has also been an uptick in promotional efforts. So kudos to the UAA. Keep it going!
Full disclosure @akaGatorhoops PMed me about 3 weeks ago and said this was probably happening. He deserves a nice chunk of credit, way more than me. Outside of an email I sent to Stricklin last year and griping about it on here since the dawn of time I really didn't do anything. Maybe it would have happened inevitably, but I do think the fanbase was the driving force.
This is going to cut down on game thread posts by like 30%. Well maybe not at first since people will be praising the change for the first few games.
Just remember, the squeaky wheel may get the grease but it is also the first one replaced. Good job on keeping the fan pressure on to get this done.
Wait, so did this cost a gazillion dollars to do like the administration had said in the past? They made it sound like it was impossible and now they are just doing it? Not complaining, just confused.
Now to get camping out for the Rowdy section so that the students are rabid like they used to be. The whole section used to be rocking. Not so much anymore. Can't blame all of that on Mike White as the intensity fell off late in the BD era. Heck I would settle for national exposure of the old-school "Who cares" with the whole student section reading the Independent Alligator during introductions. And for a big game taking the T for throwing the newspapers on the court. I came here as a faculty member in 1982 and saw that and LOVED it.
Success will bring a lot of renewed energy and more fans. But an excellent plan and comsisent effort from UF marketing would help.
You’re not a teacher are you? Because that last word in your post could cause your teaching license to get revoked in Florida.
