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UF to Hire Architect for $400 million Renovation to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Discussion in 'RayGator's Swamp Gas' started by Gator Mike, Jul 3, 2023.

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  1. Jul 3, 2023 #1
    Gator Mike

    Gator Mike All American

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    The Florida Gators took a significant step toward renovating The Swamp on Monday when they announced they’re ready to start working with an architect to lead the $400 million project.

    The announcement — the upcoming launch of the formal bidding process through UF’s Campus Planning, Design and Construction Office — has been building for years. University Athletic Association officials have said the iconic Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is starting to show its 93-year-old age, despite modernizations like WiFi and new ribbon boards.

    “Whatever work we do there doesn’t need to be a Band-Aid,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said a few weeks ago during the SEC’s spring meetings. “It needs to be a multigenerational solution to continue to give that stadium for future generations a chance to come and watch the Gators there.”    ​
     
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  2. Jul 3, 2023 #2
    tegator80

    tegator80 GC Hall of Fame

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    I think this idea works.

    [​IMG]

    I mean, it is only money. Um, other people's money...
     
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  3. Jul 3, 2023 #3
    Skink

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    Gotta be done right
     
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  4. Jul 3, 2023 #4
    Crusher

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    Why am somewhat sure that they'll eff it up like the O'Dome?
     
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  5. Jul 3, 2023 #5
    Skink

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    O’Dome wasn’t pretty from the start. Florida Field is iconic - can’t mess with its overall character
     
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  6. Jul 3, 2023 #6
    bgator85

    bgator85 Premium Member

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    Yeah, I’ll be honest I don’t have a whole lot of faith.
     
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  7. Jul 3, 2023 #7
    Crusher

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    It wasn't pretty and was outdated for the purpose as a Basketball facility, but it is iconic. They tried to put lipstick on a pig and made the venue worse. They should have left it as is for all the sports (indoor track?) it housed and built a stand-alone facility for Basketball.

    We'll see what they have in mind for a very iconic Florida Field, but one of the most special things about the stadium is how close to the playing field the majority of fans are. Ruining that advantage would be a terrible thing.
     
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  8. Jul 3, 2023 #8
    gatorranger7

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    The state of modern architectural aesthetics alone is sufficient to inspire my concerns for the final product.
     
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  9. Jul 3, 2023 #9
    Gator Mike

    Gator Mike All American

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    From ESPN's article on the renovation:

    Proposed upgrades are sure to include wider concourses, less bench seating, more concession options, larger video boards, a new sound system and improved lighting throughout. Capacity is expected to be reduced by thousands.​

    Florida takes 1st step in $400M Swamp revamp
     
  10. Jul 3, 2023 #10
    gatordavisl

    gatordavisl VIP Member

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    It's often been suggested that due to the nature of the concrete, they could never increase leg room. I can imagine more seatbacks and reduced capacity, but wonder if they might do anything about space between the rows. Those little seatbacks that folks rent/buy for their season seats are awful.
     
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  11. Jul 3, 2023 #11
    antny1

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    That would probably be my biggest fear but I don't think there would be any reason to do so. Who knows at this point.
     
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  12. Jul 3, 2023 #12
    TJtheGator

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    Remember when ol’ TJtheGator kept saying a minimum of $250 million for the Swamp over the last 6+ years? Remember when you gave him negative points on his posts and called him crazy?

    Not so crazy now that the bill went up.

    Look at what aTm spent on theirs, Bama since 2009, UGA in thenlast decade, Texas while in the Big12.

    That’s what we’re up against.
     
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  13. Jul 3, 2023 #13
    cheatng8tr

    cheatng8tr Junior

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    I'll donate if they promise to allow the "Gator Bait" chant.
     
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  14. Jul 3, 2023 #14
    62gator

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    Absolutely! That is one of pillars of what makes the Swamp such a treacherous gator pit for opposing teams. Thankfully it would take some massive structural changes for that to happen, and they’re not going to do that. I understand what they want to do, BHGS definitely needs a refresh. Scott sounds like he understands what not to do though, we’ll see if that holds true.

    Just don’t muck up what is so special about Steve Spurrier - Florida Field, please!

    IMG_6146.jpeg
     
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  15. Jul 3, 2023 #15
    tegator80

    tegator80 GC Hall of Fame

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    Also, personal back-of-chair chilled beverage dispensers with cup holders would also be appreciated!
     
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  16. Jul 3, 2023 #16
    dave_the_thinker

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    We need ziplines for reintroducing the "Pass the girl up" tradition in a safe and reliable manner.
     
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  17. Jul 3, 2023 #17
    Crusher

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    And if you have seen the new building where the old police station used to be you would have a perfect example :(
     
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  18. Jul 3, 2023 #18
    KronoGator

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    That's exactly what they would have done if the current AD was in charge.
     
  19. Jul 3, 2023 #19
    TJtheGator

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    Pics?

    This thread is worthless without pics.
     
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  20. Jul 3, 2023 #20
    Go2gtr

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    They did okay with the new baseball stadium.
     
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