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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.

  1. Matthanuf06

    Matthanuf06 GC Hall of Fame

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    I mean sure. But the winning is the key. So make the stadium in such a way to maximize winning. If you can win in an environment like a corporate conference then great…but since winning is the key they’d be better off making it as hostile as possible
     
  2. n210sgator

    n210sgator All American

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    Bring back – Vanessa Redgrave
    Bring back Joe Piscopo:p
     
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  3. Skink

    Skink GC Hall of Fame

    wut?
     
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  4. gatorstrackman

    gatorstrackman GC Legend

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    Happened to my sister twice in one game in 1984 lol
     
  5. Gatorrick22

    Gatorrick22 GC Hall of Fame

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    We need to invite several architects to submit their designs...
     
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  6. Wanne15

    Wanne15 GC Hall of Fame

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    We can’t afford the cool shit in the US any more . They save elite architecture for the Middle East and the places that can afford it.
     
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  7. Skink

    Skink GC Hall of Fame

    ….and Mary Hill was such a thrill after dark…
     
  8. Skink

    Skink GC Hall of Fame

    And the guy promising the most seats wins right Rick?
     
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  9. Gatorrick22

    Gatorrick22 GC Hall of Fame

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    Lol... that's not a bad idea. :D

    All kidding aside, Skink, do you want The Swamp to lose 8,000 seats? That's way too many seats, and on top of that we will be selling-out games more often than we have in recent years. Mark my words... and that means the ticket prices will go up. Supply and demand.

    I want them to add 6k to 8k more seats... but we know that these private party seating is what they really want to add to The Swamp.
     
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  10. RayGator

    RayGator Administrator Emeritus

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    Yes, I sure like ice cream except those that are going to have any kind of nuts in them.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2023
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  11. TrueGator

    TrueGator GC Hall of Fame

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    Wow. Three more kills and she would have officially been declared an Ace.
     
  12. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Hi Rick -

    I have been reading your posts about this. Sadly I see no way your wish is realized. This 400M improvement will, inevitably, reduce seating capacity, IMO.

    I had always wished they would just add an East side expansion like the West side and throw another section on top of the South end zone to get to 100 K.

    I say B.S. it could not be done on the East side. People say they could not build some support strutures that go over or tie into the old Fla. Gym? Sure you could, with enough capital. The swiming pool area would have to be demolished and reconstructed.

    But poor play and then Covid did not help the cause with decreasing attendence.

    Besides, College Football is all about the money now and packing more sardines into the can, is not the plan. It's about increasing ticket prices and making things more affordable and comfortable to the "money" set.

    Days of 97 FSU are over IMO.
     
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  13. StrengthAndHonor

    StrengthAndHonor Senior

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    I've got a bad feeling that their gonna get this wrong. They really need to engage the alumni / student body with surveys and multiple design charrettes to find out what people want. Too often in the design world improper decisions are made by the few which impact many. Do it right or wait until you have the necessary funds to do so. Don't find out your over budget late in the game and then value engineer the crap out of it to the point that it's a disappointment. Listen to the people and do it right UF.
     
    • Disagree Bacon! Disagree Bacon! x 1
  14. tigator2019

    tigator2019 GC Hall of Fame

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    In my head--- UF
    In your opinion did UF get the football center wrong?

    Did UF get the bball park wrong?

    This is phase one, simply hiring an architect. Not one arch drawing yet
     
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  15. StrengthAndHonor

    StrengthAndHonor Senior

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    Without getting into it I think there was room for improvement, going all the way back to the O'dome improvements as well. Yes, I'm fully aware they haven't hired an architect yet, I understand how the process works.
    This is different in that those other projects you mentioned were brand new facilities. The Swamp is different, it's sacred, they have to be sure they get it right and fully engage the users in the design process.
     
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  16. bgator85

    bgator85 Premium Member

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    I've heard we've been consulting with Janet Marie Smith who has overseen renovations at places like Fenway and Dodger Stadium.
     
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  17. Gatorhead

    Gatorhead GC Hall of Fame

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    Asking for competitive Architectural bid packages from competitive entities is how it works unless UF is tied into one specific Architectural Firm.
     
  18. Crusher

    Crusher GC Hall of Fame

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    Would be nice if she had done any football stadiums so we could compare.
     
  19. BA69MA72

    BA69MA72 GC Legend

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    Hey Michelangelo, nice statue, but have you ever painted a ceiling?
     
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  20. Wanne15

    Wanne15 GC Hall of Fame

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    And they’ve said as much.