MINNEAPOLIS - TCF Bank Stadium (50,805) [Archive]

EADGBE

January 5th, 2007, 11:23 PM

You Europeans and your roofs...

:yes: It does not rain in Minneapolis, it SNOWS! American football is played in any weather with the exception of lightning.

:grouphug:

I know this roof debate has been done a million times before and I'm really not attempting to re-heat the argument, but there is an inherent irony to this.

We're talking about a nation where the well-being of the consumer is paramount. If you want a cup holder in your seat, you got it. If you want a Godzillatron screen the width of the pitch, it's there. Internet access? No problem, dude. Consequently, it would appear that the fans are so cosseted that places like the Metrodome just aren't good enough any more (where I suspect anywhere else, they would be perfectly reasonable).

However, suggest that a roof may be an idea because, well, it snows a bit and, you know, as we're all warm-blooded mammals after all, you'd think it would stand to reason that viewer comfort is as big a priority as everything else that a new stadium so expensively assembles, and there's uproar.

I know it's a cultural thing that is seen as part of the whole experience and you may think Europeans are somehow deficient not to share it but even you must appreciate the apparent paradox it belies.

BTW, standing in the Fulwell end of the old Roker Park in Sunderland in February with the wind coming straight off the North Sea wasn't much of a picnic either - and that was under a roof. It makes me cold, just remembering it.

Mr. Fusion

January 6th, 2007, 09:04 AM

I know it's a cultural thing that is seen as part of the whole experience and you may think Europeans are somehow deficient not to share it but even you must appreciate the apparent paradox it belies.
Apologies... To debate "roofs" is silly, it is a personal preference. Did not mean to go there.

I do appreciate the paradox... I guess it is just one of those "American" things. :yes:

:grouphug:

rantanamo

January 6th, 2007, 10:50 AM

We don't think anyone is deficient. I think its just old that people continue to ask about roofs as if we are poor and can't afford them. This is college football we're talking about. Roofs shouldn't even be discussed, nor should the horseshoe debate. That's just part of the culture of college football. And again about the weather, our weather is simply different. Just like the roofs at German Stadiums are different from English roofs. I can't be the only one that sees that.

Anyways, beautiful college football stadium.

Scba

January 6th, 2007, 04:07 PM

Is it just me, or is the banking of the seats very flat?

NFLeuropefan

January 18th, 2007, 12:45 AM

Living in the Twin Cities, I'll have to go there for the opening game. Looks like a great stadium. What's weird is that I believe it will have seats instead of benches, a real rarity for a college stadium.

chromebowler

January 24th, 2007, 05:00 AM

Has this been approved? When is construction slated to start and end?

Benn

January 24th, 2007, 09:26 AM

Infrastructure work is wrapping up, construction will begin in a few months and it is set to open by the fall of 2009.

Goothrey

February 16th, 2008, 01:07 AM

http://www.startribune.com/video/15375881.html

Benn

February 16th, 2008, 02:57 AM

I can't wait for opening day.

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 02:22 AM

I couldn't find a thread for this, and a new 50,000 seater that is going up seems to warrant one.

Anyway this is the new football stadium for the Minnesota Gophers (Big10) of American College Football it is set to open September, 12, 2009 in a game against the Air Force (yes we need to schedule cream puff opponents).

It will have just over 50,000 seats and includes
-37 suites
-50 open boxes
-1,250 club seats
-250 indoor club seats
-Concourse open to the playing field
-external colanade featuring the names of all 87 counties on stone plaques
-Should be LEED certified
-Expandable to 80,000+

Total Budget is $288 million

Looking West
http://www.gophersports.com/pics16/800/IT/ITZLFGKFNPVIKJC.20080205215050.jpg?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400

Stadium Club
http://www.gophersports.com/pics29/800/WS/WSPVHCLKLBFOZQQ.20080516161632.jpg?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400

View from Club Seats
http://www.gophersports.com/pics22/800/BX/BXIXDBGYHJCDVTG.20080516161702.jpg?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400

Open Boxes
http://www.gophersports.com/pics28/800/RD/RDKQKWHVWPREOEM.20080516193905.jpg?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400

View from indoor club/press level
https://admin.xosn.com/pics22/800/YQ/YQIPDRVILNSDGNV.20080516185821.jpg?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400

Recent Progress
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/2008-0511-TCFStadium-001.jpg

Section
http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/images_stadium/sectional_2_lg.jpg

Plan
http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/images_stadium/level700_lg.jpg

Site Plan
http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/images_stadium/siteplan_lg.jpg

Official Site (including web cams ect)
http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/index.php

Carrerra

June 5th, 2008, 02:29 AM

Who pays for it? University? Local government? Or shared by both parties?

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 02:32 AM

It is a state university, so the state is covering the majority of the cost, with Corperate sponsorship, private gifts and premium seating covering the remainder.

Carrerra

June 5th, 2008, 02:38 AM

urbanlover

June 5th, 2008, 03:43 AM

This will be a big upgrade for the Gophers, there is something just not right about a Big 10 school playing in a dome off campus.

michał_

June 5th, 2008, 03:49 AM

Btw what do you mean by all 87 countries? The countries alumni/alumnae of all-time are from? Or the countries of those who donated for the contruction?
Had the same question :) But it'n not countries, it's counties that form the state.

Carrerra

June 5th, 2008, 03:53 AM

It's time to change my glasses :ohno::ohno::ohno:

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 04:37 AM

This will be a big upgrade for the Gophers, there is something just not right about a Big 10 school playing in a dome off campus.

Thats for sure. It's too bad they tore down Memorial Stadium in the first place, but I am certainly excited for opening day

raynsity

June 5th, 2008, 05:31 AM

Too bad another new stadium without full covering roof

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 05:39 AM

here we go again.......:bash:

For the 679th time no college team wants a roof, you're not going to see them, for this sport, where being in the elements is part of the atmosphere it would be terrible. Here there is a small canopy, over the premium seats and some of the chairbacks. It would totally ruin the stadium. Believe everthing about the stadium was carefully designed, the bleachers, horseshoe design is all very intentional, and at $290 million it better be.

Indiana Jones

June 5th, 2008, 06:09 AM

This should be good for Minny football, they never seem to really "fit in" the Metrodome. I think they should have made the tiers a bit steeper though, to improve the atmosphere.

en1044

June 5th, 2008, 07:04 AM

Too bad another new stadium without full covering roof

Ok, from now on when i read that im just going to expect the person who wrote it is a troll

We like the snow!

Calvin W

June 5th, 2008, 07:37 AM

Ok, from now on when i read that im just going to expect the person who wrote it is a troll

We like the snow!

Not that MOST of the USA has to worry about snow.:lol:

Honestly how many games a year are affected by snow or rain? A few mabye even a dozen or two. So yah I agree NO roof needed.

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 08:46 AM

This should be good for Minny football, they never seem to really "fit in" the Metrodome. I think they should have made the tiers a bit steeper though, to improve the atmosphere.

Yeah the bowl is pretty shallow. However it is designed with expansion in mind, not just enclosing the bowl, but also adding a third tier, potentially with more suites wrapping around like the existing ones and more general seating above. So they do have reason for it.

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 08:47 AM

Not that MOST of the USA has to worry about snow.:lol:

Honestly how many games a year are affected by snow or rain? A few mabye even a dozen or two. So yah I agree NO roof needed.

In Milwaukee we had like 90 inches this winter:cheers:
Minneapolis was less, but it might as well be Canada most of the time.

en1044

June 5th, 2008, 09:04 AM

get used to this stadium guys...if Chicago gets the olympics and you come over you may see some games here.

eMKay

June 5th, 2008, 07:35 PM

Don't American taxpayers object to their taxes spent in building a college football stadium in hundreds of millions of dollars? Btw what do you mean by all 87 countries? The countries alumni/alumnae of all-time are from? Or the countries of those who donated for the contruction?

Some may, but the majority do not ( or they would not be built obviously ) because they know that these stadiums bring in revenue to the university, as well as improving the reputation of the school attracting more and better students to it.

Joop20

June 5th, 2008, 08:46 PM

get used to this stadium guys...if Chicago gets the olympics and you come over you may see some games here.

I think the new Vikings stadium would be first in row to get some games when Chicago gets the 2016 olympics? It should be completed by then. And it looks way better, if it will be anything like this proposal:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/VikingsStadium-Proposal.jpg/721px-VikingsStadium-Proposal.jpg

All that talk about a roof or no roof... You guys from the USA have to understand that you're like the only country in the world where the majority of new stadiums aren't build with a roof, so don't be surprised when someone from Europe or Asia doesn't like a new stadium because it has no roof. I personally think it's b/s that you'd rather stand in the snow, and that America Football is a sport that should be played in a stadium without a roof. Look at the new stadia in Phoenix, Dallas and Indianapolis, they all have a roof! And sports that are arguably even more physical than American Football, like Rugby, Soccer and Aussie Rules Football are also often played in stadia that have a roof.
Besides the roof thing, there's another thing that strikes me about American stadium designs - why are they almost never symetrical? There's often one end or part of it missing, tiers that are interrupted, or like with this design, ther are silly corners in the stadium. What's up with that?

michał_

June 5th, 2008, 09:01 PM

For the 679th time no college team wants a roof, you're not going to see them, for this sport, where being in the elements is part of the atmosphere it would be terrible. Here there is a small canopy, over the premium seats and some of the chairbacks. It would totally ruin the stadium. Believe everthing about the stadium was carefully designed, the bleachers, horseshoe design is all very intentional, and at $290 million it better be.

So could you tell me if there is a rule or tendency in it? I mean, is it really an official statement that college football (only college?) teams don't want roofs and supporters say they don't need them? I'm just curious, that seems pretty odd, but if so, it's even more interesting.
apart from that I can believe that stadium is well planned and everything is intentional.

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 10:01 PM

There is no official rule, the Gophers currently play in a dome, as does syracuse and Idaho (the only teams I know of to build their own domes). However no real college fan wants a roof. The season runs beginning of September to the end of November/biginning of December, so weather never gets terrible, and sitting out on benches in November is something we wouldn't change for anyone. A lot of it is tradition, but until you have been to one of these stadiums and experienced the whole campus thing it's kind of hard explain exactly.

Benn

June 5th, 2008, 10:17 PM

I think the new Vikings stadium would be first in row to get some games when Chicago gets the 2016 olympics? It should be completed by then. And it looks way better, if it will be anything like this proposal:

All that talk about a roof or no roof... You guys from the USA have to understand that you're like the only country in the world where the majority of new stadiums aren't build with a roof, so don't be surprised when someone from Europe or Asia doesn't like a new stadium because it has no roof. I personally think it's b/s that you'd rather stand in the snow, and that America Football is a sport that should be played in a stadium without a roof. Look at the new stadia in Phoenix, Dallas and Indianapolis, they all have a roof! And sports that are arguably even more physical than American Football, like Rugby, Soccer and Aussie Rules Football are also often played in stadia that have a roof.
Besides the roof thing, there's another thing that strikes me about American stadium designs - why are they almost never symetrical? There's often one end or part of it missing, tiers that are interrupted, or like with this design, ther are silly corners in the stadium. What's up with that?

First off the new Vikings stadium is still an IF and not a WHEN, it may come to be, but don't expect anything to get underway before 2010. I am kind of hoping for it, but the last thing the state needs is to spend another $700 million on a big infrastructure project. The bridges, light rail and two major stadiums already going up are going to cost us more than enough.

Second I have had the roof/no roof discussion so many times I get sick thinking about it. I am sure you have heard repeatedly that we neither want or need substantial roofs in most cases. When you see a retractable roof its so that facility will be able to host basketball and major concerts/conventions in winter, not for the teams in most cases. For a lot of Americans Football is an outdoor sport, sometimes you will see a partial canopy used as an architectual feature (Paul Brown Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field). Seattle gets a ton of rain, and hence has roofs covering about 70% of the seats, and much of the US is drier than mainland Europe, and especially the UK, if it rains bring a pancho, or get wet, who cares?

Also be careful to destinguish the difference between Collegiate and Professional Football, culturally it's a very defferent experience. College teams usually have a lot more tradition and much more hardcore fan bases. A number of college teams averge over 100,000 fans a game, no matter what the conditions. When Ohio State, Florida, LSU ect. win a National title expect huge parties, riots, cars getting burned, ect. This is not something you will ever see with an NFL team.

Finally about symmetry, we get kind of bored with perfectly symmetrical stadiums. If you look at the last generation of American stadiums (the "cookie cutters") most were very symmetrical (and pretty mediocre).

en1044

June 6th, 2008, 12:55 AM

So could you tell me if there is a rule or tendency in it? I mean, is it really an official statement that college football (only college?) teams don't want roofs and supporters say they don't need them? I'm just curious, that seems pretty odd, but if so, it's even more interesting.
apart from that I can believe that stadium is well planned and everything is intentional.

You just dont understand the college atmosphere, and probaly never will. You dont understand how they are built or the funds that go into them. Why put a roof on a stadium that doesnt need it?

Abd dont try to tell us that the fact that we like to see the game in the elements is BS because you dont understand the game you arent qualified to say anything. Isnt it possible that because we arent Europe, we dont share the same qualities? Europeans started putting roofs on stadiums because of the rain the received, and eventually it became a ceterpiece in the design of a soccer stadium. Not having much rain over here, American stadiums never had the need for roofs so their evolution over here did not include them. We dont have to play in the elements often, so putting a roof on is a complete waste of money. When it rains or snows, so what? We dont have to deal with rain on an everyday basis so we dont try to distance ourselves from it. In areas like Seattle, we have roofs because it is the only area of the country with weather similar to Europe.

kazetuner

June 6th, 2008, 02:34 AM

i ussualy dont like american stadium ( no roofs, empty ends) but this one is pretty good. i dont love it but it's ok

danny1010

June 6th, 2008, 02:39 AM

I think there's confusion over the use of roofs and domed football stadiums in the US. Most (not all) of them are to keep the patrons in nice air-conditioned comfort. There's a reason why the majority of the domed and retractable roof stadiums in the NFL are located in the South (Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, New Orleans, Atlanta). The heat is a much bigger issue than keeping out rain, snow, etc.

Even look at the motivation for the world's first domed stadium, the Astrodome in Houston. It was domed so it could be air conditioned... the sheltering from the rain was a secondary benefit. Actually little known fact was that it would rain inside the Astrodome if the air conditioning system was turned off.

This also caters to one of the distinct differences between the fanbases of the NFL and college football. Like many others have mentioned... even though it's the same sport, the culture, atmosphere, and fans of the two are vastly different.

NFL fans in general are much more concerned with comfort and luxury features compared to college football fans. The NFL owners have catered to attracting these fans with air conditioned stadia. Although most of the NFL stadia have many more amenities, many college football fans would call the NFL atmosphere much more sterile than their college counterparts.

Being much older than professional football (1869 vs. 1920), college football is much more strongly tied to tradition. You even have to wait until the post-WWII era before professional football nears the popularity of the college game.

For college fans, it's a very personal connection to their team. Fans are loyal because they attended the university or have ties that span generations. The players are students and classmates with the fans. Fans often times sit next to many of these players in their classes. The players' motivation is to bring notoriety and fame to the university, not how big of a contract he can sign (at least not while in college). Players for the most part start and finish playing for the same school. Transfers are rare. College football is the only sport that names a champion without a tournament/playoff because the tradition of bowl games is so strongly engrained. Most often stadiums are expanded and renovated instead of being rebuilt to maintain that tradition and nostalgia of the old stadia.

TCF Bank Stadium is an exception to this, but it's also a reaction to playing in the sterile off-campus Metrodome. They want to revive the atmosphere that's so unique to fabric of college football. For that alone, I think it'll be a huge improvement.

michał_

June 6th, 2008, 05:12 AM

You just dont understand the college atmosphere, and probaly never will. You dont understand how they are built or the funds that go into them. Why put a roof on a stadium that doesnt need it?

Abd dont try to tell us that the fact that we like to see the game in the elements is BS because you dont understand the game you arent qualified to say anything. Isnt it possible that because we arent Europe, we dont share the same qualities? Europeans started putting roofs on stadiums because of the rain the received, and eventually it became a ceterpiece in the design of a soccer stadium. Not having much rain over here, American stadiums never had the need for roofs so their evolution over here did not include them. We dont have to play in the elements often, so putting a roof on is a complete waste of money. When it rains or snows, so what? We dont have to deal with rain on an everyday basis so we dont try to distance ourselves from it. In areas like Seattle, we have roofs because it is the only area of the country with weather similar to Europe.
For f#ck sake, leave me alone! You don't need to tell me I don't understand, I KNOW THAT, some of you keep on repeating it (oh yeah, now I probably attacked your nation...) and accusing Europe (as if I represented Europe!) of being ignorant. Buzz off, I asked a simple question and got answered.

I don't feel the rush to experience it. And even though it was fun to watch one or two movies about the college football, the last thing I want to do is feel the atmosphere at college football [I'm pretty happy with our football], so don't flex your muscles. All I wanted to know is if there were any official statements on this and why is the NFL so different.
So thank you Benn and Danny1010, it's very helpful.

hoosier

June 6th, 2008, 05:15 AM

College football games tend to be much rowdier and intense than NFL games because of the presence of thousands of drunk college students, the presence of a pep band, and a genuine cheerleading squad.

Indiana Jones

June 6th, 2008, 05:34 AM

^^ And alumni with more of a connection to the team. College sports is the best atmosphere created in the US.

en1044

June 6th, 2008, 05:36 AM

For f#ck sake, leave me alone! You don't need to tell me I don't understand, I KNOW THAT, some of you keep on repeating it (oh yeah, now I probably attacked your nation...) and accusing Europe (as if I represented Europe!) of being ignorant. Buzz off, I asked a simple question and got answered.

I don't feel the rush to experience it. And even though it was fun to watch one or two movies about the college football, the last thing I want to do is feel the atmosphere at college football [I'm pretty happy with our football], so don't flex your muscles. All I wanted to know is if there were any official statements on this and why is the NFL so different.
So thank you Benn and Danny1010, it's very helpful.

Your gonna keep getting the same response until you stop posting uneducated comments then, but not from me.

Benn

June 6th, 2008, 11:25 PM

Your gonna keep getting the same response until you stop posting uneducated comments then, but not from me.

You did come off as being pretty condescending considering it was a strait forward question that had already been given a fairly complete answer a couple hours earlier.

en1044

June 7th, 2008, 04:28 AM

You did come off as being pretty condescending considering it was a strait forward question that had already been given a fairly complete answer a couple hours earlier.

I already had this conversation with him on another thread

michał_

June 7th, 2008, 04:42 AM

I already had this conversation with him on another thread

The thing is we didn't start this conversation over (hopefully never will), I don't need to. You said what you have to say, no need to write "you don't understand" and "aren't qualified to" 5 times in every post...

Not to make this post an OT, what is the price of TCF Bank sponsorship deal and it's duration? This might be helpful to judge the economic scale of "college gridirons"...

Benn

June 16th, 2008, 07:33 PM

I believe it's a $35 million deal, over 25 years (frankly I thought they could get atleast $2 million a year), after which the name will probably be changed to Minnesota Memorial Stadium, or Bruce Smith Memorial Stadium or something along those lines. At that point it will be a real college stadium (none of the soul crushing corporate sponsorship, it has no place in college sports). Various parts of the stadium have been named for corporate (and perhaps some individual donors) the club level is called the DQ Club for instance and Best Buy will have their name on one of the levels as well. I'm really hoping it picks up a suitable nickname like "the new Brickhouse" (the old Memorial Stadium was often reffered to as the Brickhouse because of it's brick facade) or something, I can't deal with that name for too long.

Anyway the University plans to cover 52% of the cost of the stadium through said naming rights, gifts from private donors, the premium seating sales, student fees, and parking revenue. The state is paying the remaining 48%, about $137 million.

This stadium will take some time to pay itself off, before it has a chance to make money, which is the standard model in college sports, the Michigan stadium renovation for instance has a subastantial amount of the cost covered by the sale of suites and clube seats. Ohio state did the same thing when they renovated/expanded the Horseshoe.

rantanamo

June 16th, 2008, 08:00 PM

every year we get a new crop of posters who have to battle it out continent to continent. Give it a rest. We all like what we like.

Benn

June 16th, 2008, 08:17 PM

Michal was just asking a couple of fair straitforward questions and then got a lot of flak for what looks like nothing, wouldn't blame him too much for defending himself. As far I can tell en1044 was dragging some arguement from another post into here. But anyway that was ten days ago and I think people can keep it to the stadium from here on out. What Joop20 had to say was the only thing that I would really question so far in this entire thread, otherwise it's been pretty clean.
Stadium sure is coming along the bowl is starting to fill out nicely
Webcam
http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/webcam.php

GunnerJacket

June 16th, 2008, 08:33 PM

My in-laws are from Anoka (north of Minneapolis) and are thrilled to see the Gophers moving back outdoors. By all accounts this is already paying off for the team in terms of publicity, encouraging signs among players and recruits and likely to improve ticket sales. Most modern fans don't know Minnesota has a strong gridiron history, including national titles!

This stadium will take some time to pay itself off, before it has a chance to make money, which is the standard model in college sports, the Michigan stadium renovation for instance has a subastantial amount of the cost covered by the sale of suites and clube seats. Ohio state did the same thing when they renovated/expanded the Horseshoe.
Bingo. Universities rely on these setting to secure big-time donations for things outside athletics. Such suites are the begging rooms for funds for the new library, a new chaired-professorship, etc. So even if it doesn't directly pay for itself within 10 years, chances are it's helped lure big money to the school in other ways.

Still don't like seeing as much funding from a government's general funds or bond revenue. This is usually a sign of deeper financial issues. At least UM is paying a strong share of this one.

Benn

June 17th, 2008, 07:26 PM

Yeah and this may well be their home for 100 years, so I don't have a problem with the state contributing $137 million on something like this. Ohio State was able to pay for their renovation privately, but they put in 3 times as many suites, twice as many club seats and sell more than 100,000 tickets to every game, which is not something the Gophers can do. On the other hand when the Vikings come asking for $700 million for a stadium they will want to replace in 30 years I have a problem. That is another light rail line, or proper funding to take care of highways and bridges, and God forbid we ever properly fund the public schools.

GunnerJacket

June 17th, 2008, 08:55 PM

^^^
One thing that's always helped OSU is having one of, if not the, largest student bodies in the US, and a good number of those live on campus. Their fall '04 figure was over 50k! Minn is also up there but with slightly more commuter students, yet hopefully having the stadium on campus will increase student attendance, and that will in turn foster more alums with a better gameday mentality.

The thoughts about the Vikings stadium are also pretty much spot on. Georgia uses a formula/software developed by Georgia Tech to calculate the financial impact of such developments. It did stop the State from overspending for a potential auto plant (They wanted $500M in incentives), but politicos have ignored the findings before. :bash: I know public support can yield some good return, but the demands for stadiums by the NFL, MLB and NBA types has gotten out of control.

Benn

June 17th, 2008, 10:00 PM

The two schools are almost identicle in size, I think OSU has like 3,000 more students, but both are almost always in the top 5. Minnesota has been floating between 47,000 and 51,000 for a few years now, although it isn't likely to grow much.

And I couldn't agree more about the NFL and NBA owners in particular using cities for every dollar they've got

Avian001

August 6th, 2008, 05:09 PM

Updated photos of the new Gopher Football stadium (aka TCF Bank Stadium) under construction on the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus. This will also serve as the temporary home of the Vikings when the Metrodome is replaced.

Opens on September 12, 2009. 50,000 seats, expandable to 80,000. $288.5 million. Also includes new facilities for the U of M Marching Band.

The traditional collegiate design is based on the old Memorial Stadium (aka "the Brick House"), demolished in 1992.

The area is part of a 75-acre expansion of the campus and will include 10 additional classroom buildings.

View from SE showing brick colonnade:

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7831/umstadiumpan01cj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7222/umstadiumconstr01ck5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The names of all 87 Minnesota counties are inscribed in stone in the colonnade in alphabetical order:

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2708/umstadiumconstr06qj2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The colonnade also contains arched entryways:

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/813/umstadiumconstr04la1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The open (west) end of the bowl, showing the structure of the main scoreboard. The HD-X LED scoreboard will measure 48 x 108 feet - the 2nd-largest in college football. This is also the site of a new entry plaza made possible by a $10 million gift to the University by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8795/umstadiumpan02af8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Concrete seat decks are being installed:

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6223/umstadiumconstr03ci0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

View of the computer model, looking toward downtown Minneapolis:

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/5138/tcfstadiumah0.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Site Plan:

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5817/tcfstadiumsite01hk0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

fenway58

August 6th, 2008, 10:04 PM

will they let the vikings play there. when they work on the ME. good.

Avian001

August 7th, 2008, 02:22 AM

will they let the vikings play there. when they work on the MET

Yes, that's the plan.

Avian001

October 10th, 2008, 09:28 PM

The new football stadium for the University of Minnesota. These photos are courtesy of member GoAUpher at the GopherHole forum. (http://www.gopherhole.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=842)

View toward the east, showing the framework for US College football's 2nd-largest scoreboard/screen:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/381/tcfstadiumconstr00rj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

View of downtown Minneapolis from the middle deck level:

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6959/tcfstadiumconstr01th6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

View of the bowl. The stadium is designed to allow for an additional continuous deck above, bringing the total seating to 80,000. (The stadium was designed to trap the maximum amount of sound inside so that the fan experience is loud!)

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2033/tcfstadiumconstr02qx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1861/tcfstadiumconstr03ww7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looking west:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1783/tcfstadiumconstr04ds0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Plasterwork commences on the ceiling of the colonnade:

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/8792/tcfstadiumconstr05et4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The locker room is vast, with a giant LED-illuminated "M" set within a football-shaped ceiling:

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/775/tcfstadiumconstr06sq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

en1044

October 11th, 2008, 02:14 AM

nice progress

BoulderGrad

October 11th, 2008, 03:20 AM

So I feel the strange urge to ask this every time I see a new football stadium going up, but does it have the ability to hold a FIFA approved soccer field?

Avian001

October 11th, 2008, 04:20 AM

So I feel the strange urge to ask this every time I see a new football stadium going up, but does it have the ability to hold a FIFA approved soccer field?

No, I don't think so. However, the University of Minnesota just recently completed a new soccer stadium on the St. Paul campus, just a few miles away.

Benn

October 11th, 2008, 04:29 AM

Yes it does, should Chicago win the 2016 Olympic bid, TCF will host a priliminary group. I believe it will also host some of the Gopher's Mens soccer games.

rockin'.baltimorean

October 11th, 2008, 05:23 AM

nice-looking stadium. the gophers are gonna' love it!!:okay:

Avian001

October 14th, 2008, 12:49 AM

Yes it does, should Chicago win the 2016 Olympic bid, TCF will host a priliminary group. I believe it will also host some of the Gopher's Mens soccer games.

Thanks! I didn't know that. :)

ryebreadraz

October 15th, 2008, 09:39 PM

The stadium has the field width to hold a soccer field, but the fact that will have turf will keep it from holding WCQ's and a lot of other matches.

swaugh3

October 15th, 2008, 09:52 PM

Too bad they won't install seats, or will they?

en1044

October 16th, 2008, 12:09 AM

Too bad they won't install seats, or will they?

i highly doubt they will put in individual seats

KingmanIII

October 16th, 2008, 07:27 AM

i highly doubt they will put in individual seats

With college football stadiums, the seats that have chairbacks usually go to the university's biggest donors.

http://www.gophersports.com/pics22/1024/WG/WGHATDESKQGGOVW.20080516192041.jpg

Benn

October 17th, 2008, 12:30 AM

Both sidelines will have individual seats, most of them requiring a $250 or greater annual donation. The outer two sections along each side line will not require a donation. All corner an endline seats will be benches, there hase been spme discussion on benches with backs, but I don't know for sure what they will be.

massp88

October 17th, 2008, 04:18 AM

The Gophers will finally have a decided homefield advantage now that they are going to be outside....if only the Vikings would follow suit....

Benn

October 17th, 2008, 08:07 AM

Word

danny1010

December 3rd, 2008, 07:15 PM

This thread may be more suited to the 'Under Construction' forum. Also, any updates?

Bobby3

December 4th, 2008, 03:35 AM

Is it me, or does the A look lopsided in the render?

KingmanIII

December 4th, 2008, 07:03 AM

Is it me, or does the A look lopsided in the render?

You mean on the "MINNESOTA" printed on the seats?

Yeah, it does look kinda jacked-up.

BuffaloHoya

December 11th, 2008, 05:54 PM

massp88

December 11th, 2008, 07:51 PM

KingmanIII

December 12th, 2008, 03:03 AM

Any updates?

I would love to see an NFL team emulate this stadium in the future: real fans close, corporate fans up high.

They'd still have a great view, all the luxury amenities they need... it could be done.

While that would be nice, it will never happen. The corporate fans and fans sitting in boxes or club seats, will never be put to the top of a stadium. Just look at the new Cowboys stadium, boxes everywhere. Hopefully other NFL teams won't try to emulate the design.

It's already been done elsewhere.

New Soldier Field, Chicago
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/2157473716_77d01a88d2_b.jpg

Ford Field, Detroit
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/1695324406_f03239baa6_o.jpg

Arist

December 12th, 2008, 04:48 AM

Detroit did it because its a cheap city, Chicago had to since they were renovating from the original design.

BuffaloHoya

December 12th, 2008, 06:29 PM

Detroit did it because its a cheap city, Chicago had to since they were renovating from the original design.

Chicago had space constraints due to the structure of "old" Soldier Field.

Detroit didn't really do this, though. One sideline is all seats, the other is the club seats. While some are elevated slightly higher than we're used to seeing with NFL stadiums, the majority are at that "club level" most stadiums place them at... some even closer.

Benn

December 13th, 2008, 12:20 AM

The sideline with the suites is not all premium seating, the lower leve is all standard seating. The Club seats are right below the suites, and the lower portion of the upper teir on the opposite side, All of the silver seats are sold as club seats, blue is general admission. There is also a level of suites behind the upper deck on that side.

KingmanIII

December 13th, 2008, 12:23 AM

Chicago had space constraints due to the structure of "old" Soldier Field.

The old Soldier Field had a humongous footprint; the new one fits inside the old, with room to spare. As a matter of fact, the last seven rows or so from the old seating bowl still encircle the stadium exterior.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/775176146_07fd8992f4_b.jpg

Avian001

February 8th, 2009, 05:35 PM

Updated Construction pics. Saturday, Feb 07, 2009.

The south side is approaching completion. For a traditionally-inspired design, the look is remarkably clean and crisp:

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1198/umstadiumpan03fz0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Moving toward the open end of the bowl:

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2739/umstadiumconstr09uq3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5113/umstadiumconstr08yl9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6427/umstadiumconstr07uw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/659/umstadiumconstr10qy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3861/umstadiumconstr11pz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

fenway58

February 10th, 2009, 04:49 PM

need more pic's. is the field going to be grass or truff?

KingmanIII

February 11th, 2009, 09:15 AM

need more pic's. is the field going to be grass or truff?

FieldTurf

Kuvvaci

February 11th, 2009, 06:45 PM

very impressive.

Tom Ace

February 13th, 2009, 12:03 AM

Benn

February 13th, 2009, 01:36 AM

Everyone needs to shut the f*ck up with the petty nonsense. No reason to drag all that up again.

salaverryo

February 21st, 2009, 06:54 PM

Nice looking stadium, although 50,200 is a rather small capacity for an NFL venue, don't you think?

Benn

February 21st, 2009, 10:20 PM

Its not an NFL stadium, its for the Gophers (D-1 College). If the Vikings ever get a new one built it will be about 70,000 with a retractable roof no doubt.

en1044

February 22nd, 2009, 08:56 AM

Are we ever going to play Mexico here? It could be a good home field advantage.

Benn

February 23rd, 2009, 12:52 AM

God I hope so, love to see the national team come to town. Minneapolis and St Paul do have fairly sizable hispanic populations (especially from Mexico), so home field advantage might not be quite like Columbus, but certainly better than LA or Houston.

en1044

February 23rd, 2009, 02:26 AM

fenway58

March 31st, 2009, 06:04 PM

http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww276/chises2k9/Duke/MinnesotaStadium.jpg
any new pics

Benn

April 1st, 2009, 12:37 AM

They have started installing seats and the scoreboards are almost complete, but unfortunately I don't have any pics

danny1010

May 5th, 2009, 09:38 AM

A few updates from 4/23:

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics11/800/SQ/SQXBLZYTSNDUNXJ.20090423225736.jpg

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics10/800/NK/NKKABVAJIPPSHWT.20090424212322.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics24/800/NO/NOTKMRFZWXNBADS.20090424212352.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics22/800/FQ/FQZYTTVLNWOZBNE.20090424212428.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics/800/BT/BTBPHVYWNSOYUNA.20090424212543.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics21/800/LX/LXYRHUGQMLGXVRR.20090424212617.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics10/800/HF/HFHLRSCCOOJQPEG.20090424212654.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics11/800/IK/IKECBFQPFRAHYRR.20090424213025.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics11/800/FV/FVGFUGZYOOPCVOZ.20090424212729.JPG

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics/800/SO/SOOJTKPXTRYTDGQ.20090424212947.JPG

More photos here: http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=101929

trmather

May 6th, 2009, 03:42 AM

Must be said, it's a very smart design.

eMKay

May 28th, 2009, 12:25 AM

Excellent, classy looking building.

danny1010

June 9th, 2009, 09:40 AM

Things are looking good in Minneapolis...

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics/800/DD/DDWIPQEPPNFTODS.20090608153504.jpg

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics10/800/AW/AWYZRMQYZGJJJLI.20090608152608.jpg

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics/800/ZM/ZMNOKDSIXPOTLGM.20090608152708.jpg

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics24/800/WH/WHFRNJISOHNJHXX.20090608153046.jpg

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics22/800/EE/EEYCOYMNCFKDCGW.20090608153129.jpg

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics11/800/FK/FKXTBIJXOAEWGYW.20090608153746.JPG

Benn

June 11th, 2009, 11:32 AM

Lookin good, and basically done

sdk

June 11th, 2009, 03:27 PM

Its always fascinating to me that a University has the finacial power, the fans and background to build such a stadium for a college football team. Wow. And they even aren't a really important one (sorry guys ;) ) like the Longhorns etc. are they?

Kapow32

June 11th, 2009, 05:59 PM

no, they aren't quite like the longhorns,but they are in a power conference(the big ten) so that puts them in the upper echelon of college football. Plus, they are the biggest college in the state, in by far the biggest city in the state, with a huge enrollment, so they are in a pretty good position to be building a nice stadium.

Benn

June 11th, 2009, 10:18 PM

They certainly aren't on the level with Texas, USC, Michigan, Florida ect. anymore, but it's a huge school (about 50,000 students enrolled at a given time) with a lot of history; we have won six National Titles and have been playing since 1882.
Although the fan base isn't what it once was, as this will be the 2nd or 3rd smallest in terms of capacity in the Big Ten. Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State all seat more than 100,000 and don't have empty seats, so it is modest in the context of the competition.
The really ironic thing in all this is that from 1924-1982 they played at Memorial Stadium, which was a 53,000 seat horseshoe stadium that was just across the street from where TCF is presently.

JYDA

June 11th, 2009, 11:19 PM

November home games should be fun...

Benn

June 11th, 2009, 11:57 PM

I can't wait

hoosier

June 12th, 2009, 08:27 AM

Benn

June 12th, 2009, 09:14 AM

1960, haven't done much since but we have 1934, 1935, 1936, 1941, 1942 and 1960 national titles and appeared in the 1960 and 1961 Rosebowls (ironically won the national title in 1960 despite losing the rosebowl as it was an exhibition game at the time, and winning it in '61 although it was still an exhibition). Also the only team that I can think of to win 3 national titles in a row, be nice to see something like that again, but the last time we were so much is in a rose bowl was 25 years before I was born.

Schnauzer 1

June 12th, 2009, 04:56 PM

November home games should be fun...

First, November games SHOULD be fun as the climate in southern MN in November is pretty much the same as the rest of the Big 10 conference, not to mention the east coast.

Next, I agree MN is not currently at the Texas level of play but we will find out how close the programs are in 2011 and 2012 as Minnesota will be playing Texas in a home and home series. Minnesota has won more national championships than Texas but the difference is all of Minnesota's titles came prior to 1961 and all of Texas' came after 1961 (if my memory serves me). As was previously mentioned, Minnesota plays in a power conference and it is one of the largest Universities in the United States.

Finally, a little history to add:

MN was once an elite program and there currently is a strong push to return it to its former glory. TCF Bank Stadium is the centerpiece of that push. But, it isn't the only item. In recent years, there have been massive upgrades to weight room facilities, practice facilities, and the creation of an entire complex for the football program:

http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=15990

Unfortunately, the program fell into disarray during the latter part of the 60's and 70's. This was the worst possible timing for the football program because this reality struck just as the NFL Minnesota Vikings took root and built a following (mostly of old U of M football backers) by appearing in 4 Super Bowls during that same time period.

By the late 70's, the problem was recognized and it was felt that a move to the Metrodome woud jump start the program (the theory was every high school kid would love to play in a new dome).

So, in 1981 Minnesota moved from their own on-campus football stadium (Memorial Stadium)...

http://67bigtenchamps.com/images/Minnesota%20Golden%20Gopher%20Football%20History-%20Memorial%20Stadium.jpg

The Metrodome would become home for the next 26 years...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QErTyUj1Nco/Se4ve5okUPI/AAAAAAAAANk/QiLHz_05mdg/s320/FB+Metrodome+1998+01.jpg

It took a while, but the problems with playing the Metrodome started to become apparent by the end of the 80's. By that time it was too late to return to Memorial Stadium. In an attempt to jump start the program, a situation that was actually WORSE was created. Playing in the same town as an NFL team had become a challenge and actually moving into the same facility as the Vikings (not to mention off of the University campus) created an even larger identity crisis for the UofM. Crowds dwindled. The team only drew well if it won and bringing highly touted high school recruits to a half empty Metrodome off campus on beautiful fall afternoons was a disaster. Alumni lost touch with their football team as traveling to the game in the dome meant none of the nostalgia that others on this forum have illustrated so well. To make a long story short: the once promising move to the Metrodome was a disaster.

Enter TCF bank Stadium. Yes, it is a small stadium by Big 10 standards. But, building it to 80,000 seats prior to building back a dedicated fan base would create some of the same odd atmosphere that filled the dome for all of those years. Although TCF is a beautiful stadium right now, perhaps the true genius is the way it is built from the ground up to be easily and permanently expanded to 80,000 seats (in 10,000 seat increments). The footings for the expansion(s) are already in place. Unlike most massive college stadiums, if/when TCF is expanded it will remain beautiful instead of the common sight of erector set messes and thousands of seats plopped far away from the action in the end zones.

The U of M has been serious about returning the Gophers to national prominence for years now. TCF Bank Stadium is the final puzzle piece. It will be fun to see if they succeed.

KingmanIII

June 12th, 2009, 11:36 PM

Look how wide the concourses will be! :omg:
http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics21/800/WO/WOORBPBSKTJJUBR.20090608152916.jpg

Benn

June 13th, 2009, 12:47 AM

Yeah I believe it's about 90' behind the student section (where this is taken) and narrows down to 45'-48' in the corners. Its certainly substantial but considering it serves both levels it should be reasonable (by US standards at any rate). It's real step up from the 22'-26' concourses at the dome.

Benn

June 13th, 2009, 12:51 AM

The U of M has been serious about returning the Gophers to national prominence for years now. TCF Bank Stadium is the final puzzle piece. It will be fun to see if they succeed.

A coach who knows how to call a game will be the final piece of the puzzle. Brewster can recruit and sell the program, but as an Xs and Os guy is mediocre. The stadium is a big step, but just look at Florida under Ron Zook vs Urban Meyer.

KingmanIII

June 13th, 2009, 08:02 AM

A coach who knows how to call a game will be the final piece of the puzzle. Brewster can recruit and sell the program, but as an Xs and Os guy is mediocre. The stadium is a big step, but just look at Florida under Ron Zook vs Urban Meyer.
Minnesota needs to look at Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly. Been highly successful as a coach at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan and Cincy, plus knows the Great Lakes area well recruiting-wise.

Benn

June 13th, 2009, 11:04 AM

KingmanIII

June 13th, 2009, 11:03 PM

If we could pry him away that would be wonderful, Kyle Whittingham at Utah or Gary Petterson at TCU would be great too. Somehow going from the Broncos tight ends coach to head coach of a major D-I program seems like it might be skipping a step, like coordinating an offense before trying to run a team.
Patterson has already turned down Minnesota and even K-State, his alma-mater, to remain at TCU. Private schools usually opt to not disclose coaches' salaries, but they're apparently compensating him handeomely for him not to take such high-profile positions. Either that, or he sees TCU as his baby, and has a long-term plan for where he wants to take the program, and/or that starting from scratch at KSU or Minny would take so much time and effort as to render the increase in salary not worthwhile.

El Mariachi

June 14th, 2009, 10:23 PM

Looks great!

Benn

June 15th, 2009, 12:10 AM

Patterson has already turned down Minnesota and even K-State, his alma-mater, to remain at TCU. Private schools usually opt to not disclose coaches' salaries, but they're apparently compensating him handeomely for him not to take such high-profile positions. Either that, or he sees TCU as his baby, and has a long-term plan for where he wants to take the program, and/or that starting from scratch at KSU or Minny would take so much time and effort as to render the increase in salary not worthwhile.

Thats why I said PRY, and you never do know when a coach will have a change of heart, remember how Rich Rodriguez was at West Virginia for the long haul one year, and the new coach at Michigan the next. Or how Nick Saban was all kinds of loyal to LSU and had no NFL intensions. I would be really suprised to Patterson, Whittingham or a Chris Petersen leaving for a big six program in the next year or two, but you never know.

Huskies

June 15th, 2009, 12:31 AM

I think the new Vikings stadium would be first in row to get some games when Chicago gets the 2016 olympics? It should be completed by then. And it looks way better, if it will be anything like this proposal:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/VikingsStadium-Proposal.jpg/721px-VikingsStadium-Proposal.jpg

All that talk about a roof or no roof... You guys from the USA have to understand that you're like the only country in the world where the majority of new stadiums aren't build with a roof, so don't be surprised when someone from Europe or Asia doesn't like a new stadium because it has no roof. I personally think it's b/s that you'd rather stand in the snow, and that America Football is a sport that should be played in a stadium without a roof. Look at the new stadia in Phoenix, Dallas and Indianapolis, they all have a roof! And sports that are arguably even more physical than American Football, like Rugby, Soccer and Aussie Rules Football are also often played in stadia that have a roof.
Besides the roof thing, there's another thing that strikes me about American stadium designs - why are they almost never symetrical? There's often one end or part of it missing, tiers that are interrupted, or like with this design, ther are silly corners in the stadium. What's up with that?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA SOCCER more PHYSICAL than FOOTBALL !?!??!? okay if you prefer soccer , but saying its more physical... youre kidding right ? :lol:

KingmanIII

June 15th, 2009, 01:16 AM

Thats why I said PRY, and you never do know when a coach will have a change of heart, remember how Rich Rodriguez was at West Virginia for the long haul one year, and the new coach at Michigan the next. Or how Nick Saban was all kinds of loyal to LSU and had no NFL intensions. I would be really suprised to Patterson, Whittingham or a Chris Petersen leaving for a big six program in the next year or two, but you never know.
Oh, trust me, he's gone within the next 5 years, easily (or whenever Bill Snyder re-retires.

TCU already has a backup plan, and that's David Bailiff at Rice.

marrio415

June 15th, 2009, 06:00 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA SOCCER more PHYSICAL than FOOTBALL !?!??!? okay if you prefer soccer , but saying its more physical... youre kidding right ? :lol:

Your right soccer(football) isn't as physical as Gridiron but the guys in gridiron are padded up to the hilt and wear helmets.You got shin pads in soccer(football)they don't prevent compund fractures and broken legs,soccer is still a physical sport.Injurys are far more severe in soccer(football)

Ganis

June 15th, 2009, 06:23 AM

Your right soccer(football) isn't as physical as Gridiron but the guys in gridiron are padded up to the hilt and wear helmets.You got shin pads in soccer(football)they don't prevent compund fractures and broken legs,soccer is still a physical sport.Injurys are far more severe in soccer(football)

They wear Shoulder pads, Helmut, Knee pads and thigh pads.... ya, really padded up! I felt almost naked when I put on my pads. Your allot more open then you think.

en1044

June 15th, 2009, 06:53 AM

Your right soccer(football) isn't as physical as Gridiron but the guys in gridiron are padded up to the hilt and wear helmets.You got shin pads in soccer(football)they don't prevent compund fractures and broken legs,soccer is still a physical sport.Injurys are far more severe in soccer(football)

And American football pads dont really prevent broken bones either, except maybe ribs.

I dont know how you can possibly say soccer players are at risk for more sever injuries than an American football player. Its simply not possible.

And now, time for the standard defense of this argument. Enjoy.

rXmExSq9jog

www.sercan.de

June 15th, 2009, 03:47 PM

oh come on guys
not again

KingmanIII

June 16th, 2009, 12:06 AM

oh come on guys
not again

You might want to head over to the "Soccer Stadiums of the USA" thread...it's really getting ugly.

en1044

June 16th, 2009, 01:01 AM

You might want to head over to the "Soccer Stadiums of the USA" thread...it's really getting ugly.

Well thats nothing but bigbossman thinking he knows more about Ameican history than we do, i think its pretty funny.

Ganis

June 16th, 2009, 02:58 AM

flierfy

June 17th, 2009, 01:43 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA SOCCER more PHYSICAL than FOOTBALL !?!??!? okay if you prefer soccer , but saying its more physical... youre kidding right ? :lol:
Football isn't less physical because of the smaller number of body clashes. In terms of endurance it requests much more. It requires player to run more often and longer distances than Gridiron. Not to forget that the game is longer and most players play for the whole 90 min. The physical demand for football player is more subtle but certainly not short of that for Gridiron players.

Bobsi

June 17th, 2009, 04:03 AM

Schnauzer 1

June 17th, 2009, 05:44 AM

I sure hate to see interesting forums about stadiums deteriorate into "my sport is better than your sport".

TCF Bank Stadium is nearing completion and it sounds like they are going to have a dress rehersal planned for mid/late August (in the form of a 'mock game' where they will test out all the stadium systems). At that point, it will be complete. It will host its first game on September 12 against the Air Force Academy and it should be a lot of fun as nobody in Minnesota has watched a major athletic event under an open sky in a long time. People really miss that - especially for college football and major league baseball (no wonder the other stadium going up in town is for baseball). Air force flyovers and lots of festivities are planned. It is the rebirth of the college football experience on the U of M campus.

The only negative is the heavyweight battle between USC and Ohio State will take place at the same time, and pull the national TV audience.

KingmanIII

June 19th, 2009, 08:35 AM

Schnauzer 1

June 19th, 2009, 04:23 PM

Yes, but it will also be on the Big Ten Network compared to ABC. That should also cut down the potential national audience.

KingmanIII

June 20th, 2009, 01:43 AM

Yes, but it will also be on the Big Ten Network compared to ABC. That should also cut down the potential national audience.
That sucks.

Oh well, at least it'll be available somewhere online.

NMAISTER007

June 22nd, 2009, 05:00 PM

Schnauzer 1

June 22nd, 2009, 05:00 PM

If it is any consolation, the following weekend the Gophers host Cal and I wouldn't be surprised if that is a national broadcast evening game. We'll see. Many are suggesting Cal may be the best team in the Pac 10 (national championship contention) this year and TCF Bank Stadium will be hosting its second game.

nyrmetros

June 22nd, 2009, 05:26 PM

most importantly, does this stadium have a roof?

Schnauzer 1

June 22nd, 2009, 05:42 PM

most importantly, does this stadium have a roof?

Funny.

Benn

June 22nd, 2009, 06:04 PM

Its not soccer, its football. America doesn't have the right to just call the sport whatever they like it to be called. Plus football is older than americn football by like 10 years or so. The sport deserves to be called football, not soccer.

In case you're not familiar with how this forum generally works, in a North American thread football will mean a American or Canadian football, in a European, South American or Asian thread Football will mean Association Football/Football/Soccer whatever. In an Australian thread it will likely mean Aussie rules. Get Used to the context and it will all work out fine.

And if you talking down to people about their sports terminologies you'll likely either get history lesson (like why our freinds in England started calling association football players "soccers'") or more likely start a shit storm of who is being the pretencious self righteous ass. And no one likes a troll, so please keep it to the stadiums if you don't mind.

www.sercan.de

June 22nd, 2009, 06:59 PM

stadium!!!!
next offtopic poster will get an infraction!

Schnauzer 1

June 23rd, 2009, 05:29 PM

TCF Bank Stadium is already sold out for its entire first year of Gopher Football...

http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=3754546

KingmanIII

June 24th, 2009, 06:08 AM

TCF Bank Stadium is already sold out for its entire first year of Gopher Football...

http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=3754546
This is excellent, excellent news.

Fans are really excited to see the Gophers back on campus.

Hopefully the opening of TCF marks a watershed moment for Minnesota football.

en1044

June 24th, 2009, 06:23 AM

I still want to see the US play Mexico here.

KingmanIII

June 24th, 2009, 08:16 PM

I still want to see the US play Mexico here.

¡QUE FRÍO!

:lol:

Schnauzer 1

July 2nd, 2009, 06:17 PM

I just tried to post new pictures of TCF but I got a message my post had to be approved first. I haven't had that before. Perhaps because the post included pictures?

nyrmetros

July 2nd, 2009, 06:39 PM

I still want to see the US play Mexico here.

Was the stadium designed to hold a FIFA pitch?

Schnauzer 1

July 2nd, 2009, 06:46 PM

Was the stadium designed to hold a FIFA pitch?

YES...

If Chicago gets the Olympics, you will see Olympic soccer there for sure and also potential future world cup matches as well.

Where are my dang photo's?!

Schnauzer 1

July 4th, 2009, 10:41 AM

Things are getting close to completion...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162121940414_1448792566_30425.jpg

Schnauzer 1

July 4th, 2009, 10:44 AM

more...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162122260422_1448792566_30425.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162123220446_1448792566_30425.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162123820461_1448792566_30425.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162123900463_1448792566_30425.jpg

Schnauzer 1

July 4th, 2009, 10:48 AM

and a few more...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162124020466_1448792566_30425.jpg
View from the presidents suite within TCF Bank Stadium of downtown Minneapolis (note the Gophers old home, the Metrodome, visible in the foreground of downtown)...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162124220471_1448792566_30425.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162124420476_1448792566_30425.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162125220496_1448792566_30425.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162125300498_1448792566_30425.jpg

NMAISTER007

July 4th, 2009, 10:48 AM

So all they have to do is complete installing the seats and thats all?

Schnauzer 1

July 4th, 2009, 10:57 AM

The seats are pretty much complete. It is down to details like TV's to be hung in suites, some finishing touches on some of the entries (note the incomplete "M's" on some of the gates), landscaping, etc. etc. Unlike pro football stadiums, college stadiums still sport bench seating for most fans. TCF actually has more seatback chair seating (the maroon and gold ones you see in the pictures) than most college stadiums.

This stadium will also host the University of Minnesota Marching Band (locker rooms, huge rehersal hall, offices, small group practice rooms, archives, etc. etc.) and I have heard the band will begin officially moving into their new home today (July 4).

The stadium will host its first event in August (an open practice/scrimmage for the football team). All season ticket holders will be able to attend the event and tour the stadium on that day... leading up to its first hosted game on September 12.

Ganis

July 4th, 2009, 08:03 PM

So all they have to do is complete installing the seats and thats all?

all seats are set. its all bleacher seating except for the colored portions

lpioe

July 5th, 2009, 12:46 AM

Nice stadium.
Thanks for the pics Schnauzer 1.

nyrmetros

July 5th, 2009, 11:09 PM

YES...

If Chicago gets the Olympics, you will see Olympic soccer there for sure and also potential future world cup matches as well.

Where are my dang photo's?!

Will that be allowed with most of the seating being bleachers ???

Ganis

July 6th, 2009, 02:18 AM

why not?

en1044

July 6th, 2009, 09:13 AM

Will that be allowed with most of the seating being bleachers ???

it didnt seem to matter during the Olympics or World Cup

Benn

July 6th, 2009, 06:38 PM

For the Olympics it's fine, for the World Cup these days they are pretty firm on all seaters, but that could be done here for $2 million at most, they would also need to cut out the first few rows to meet fifa specs for additional space around the field, but that is doable. Really doubt this is seen in a World Cup though.

nyrmetros

July 8th, 2009, 12:21 AM

it didnt seem to matter during the Olympics or World Cup

The World Cup stadiums in Germany that had terraces had to be converted to all seaters, either through temp or permanent conversions.

rantanamo

July 8th, 2009, 03:52 AM

There will be no World Cup at this stadium

en1044

July 8th, 2009, 08:39 AM

The World Cup stadiums in Germany that had terraces had to be converted to all seaters, either through temp or permanent conversions.

yes, but terraces and bleachers are different.

lpioe

July 8th, 2009, 12:45 PM

^^ Still I'm pretty sure you need individual seats for a WC nowadays. A lot has changed since 1994.
For the UEFA CL final this year for example, the Olympic stadium in Rome had to exchange all seats without backrests.
I guess FIFA has similar requirements.

rantanamo

July 8th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Schnauzer 1

July 8th, 2009, 06:08 PM

There will be no World Cup at this stadium. Its a college football stadium. There are plenty of bigger, more equipped stadium for the WC. Why does every stadium have to follow World Cup recommendations? Especially a college football stadium.

I would say it is unlikely this stadium would host a world cup, but I would not put it in those absolute terms you used. From day one on the architectural draft board, the stadium was designed for two things beyond its original and primary use as the home for the Minnesota Gopher football program: Expansion to 80,000 seats, and potential for soccer (both locally and on an international basis). One thing is for certain: If Chicago is awarded the Olympics, you will see Olympic Soccer played in Minneapolis at this stadium. In terms of anything beyond that, we are talking about world cup matches being played far enough in the future that the expansion may have taken place by then, and any other changes necessary would also possibly occur.

Never say "never".

However, I agree on your other point. The main purpose for this stadium is, and always will be Gopher football. It is a state of the art college football stadium and let's not forget that it is built in a country where football dwarfs soccer in popularity.

GunnerJacket

July 9th, 2009, 09:31 PM

There will be no World Cup at this stadium. Its a college football stadium. There are plenty of bigger, more equipped stadium for the WC. Why does every stadium have to follow World Cup recommendations? Especially a college football stadium.Don't forget, the selections are also based on the appeal of the cities, the location in conjunction with other WC sites, and the potential for the venue many years from now. Minneapolis is a great city, St. Paul is equally appealing, and this would serve as a highly attractive partner with Chicago. For the chance to be on such a stage the minor amendments needed to make this stadium suitable for a World Cup could be well worth it.

MillerTime

July 10th, 2009, 08:15 AM

Schnauzer 1

July 10th, 2009, 05:09 PM

New pictures today...

http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?&SPSID=38605&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&PALBID=331945

KingmanIII

July 11th, 2009, 04:35 AM

Wow, why didnt they have this when i Attented the Big 10. just beautiful...... Good to see Gopher football back on campus... This has what it takes to be the best football venue in the big 10 and even all of college football.... Go Gophers!
Ehh, I dunno if i'd quite put it up there with the 'Shoe or the Big House (after renovations), but it's definitely gonna put them in at least the top-5.

nyrmetros

July 12th, 2009, 06:47 PM

How about a USA World Cup Qualifyer? or a friendly?

Benn

July 12th, 2009, 10:55 PM

I don't know of any or any promises thereof, but I would expect some at some point if they were willing to lay down a grass pitch for qualifiers ect.

Sure is looking good, I wish I could a have gotten some tickets for this season, but demand is a little better than what the 50,000 seats can handle.

hoosier

July 13th, 2009, 01:18 AM

Wow, why didnt they have this when i Attented the Big 10. just beautiful...... Good to see Gopher football back on campus... This has what it takes to be the best football venue in the big 10 and even all of college football.... Go Gophers!

That is an extreme characterization. Nearly every team in the Big 10 has upgraded its football stadium over the past few years. Michigan Stadium is undergoing a $100+ million renovation, IU's Memorial Stadium is undergoing the finishing touches of a major renovation/expansion, and Illinois' Memorial Stadium just underwent a major renovation.

KingmanIII

July 13th, 2009, 12:01 PM

GunnerJacket

July 13th, 2009, 05:45 PM

hoosier

July 14th, 2009, 05:43 AM

And your points reinforce his own, that investment in an on-campus facility is the best thing for Minnesota.

Yes I agree. It is a very nice stadium.

Benn

July 14th, 2009, 10:25 PM

That is an extreme characterization. Nearly every team in the Big 10 has upgraded its football stadium over the past few years. Michigan Stadium is undergoing a $100+ million renovation, IU's Memorial Stadium is undergoing the finishing touches of a major renovation/expansion, and Illinois' Memorial Stadium just underwent a major renovation.

For the record Michigan Stadium's renovations are in the $230 million range, Yes Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State and Wisconsin have all recently upgraded large portions of their stadiums as well. However In terms of concourse width, concessions, restrooms, only certain parts of those were extensively retrofitted. Illinois only reworked one sideline and one endline, Iowa's was similar. Michigan is the only total renovation since the Horseshoe in the Big Ten.

However my opinion is that this will be universally the most comfortable, (most legroom, restrooms, best sightlines ect.) and most cohesive design, but I doubt the gameday atmosphere will ever be close to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan or Penn State. I wouldn't be suprised if it were more intense than the rest of the Big Ten this year though.

Schnauzer 1

July 14th, 2009, 11:23 PM

Wisconsin has one of the best game-day atmospheres in all of college football. They take a back seat to no one. But, people forget that prior to coach B.A.'s arrival and the program's resurgence in the 90's, it wasn't much of an atmosphere at Camp Randal. Plenty of empty seats. The now famous "Jump Around" didn't even develop until the late 90's. So, if the Gophers finally climb the ladder back to relevance in the Big 10, it is reasonable to think the fan base and game day atmosphere will reach Wisconsin’s, or any other major college program. It will ultimately depend on longer term success for the team but if everything goes according to plan the fans, atmosphere, and stadium expansion will follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgf7HKrdLL8&feature=related

KingmanIII

July 15th, 2009, 12:47 AM

For the record Michigan Stadium's renovations are in the $230 million range, Yes Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State and Wisconsin have all recently upgraded large portions of their stadiums as well. However In terms of concourse width, concessions, restrooms, only certain parts of those were extensively retrofitted. Illinois only reworked one sideline and one endline, Iowa's was similar. Michigan is the only total renovation since the Horseshoe in the Big Ten.

However my opinion is that this will be universally the most comfortable, (most legroom, restrooms, best sightlines ect.) and most cohesive design, but I doubt the gameday atmosphere will ever be close to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan or Penn State. I wouldn't be suprised if it were more intense than the rest of the Big Ten this year though.
Illinois renovated both sideline concourses -- it's just that the West Hall got all the attention.

Iowa renovated and expanded the concourses all around the stadium.

ryebreadraz

July 15th, 2009, 01:37 AM

I don't know of any or any promises thereof, but I would expect some at some point if they were willing to lay down a grass pitch for qualifiers ect.

It will depend on who the coach is next cycle. Bob Bradley has said he doesn't like grass laid over turf and flat out refused to play a qualifier on it this time around. It's why the Boston area is not a qualifier host for the first time in a long while and Seattle and Portland were both ignored. If the new coach doesn't have a problem with grass over turf then I think this stadium will host a WCQ.

bing222

July 15th, 2009, 02:11 PM

any photo updates

Schnauzer 1

July 15th, 2009, 05:29 PM

I do not have new pictures since the last link posted above (July 10). But I do have two new tidbits. First, it was announced yesterday that they are going to spring for an upgrade on the interior wall around the playing surface. Note in the picture below it is just concrete, as was the plan from the beginning. The good news is this concrete wall is now going to be upgraded to the same brick as the stadium's exterior. This will be a nice, classy touch and any local fans remembering the last on-campus stadium at Minnesota will instantly recognize this as another tip of the hat to Memorial Stadium.

Note in this picture the concrete wall (now to be brick)...
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162123820461_1448792566_30425.jpg

Speaking of Memorial Stadium, the University has now launched a website to remember the home of Gopher football from the 1920's to the 1980's. It is an interesting site complete with archival letters written at the time when the University was wrestling with the idea of extending their lease at the Metrodome, or returning to Memorial Stadium on campus. As fate would have it, the unfortunate decision was made to stay at the Metrodome. Memorial Stadium was TORN DOWN and all of this ultimately resulted in the rise of TCF Bank Stadium. Memorial Stadium was home to SIX national championship Minnesota teams.

Here is that new website (launched yesterday):
http://brickhouse.lib.umn.edu/

If you look at the pictures of the old Memorial stadium, you will see immediately why TCF Bank Stadium was designed the way it was. There are unmistakable hints, both in the exterior and interior. TCF stands just about across the street from the Memorial Stadium location.

Benn

July 16th, 2009, 10:28 PM

That is a really neat site, to bad they aren't still playing at the Brickhouse, but the new version is pretty fantastic as well.

Yost

July 29th, 2009, 09:13 PM

Looks great and i'm happy there will be no more Big 10 football played inside a dome. The only thing i don't like is having a sponsor name of a bank.

Benn

July 29th, 2009, 09:35 PM

Yeah its too bad but they had a $35 million dollar gap they didn't know how ti close otherwise. People around here are calling it the new Brickhouse or Bank or the Vault, so I think we will manage for the next 20 years until they can rename it "Bruce Smith Memorial Stadium" or something more proper along those lines. I just walked around the other day and it is looking good. The main plaza is looking great (the water fall is a little tacky but other than that) and in a classy nod is dedicated to the Tribes of Minnesota. And they were running the Big Ten network on the scoreboard, First time I've seen Eric Decker 48' tall, and it looked really crisp. I'd kill to play madden or NCAA on that.

MillerTime

July 29th, 2009, 10:16 PM

KingmanIII

July 30th, 2009, 08:09 AM

I have a question about those small sections of seats on the west endzone. Are they going to have their own access to bathrooms and concessions, or is there going to be a stairway that brings you up to the main concourse?
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Schnauzer1/6640_1162123900463_1448792566_30425.jpg

There will be stairs to the main concourse and I think that little tunnel under the stands might lead to an alcove with a concession stand and a couple bathrooms.

MillerTime

August 3rd, 2009, 11:34 PM

Was looking around at stuff on Flickr today and came across some newer photos of the stadium. You can see the install of the brick wall around the field going on in this one. Aswell as a great shot of the campus and downtown minneapolis in the background.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3766298524_1ce7ebc075_b.jpg

Does anyone know if there are any renderings or drawings of what this stadium will look like with the third deck added? Would be very interesting to see how much more impossing this place will look with that phase completed.

Schnauzer 1

August 4th, 2009, 12:32 AM

No, there have not been any models, drawings, or plans released that would show what the third deck would look like. It is a common misconception that the additional 30,000 seats would come in the form of a closed west end zone. You are correct to describe the future third deck. The plans are to always keep the west side open and the footings/structure are in place to add a third deck to raise the seating capacity in 10K steps.

I am only guessing here but I think this omission is to remove the potential impression that it isn't "finished" until those seats are added. For all intents and purposes, it will be considered 100% completed this month in its current configuration (with the option to easily accomplish what many other college stadiums have done with considerable effort... add more seats in the future). Since that future expansion may never happen, I am guessing this is why those drawings/plans have not been made public.

The stadium's website has also been updated with interactive seat maps, promotion schedule for its first season, new multimedia, and an updated photo spread.

http://stadium.gophersports.com/

I have heard the interior brick wall is nearing completion and the construction fence around the block has been increasingly left 'open', allowing passers-by an opportunity to walk right up to the structure. We are now only 19 days away from TCF Bank Stadium hosting its first event: an open house and team scrimmage for season ticket holders. The marching band has already moved into their new home within the Stadium's east side.

Benn

August 4th, 2009, 02:14 AM

nomarandlee

August 4th, 2009, 03:12 AM

How about a USA World Cup Qualifyer? or a friendly?

Don't know about those but it is to be part of the soccer prelims if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics.

Schnauzer 1

August 4th, 2009, 04:59 PM

skiumah

August 4th, 2009, 06:10 PM

My understanding of the expansion plans are that to reach 80,000 the lower level of the open end would be enclosed, with a new third level running around in the current horseshoe arrangement, possibly with the premium level/s extending around in between.

The expansion will add 30,000 seats via an upperdeck that would bring the present structure to the same height as the press box/suites. I don't believe the expansion includes any additional premium suites, and the current roof of the stadium is actually the concourse for the expansion. The open end will never be enclosed barring an expansion past 80,000 total seats which is unlikely to ever be needed.

Benn

August 4th, 2009, 08:38 PM

My understanding of it after talking to my cousin is one of the Associate ADs at the U, is that there are a few options. One adding seating around the east and north sides of the stadium in the manner above noted. A second adding in suites club seats in a similar fashion to the current press box on the north side of the stadium, with an upper deck above that, in which case an extension of the lower level would be needed to reach the 80,000 mark. And a third simply adding more suites and club seats if the need for seating doesn't go through the roof for more than the first couple seasons and the premium seating demand keeps rising.

Schnauzer 1

August 5th, 2009, 04:43 PM

The "GopherHole" website staff was given a tour this week and took many pictures to share on their website. Several of these new pictures highlight the new brick covering the wall around the field. This photo collection includes some images of areas previously not shown to large audiences (visitor locker rooms, player recruiting lounge, etc). Following are a few sample photos but you can see them all here:

http://www.gopherhole.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1013

Here are some samples from that photo spread...

http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/28.jpg
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/26.jpg
press box:
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/3.jpg
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/30.jpg
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/33.jpg
recruiting lounge:
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/45.jpg
What is believed to be the largest locker room in the United States (world?). It is 60 yards/meters long!:
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/53.jpg
marching band storage:
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/63.jpg
visitor locker room:
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/64.jpg
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/56.jpg
http://www.gopherhole.com/images/tcf2/57.jpg

nomarandlee

August 5th, 2009, 04:47 PM

Awesome. I wish more college stadiums would put in more fixed seating in their stadiums.

www.sercan.de

August 5th, 2009, 05:27 PM

completed?

Schnauzer 1

August 5th, 2009, 05:35 PM

No, it is not completed yet. There is still more brickwork to be done and other finishing touches. By all accounts, it will be 100% completed either in time for its first hosted event (August 22) or its first hosted game (September 12). I have heard they are also adding brickwork to the tunnels leading on to the field. There is also more detail work being completed on the interior. I will be attending the Aug 22 event and there should be good information by then as to the completion of the stadium. Another potential sign of the stadium's completion will be the removal of the construction fence that currently surrounds the structure.

Here is video taken during the same media tour (click on the stadium tour). It includes traditional University of Minnesota Marching band music, ending with the Minnesota Rouser...

http://www.gophersports.com/FreeVideos.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=8400

Schnauzer 1

August 5th, 2009, 06:07 PM

This is quite ironic... I no sooner posted the tidbit about the construction fence and I see from the stadium webcam that it has been removed!

http://stadium.gophersports.com/multi_webcam.html

I believe this is because exterior work is complete (including landscaping). It is now down to the final details inside the stadium and interior brickwork.

MillerTime

August 5th, 2009, 06:40 PM

I have to say that the brick wall makes a big difference. The stadium looks alot more classy than it did with the plain concrete wall. I also have to say that the locker room in this thing is SICK! Its so big they could almost hold practices in it.

Benn

August 6th, 2009, 12:06 AM

Apparently Greg Jennings was blown away by it, when he was at the receivers camp that Larry Fitzgerald put together at the Bank he said it was the nicest locker room he'd been in, and was going to petition the Packers to upgrade the home locker room at Lambeau:).

MillerTime

August 6th, 2009, 05:50 AM

I have a feeling that this locker room will be a one of a kind facility for some time. How much room would they need to upgrade a stadium to accommodate such a massive locker room without losing something in the process? And as far as new stadiums go, I don’t think we’re going to see allot of them being built for awhile. Especially on the college level.
This Stadium and locker room are going to be great for recruiting. It should be fun for Minnesota to be back on campus and playing outside in the elements. I hope they bring back all of the old traditions they had when at the Brick House.

skiumah

August 6th, 2009, 03:08 PM

Aerial shots:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3793899029_d77a751009_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3794718552_635aa42898_o.jpg

en1044

August 6th, 2009, 03:50 PM

:bow:

Schnauzer 1

August 6th, 2009, 04:46 PM

Note the unique wide 'roof' area behind the second deck. This is the area that would one day serve as a second concourse if the third deck is attached. It is an open walkway now. This is why it would be comparitively "easy" to add 30K more seats. It was built from the blueprints on up with this addition in mind.

Perhaps we could make it a skyscraper city contest to find a larger locker room world-wide? It is 60x25 YARDS and those dimentions do not include the joining shower, training, restroom spaces. It is ringed with 120 lockers, inlcuding a few cased in glass to honor the football program's greatest stars. One last addition to the locker room is a mural above the lockers showing images of past greats to wear the jersey numbers marked on each stall. That hasn't been placed yet.

I would suggest this topic could be moved to the "completed" area on August 22. By that date, only minor 'punch list' construction changes will remain. Oh, and the official capacity (now) has been listed at 50,805.

MillerTime

August 6th, 2009, 07:52 PM

skiumah

August 6th, 2009, 08:07 PM

Those are some great aerial shots. I really cant wait to see this thing on TV full of fans. Does anyone know what the University has planned as far as tailgating/partying around the stadium before games? Will the parking lots around the stadium be used for game day celebration or will it just be parking? Also, where are the 50,000+ fans going to park? Isnt the University of Minnesota pretty short on parking? They no longer have the luxury of all the parking available downtown, unless they set up some sort of park and ride?
All the lots around the stadium are tailgate lots with spots that are purchased by season ticket holders. There are alos 3-4 parking ramps nearby that will not have tailgating but will accommodate a few thousand cars. There are also lots on the West Bank area of the campus which is across the Mississippi River. The biggest tailgate lot is on the St. Paul Campus at the State Fairgrounds which is connected by a dedicated transitway straight to the stadium that will run shuttles.

As for other stuff that's planned, the alumni center plaza will be "non-vehicle" tailgating and the area around the stadium has a ton of bars that are going to do beer gardens in their parking lots.

trmather

August 8th, 2009, 04:43 PM

It looks great as it is, but it would be absolutely wonderful if they'd followed the bowl all the way around.

KingmanIII

August 8th, 2009, 06:45 PM

It looks great as it is, but it would be absolutely wonderful if they'd followed the bowl all the way around.
Minnesota's fanbase and attendance figures took a serious hit playing all those years in the sterile Metrodome, so they're treading with caution when it comes to stadium capacity -- they'll add more seats according to demand.

MillerTime

August 9th, 2009, 09:25 AM

Regardless of capacity I really like the open west end of this stadium. I think it would be a very intimidating stadium if they actually go through with the third tier of seating in the future.

What’s sad is that the U of M has more Students than the stadium can actually hold... In theory this whole stadium should be the student section...

Mplsuptown

August 10th, 2009, 05:05 AM

Sadder still that the stadium will have no alcohol. For anyone.

MillerTime

August 10th, 2009, 07:20 PM

The alcohol rule is unfortunate. That’s allot of revenue the school is losing every game. As well as allot of fun for the fans attending the games. I don’t really understand the rule myself. It’s just going to force people to drink more before and after the game. So all that money, instead of going to the school, will go to the bars around the stadium. This rule also won’t stop people from drinking completely at the games. Students and fans, like myself, will just sneak flasks of booze into the games to mix with their cokes and such. Its rules like this that cause students to just binge drink before games, knowing they can’t get it in the stadium. As for underage drinking and fake I.D.'s, kids are going to find a way to get it either way. If it’s not at the stadium it will be at the bar down the street or some liquor store nearby. It’s especially dumb since they wanted to just sell liquor in the enclosed club and suites area, where it would be extremely easy to regulate the sales and ID the people who purchase the drinks. /endrant

Schnauzer 1

August 11th, 2009, 02:50 AM

A little background on the booze situation at TCF: The plan all along had been to match the majority of Big 10 stadiums: No alcohol for the masses, but would be served to premium seats and suites.

This was all but certain until a last minute LAW was passed by the Minnesota legislature that said the University must serve booze to ALL or NONE. The 'U' sat on this new monkey wrench of plan twist for several weeks until announcing they would pull all alcohol from the stadium. This means TCF will join TWO other Big 10 stadiums in being 100% dry. Michigan and Ohio State are the other two completely "dry" stadiums. The end result isn't necessarily what the U wanted, but it isn't new or unique either.

Ganis

August 11th, 2009, 03:48 AM

It looks great as it is, but it would be absolutely wonderful if they'd followed the bowl all the way around.

all in do time

skiumah

August 11th, 2009, 07:56 AM

all in do time

The bowl will not be "completed" in an expansion. The stadium was designed to expand to 80,000 seats by adding a third deck around the north and east sides bringing the stadium's height even with the pressbox/ luxury boxes that are currently in place. The open end is open for three reasons, the accommodate the huge scoreboard, for fantastic views of the downtown skyline and campus, and the evoke the former stadium of the Gophers, Memorial Stadium.

Schnauzer 1

August 13th, 2009, 12:00 AM

We are getting down to what will likely be the last pictures of the nearly-finished stadium. The next photos you see will likely be from the "dry run" hosted scrimmage on August 22 or perhaps even the first game on September 12.

walkway up to gate B:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs128.snc1/5494_931606670740_13912879_55358300_4600515_n.jpg
exterior:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs128.snc1/5494_931606680720_13912879_55358301_5224789_n.jpg
final touches being put on what is likely the largest locker room in the world (past Gopher greats displayed above each locker):
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931618566900_13912879_55358579_8127577_n.jpg
60x25 yards! You've got to be kidding me (still more Gopher greats to be hung above the lockers - this is being done right now):
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs128.snc1/5494_931618576880_13912879_55358581_3539614_n.jpg
Timeline of Gopher coaches outside of the locker room:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931621131760_13912879_55358662_4395696_n.jpg
view from the unique off-centered press box:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931631730520_13912879_55359064_3980183_n.jpg
Suites - with indoor club seats, president's suite, and press box situated above them:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931642149640_13912879_55359479_8017474_n.jpg
nostalgia (framed gameday programs, newspaper headlines, etc.) are everywhere:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs128.snc1/5494_931650732440_13912879_55359771_4119426_n.jpg
view from suites (note the prep work is not complete on the new interior brick wall):
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs128.snc1/5494_931650742420_13912879_55359773_1490496_n.jpg
premium seat lounge:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931656755370_13912879_55359995_2557412_n.jpg
Big 10 and National Championships will be displayed (listing the years) between the first and second deck:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931669983860_13912879_55360328_6695448_n.jpg
concourse:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931669933960_13912879_55360322_5259684_n.jpg
Game Time! (almost):
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs148.snc1/5494_931670038750_13912879_55360336_7140593_n.jpg

Schnauzer 1

August 13th, 2009, 12:04 AM

Panorama... enjoy...

http://www.twincities.com/ci_13044801?nclick_check=1

rantanamo

August 13th, 2009, 06:58 AM

That's locker room looks cool, but isn't it odd for the way pregame and half-time is done in smaller position groups?

rantanamo

August 21st, 2009, 01:46 AM

Looking even better

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120041.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120042.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120021.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120026.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120029.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120030.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120031.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120032.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120036.jpg

Benn

August 21st, 2009, 02:50 AM

Man it is looking good these days

fabriziocg79

August 21st, 2009, 05:03 AM

WOW!!!!! Amazing stadium...What a beauty!!!

Congrats! :cheers:

bing222

August 21st, 2009, 09:38 AM

WOW AMAZING PHOTOS

Luke80

August 21st, 2009, 01:19 PM

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p283/alltimetwinsfan/P8120021.jpg

Quite ironic don't you think? (bottom right)

Sorry I couldn't resist! :D

Benn

August 21st, 2009, 10:03 PM

Well it's got all the protection I need:cheers:

KingmanIII

August 22nd, 2009, 06:17 AM

Quite ironic don't you think? (bottom right)

Sorry I couldn't resist! :D
That's the slogan for American Family Insurance.

Schnauzer 1

August 24th, 2009, 05:46 PM

I attended the season ticket holder open house and team scrimmage on Saturday. The stadium is DONE! Although it hasn't hosted its first game yet (that comes on September 12), I would say this topic could now be moved from the "under construction" area.

The sightlines, accoustics, layout, concourse, details, etc. were all first class and this stadium will be a lot of fun on college football game days.

MillerTime

August 24th, 2009, 11:26 PM

I saw the scrimmage and tour of TCFBS from saturday on the Big 10 Network. This place is done and looking awesome. Cant wait to see what it will be like on game day come September. I also just found out that im going to be in the Twin Cities on the weekend of October 10th, which happens to be Homecoming weekend for the Gophers, so I'm going to look into getting some tickets for the game and check this beauty out in person.

Benn

August 25th, 2009, 04:43 AM

Through Stubhub or the usual channels that is going to run you a couple hundred bucks in all likelyhood, they sold that game out in minutes and the scalpers will all be looking to make a buck.

MillerTime

August 25th, 2009, 04:56 AM

Schnauzer 1

August 25th, 2009, 04:33 PM

I ended up picking some tickets up through stubhub this evening. I will be sitting in the west endzone. I snagged 4 tickets for just over $400 which were the cheapest tickets available for the game. Although they should be some pretty decent seats as they are third row right in the corner. I wont have any awesome views of downtown from there but i can always walk around to take in the sights. Should be a good weekend, I really miss Minne!

I highly recommend getting there early so you can walk around in the stadium. The second deck concourse is a lot of fun to walk around. Wonderful views in all directions. This "concourse" circles the stadium but doesn't offer any amenities (bathrooms, concessions, etc.). You can either walk up there through any second deck tunnel, or take an elevator. When you get near the secondary scoreboard, the view of downtown Minneapolis is amazing (this is exactly as far away from your seats as you can get in the stadium but it is worth the walk, and a great place to take a few pictures).

skiumah

August 27th, 2009, 04:31 PM

Mortenson Construction officially handed the keys over to the University yesterday, so the stadium is no longer under construction.

Major Deegan

August 29th, 2009, 03:42 AM

http://s58.radikal.ru/i161/0908/5c/b3827bbd9052.jpg (http://s58.radikal.ru/i161/0908/5c/b3827bbd9052.jpg)
by photo.klick

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3847638690_c3084a6190_o.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoklick/3847638690/)by photo.klick

www.sercan.de

August 29th, 2009, 03:35 PM

so its completed?

KingmanIII

August 29th, 2009, 04:26 PM

yes

MillerTime

September 1st, 2009, 06:39 AM

I was looking at the aerial photos of this place and couldnt help but notice that the brick wall around the field is sorta shaped like a giant ice rink. This then got me wondering what the chances were of Minnesota's Gopher hockey team playing an outdoor game here this winter with a sell out crowd of 50k+. Maybe a Rivalry match against Wisconsin? Does anyone know if this is possible or maybe even in planning? I know the NHL does this for their winter classic every year, so why not do it here in a new facility with a school and state that loves their hockey. Either way if they could make it happen it would be a fun even to see.

Schnauzer 1

September 1st, 2009, 04:48 PM

Yes, a hockey event is in the planning stages but it won't be for this upcoming year. There are rumors there would be a couple high profile high school games during the day, a Gopher game (likely non-conference) at twilight and a NHL Wild game at night to create a "hockey day". Look for some sort of outdoor hockey event NEXT season (2010-2011 season).

massp88

September 1st, 2009, 08:42 PM

BoulderGrad

September 2nd, 2009, 02:25 AM

ryebreadraz

September 2nd, 2009, 11:07 AM

^^ From what I've read, they're starting to prefer baseball stadiums for the outdoor games because the field is flat, whereas football fields will typically have a bit of a crown (kindof a pain for a sheet of ice). But still, would be cool to watch.

Another big thing with baseball stadiums over football stadiums is that they get more prep time at a baseball stadium because it's not baseball season in December, whereas it is football season. Playing in a college stadium, where there isn't any football after the first weekend alleviates that concern though.

Schnauzer 1

September 4th, 2009, 04:45 PM

The incoming freshman class at the University of Minnesota took a moment to take a photo in the new stadium...

http://boards.gopherhole.com/boards/attachment.php?attachmentid=354&d=1252034919

Avian001

September 14th, 2009, 08:39 PM

Here's a fun time-lapse video of the first game at the new Gopher stadium. (http://xrl.us/bfkpwm)

nyrmetros

September 16th, 2009, 06:33 AM

rantanamo

September 16th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Looked great in HD this weekend. Everyone they talked to seemed more than pleased about the atmosphere and how nice the stadium is.

Schnauzer 1

September 17th, 2009, 10:13 PM

Here is a shot from the first game at TCF Bank Stadium last Saturday...

http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/M11227115.jpg

MillerTime

September 18th, 2009, 12:57 AM

Thats one hell of a picture! The stadium looks awesome and that sunset looks just as amazing. Is there a larger res. version of this available?

Schnauzer 1

September 18th, 2009, 10:43 PM

Thats one hell of a picture! The stadium looks awesome and that sunset looks just as amazing. Is there a larger res. version of this available?

I copied it from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and they often market/sell their good photos. As a season ticket holder I have already received another frame-able poster in the mail too (I can't believe they turned it around that fast).

The whole night was like a "pinch me" dream. The sun went down right behind the Minneapolis skyline and there were enough clouds to give the whole look some drama. To top it all off the temp was about 75 degrees with almost no wind.

nyrmetros

October 24th, 2009, 02:37 AM

place looks nice on the tele

skiumah

December 6th, 2009, 03:22 AM

U2 will be playing at the stadium for its first concert on JUne 27, 2010 as part of the band's 360 Tour.

MillerTime

January 12th, 2010, 04:57 PM

I attended the homecoming game in October here and have to say this is a very beautiful stadium. The University really did a good job with this one. It was one of the best college football games I've attended. The Gophers finally have them selves a true home again. There is a lot of pride for that new stadium and it really shows. There is a lot of great energy at the games now. I did however have some complaints about my experience, first was the no sales of alcohol, but that is to be expected for a college sporting event pretty much anywhere. Second was the fact that I got tickets for an early October game and it was in the low 20’s. This didn’t bother me as much as it bothered my gf who wouldn’t stop complaining to me about how cold she was. Its Minnesota, weather can do that to you. The only other complaint I had was the really drunk college kids who weren’t sitting in their proper section that kept harassing my gf, but again this happens at pretty much any college sporting event. Regardless this is a great venue. It was easy to get in and out of as well. Hopefully the Gophers can build them selves a championship caliber team again and bring back the loyal fan base it once had. Then we can see this stadium built to full potential.