New facilities and such

Having read over at LTP today that prominent people read the blogs I thought I'd chip in on the stadium conversation. That is to say, I really doubt any big wigs read my blog, but they do at LTP and that is a credit to the effort they make over there. In any case if you are reading, this is what I think.


When I heard that the board of trustees had reservations about putting a new football stadium on the lake fill I suggested that this would be a big mistake. However, I have been thinking and reading various posts and I now believe that we need to keep football up on Central Avenue. However, we still need an all new, state-of-the-art stadium to replace Ryan Field. This should be similar to what we were expecting before. A new smaller stadium, that could be expanded in the future. This stadium should have luxury boxes and other seating options that would allow the leaders of our community to host functions at games. The stadium can be built next to the current stadium (just northwest). After the team moves to the new Ryan Field, the old Dyche/Ryan would be put to rest for eternity.


Now, what to do with Welsh-Ryan Arena? I suggest that this facility must be razed and along with it the deplorable tradition of our basketball teams. Destruction must also be the fate our own terrible student union on the main campus. From the ashes should rise another state-of-the-art facility at the former position of the union. This would be a union/student activity center that, in addition to restaurants, bars, a movie theater, a bowling alley and the like would have a 10,000+ arena for basketball, volleyball, concerts, conferences and other valuable university functions. Located close to south campus, and the business school this facility would serve students, faculty and business leaders. If done right, this would really be the crown jewel of the south campus and would be a facility that would firmly cement the reputation of Northwestern as one of the best schools in the country. 


I really believe in this plan and think that it is the kind of idea, if feasible, could be presented to the administration and fundraisers as a priority.