It is. Soccer America is blowing it out their ass on this one. All reports I've read from much more reputable sources say a new stadium is in the works.
Yeah I just found and read the article. I don't know where they're getting their info but I'd take that article with a grain of salt. They also claim we'd be coming back in 2010 when Wolff and co. have stated a 2008-09 timetable is much more likely. SoccerAmerica appears to have gotten it very wrong in this case. They make no mention of the city fields, the parking garage, etc... Not only that, but to widen the field you would have to destroy the current stands at the same time. A phased approach wouldn't work.
Yea. SA got it totally wrong. Goes to show you can't always believe whats reported in the "paper". I was hoping we could get Goodsport a little worked up over this. He's seems to be posting more about American Idol and I'm a little worried. Jewell was hot last night BTW.
Doesn't it make you wonder a little bit about Goodsport putting so much effort into the American Idol thread ................... you think he's preparing himself to make his debut in that show ................ or is he too old for that
Hmm, let's see. You tear down the east side and build a new east side stadium. Then you tear down the west side and build a new one. Whattdya got? A NEW STADIUM. It's the same thing folks, just built serially instead of all at once!
It is an interesting concept. I have always suggested that the current footprint provides the path of least resistance. Since it is not a "new" structure (just reworked) there may actually be advantages in terms of permits, EIR issues, etc. Since there have been no announcements from the people who are actually talking with each other, this scenario can't be discounted.
What I've heard from people who actually know about construction is that that a complete renovation, done in stages, usually costs more than new construction from the ground up. A complete tear-down and rebuild on the current site wouldn't cost more than a new site, but then you have the problem of no stadium at all during the construction period.
Its not really the same thing that was described in the Murky News. That was specific about the site being east of the current Spartan and Spartan coming down for a parking lot. This method had been pretty common in England - Replacing a stand at a time. They're forced to do it since there's no adjacent land. It would be messy and more difficult rebuilding a stadium that's being actively used. It would be nice to save the trees though. I've always liked the trees at Spartan.
Yeah the Merc, and other news outlets have all said the east of Spartan is where a totally new stadium is going up. It makes the most sense. Spartan is too old and small too be expanded without significant cost.
My interpretation of what the article stated was that it was not being "expanded" at all. Level the east side completely, leaving nothing, then rebuild it, with press facilities and luxury boxes. When that is complete, do the exact thing to the west side. Once the east side is down, the field can be widened. It would be a new stadium. My guess is that someone got hold of one of the proposals that is on the table for discussion. My hope is that the people doing the talking are considering every possible method. As long as something happens, I am happy. Over on the Spartan boards, there is talk that a new stadium would not carry the Spartan name. This option might open the door to some method of keeping the Spartan Stadium moniker (although there can be little doubt that a corporate name is in the offing....but that doesn't mean that the Spartan Stadium name necessarily has to go).
This is what I have heard from "people in the know"... I can't say if that's the way it is going to happen, but it IS being discussed.
Interesting that no news outlets have picked up on it. They're all stating it's a new stadium in the other half of that block.
It is certainly worthy of serious consideration. In fact, I can easily see how the 22K number came about. If the current facility were to have all seating removed, then replaced with modern seats, chair and back, I think the resulting capacity would be closer to 22K than the published number.