For those who don't remember, we posted a rendering of what the South end of the stadium could look like back in April of 2012:
As we said then, it's pretty awesome, thus it is ensured not to happen.
Well, the guy responsible for the concept is Purdue Alum Matthew Wille. Matt got in touch with us and has an updated version of his rendering, which we also wanted to share here.
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Matt has added some obvious touches, such as the P at midfield and the RR crossing sign on the Purdue tunnel side (which actually says "Boiler Crossing," in reality, I think), but he also added All American names and numbers to the south brick wall, which I have to say, is yet another fantastic touch. Much like is done in Mackey, let's remind the guys who are there of the greats that came before them. Let's remind everyone who mocks Purdue football that, yes, there actually have been quite a few legendary guys who have come through....The Furnace. (Just trying it out.)
Morgan Burke did talk in 2007 about how the Mackey renovation would put Stage II of the Ross-Ade renovations on hold -- that being the second deck on the East side of the stadium -- and that Stage III (a second deck on the North end) might never happen. Well, I would again submit that this improvement to the South end of the stadium would be far more valuable to the look and feel of Ross-Ade than any extra half-filled mezzanine would be. Note that Matt has a train up on the brick facade -- if we assume this train is stationary, why not make each car a luxury box? You've now already upped the ticket value of the entire South end, while also giving the stadium a fantastic improved look.
Make it happen, Morgan.
Those train cars remind me of the cabooses that folks at South Carolina use for tailgaiting - quite an experience if you've never been to a game or tailgated on a caboose.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, as you read the comments section, please take this rendering seriously. I agree with the BS fellas (and Matt) that this would be all too perfect. It accomplishes everything the athletic department is looking for: fewer south end zone seats, new revenue suites, and a sideline to sideline scoreboard.
ReplyDeleteNice layout. I like all the little touches. I'm not sure if having a train up on top wouldn't be a little too gimmicky or not. It seemed to work at Tampa Bay, so why not? But I would change the tunnel on the west side into a small pink door. Just sayin...
ReplyDeleteThis needs to get into the hands of some of our alumni at HNTB, who I read are submitting designs for this project. There are PLENTY of Purdue alumni working at HNTB.
ReplyDeleteInstead of having the train stationary, how about a track that goes all the way around the stadium and fans can ride it? It would be perfect for the family atmosphere that Burke is always pushing, not to mention it would make Ross-Ade one of the most unique stadiums in the country.
ReplyDeleteAt Texas they have a private building (Texas exes) attached to the stadium. think of it a a John purdue Club that can sell beer etc. I would attach it to the south endzone.
ReplyDeleteThat would be brilliant
Will
Wow, I LOVE the updated rendering. Price tag makes me fear we could ever do something this cool, but it certainly would look terrific on TV and in-person. What we need is a high-roller with an extra $50 Mill sitting around that will bring a printout of this rendering to Morgan ans say: "Do this please."
ReplyDeleteThe article in J&C yesterday talks of the Athletic department favoring a design MUCH like this one.
ReplyDeleteFrom J&C: They favored an option featuring an indoor club with rooftop terrace seating below a video board that stretches nearly from sideline to sideline.
Decorative bridges would connect the terrace seating with stands in the stadium’s southeast and southwest corners. Also included were installation of a new sound system and a second video board, approximately two-thirds the size of the one currently in the south end zone, in the north horseshoe.
Oh, well, then you're welcome, everybody.
ReplyDeleteOh, also, Will... it sounds like you haven't been back in a while. There already essentially is a John Purdue Club section that can sell beer -- the Shively seats up above the riffraff on the West side of the stadium. Bdowd and I have been lucky enough to mix with the elites and it's not bad at all.
ReplyDeleteJHetfield - this rendering would be a helluva lot cheaper than going up a level on the east or west.
ReplyDeleteI would make a donation if this rendering were chosen. I have a feeling several others would as well. Someone needs to create a campaign to get this thing noticed.
ReplyDeleteI REALLY REALLY hope something similar or even more radical like this comes to fruition. I wonder how much it will effect the acoustics of "The Furnace"? One would assume without the crowd noise escaping through the bleachers, it would raise the noise level. So we got that goin' for us...which is nice.
ReplyDelete"embiggen"...LMAO. Nice Simpsons reference.
ReplyDeleteHAHA: "World's Best A.D." mug, I'm assuming".
ReplyDeleteI just read the article again and missed this terrific Michael Scott reference the first time.
Anybody catch that show on the Rose Bowl team on BTN? I have watched it 3 times now. Makes me all warm and fuzzy.
ReplyDeleteYep, it was TERRIFIC. It'll re-air in an official debut this fall for those who didn't happen to DVR the unadvertised 4:430 am airing.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see Matt incorporate what Burke mentioned in his drawings. Put on the Wrigley style rooftops with the train as their suites in back and the train cars would be each sections suite that are catered and rented to groups. Put an open air picnic area underneath on the main level with a food court. Have the ability to close the food court with sliding window panels and you can have it open for all the BB games and any other large activity held their too!
ReplyDelete