Downtown Stadium

[Phantom Hornet]

Lolol, I never said I was, calm your tits. It is a legit partnership, but downtown.

Forwarding information from people at the university who know what’s going on. You can choose to believe or not skippy.

The reality is that you aren’t a decision maker. Kevin Nagel interview sounded like Sac State zPartnership is a legitimate conversation. I will go with his comments rather than your opinion. Hopefully something great happens however the T&C’s play out.

 

[Kadeezy]

The bathrooms aren’t up to par. But they aren’t my biggest concern honestly.
I’d rather see funds improve concessions stands and entertainment for halftime (sound system), I think if I had a few limited dollars I’d stay in the path of bringing the best game experience.
Let’s hope for a new stadium Football / MLS / Hornet Soccer. Restrooms included.

They are if you have even one beer, or have to attend with two kids like me lol. I spend 50% of the game waiting for one of 10 porta potties or on a handicap ramp into a bath room trailer wondering who will piss themselves first, me or my 7 year old.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

Look what happened to Portland State who used a pro soccer stadium (PGE Park), they got evicted when the pro team had a revenue and use case scenario they didn't like.

Main concern is revenue share, it may start off 50/50, but then after a few years creep towards 60/40, 70/30.....and then Hornet stadium will be so unmaintained it will be torn down ala UOP.

Revenue share would be the main driver, higher rent, lower concessions, no parking share, date conflict, etc. If the city is providing any funding maybe a clause could be included that Hornets have partial ownership. SJSU, Houston, Temple, Tulane to name a few shared a stadium with a pro team and now have their own separate use stadium, so the benefit for the school in the end didn't pencil out.

I'd like to see Hornet stadium improved and remove the track to the practice field or across the street in the dirt parking lot. Or use the current soccer field and add a track around it.

 

[Kadeezy]

I will literally take anything at this point, but a new stadium and events center building off the Broad and Broad 2.0 and The WELL is the best overall outcome for the program and school. I love being on campus, and loved walking to the games of all types from the dorms.

Someone else mentioned this, but any reno needs to include relocation of the track, or a very cleverly incorporated slide system that can increase capacity and provide seating over the track for football games.

 

[SDHornet]

The Nagel interview is posted below. Sac State isn't mentioned until the 16:40 mark of the interview and even then Nagel makes it sound like nothing serious has been discussed.

Maybe someone more in tune with MLS can chime in, but it looks like the regular season goes through mid-October with the playoffs ending in early November. An MLS team in Sac would be awful for Hornet football as the casual fan would gravitate to a pro team over an FCS or low tier FBS program.

Having said that, as much as I hate the idea of playing in a downtown stadium I think the Sac State admin has to jump at the chance if the opportunity arises. The fact of the matter is that Sac State admin and alumni will never get an FBS caliber venue built on campus...we couldn't even get an event center built with the backing of the student body. So this is our only shot at a top quality venue for Hornet football.

Sac State should jump at this opportunity if the deal truly is a "partnership" deal and Sac State has an ownership stake in the venue. I view a "partnership deal" that guarantees the following terms for Sac State:

• 1. Priority dates and times for home football games over any other user/event.
  2. No other college or university can use the venue for home football games unless agreed upon by Sac State. This does not apply to bowl games.
  3. Full use/access of all stadium facilities during Sac State events (suites, locker rooms, training rooms, media booth, etc.)
  4. Sac State controls the ticket pricing for its events.
  5. Sac State gets all the ticket revenue, minus event day expenses, from any and all of its events.
  6. Sac State can market the venue signage/displays and secure the revenue therein for its events in the venue.
  7. Sac State gets all the revenue from concessions and merchandise sold in the stadium during its events.
  8. Sac State gets all the revenue from media and advertising from any of its events in the stadium.

It's anyone's guess if the Nagel group would be receptive to the totality of these items. Items 1 through 4 are non-starters, Sac State has to have priority for Hornet football and control ticket pricing or it's not a "partnership" deal. All the other items are negotiable depending on what kind of financial responsibility would be required of Sac State from the Nagel group to "partner" with Sac State. If Sac State admin is going to entertain this "partnership", it has to protect itself so they don't get punked like PSU did by their MLS "partner".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeR3E1tozB0

 

[Phantom Hornet]

I think you nailed it, SD. I'm in the same boat. I have a hard time believing anything is ever gonna get built on campus...the original Hornet Field only came to be because Fred Anderson and the Surge/Gold Miners played there and they ponied up the dough.

If they can get a deal that is friendly to the university and a true partnership then I think they have to jump at it. Who knows if it really has any shot though.

The Portland State deal was weird because it really was a minor league baseball stadium that they converted to soccer, with absolutely no thought for football, they just shoehorned them in there. I would assume Sac's would be something similar to Stubhub Center in Carson, with both sports being considered in the design.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

An MLS team in Sac would be awful for Hornet football as the casual fan would gravitate to a pro team over an FCS or low tier FBS program.

For some, sure, but perhaps not as many as you think. Especially IF the Hornets program continues to be a perennial winner and the brand continues to grow.

While growing in popularity among millennials, the sport of soccer still hasn't been adopted by many (myself included) and may never grow on the masses to the degree expected.

I personally wouldn't be attending many MLS games, if any, as I find the sport super boring. And I know lots of avid sports fans that feel the same as I do. There's a reason soccer has never been popular in the U.S. over the decades. It's just too slow and too low scoring for the masses. Maybe that'll change in the short term with the Republic FC moving up to MLS, but I'd need to see it in the longer term in order to believe it.

IIRC, the Hornets game that was played on the same evening as the Republic FC and KINGS home games this past Fall ended up outdrawing both. So perhaps it is possible to contend with a pro team IF the program can continue its ascent.

Having said all that, I'm with those believing "on-campus" is the best outcome -- but we all know how that story has been going.

 

[Kadeezy]

If there are any top secret plans for a partnership downtown or on campus, and I'm Mark Orr and Dr. Wood.... I'm SCRAMBLING to get out press releases THIS WEEK regarding any fundraising efforts, future facility improvements planned, etc. Release a conceptual drawing, SOMETHING.

But, we won't. Because although the product on the field has been nothing short of miraculous, and we still act like a poverty "franchise."

Any other school would be cashing in on this success in one way or the other. We always thought, hey, we just need to start winning some games... Hey, we're a sleeping giant. If we win the BSC once people will pay attention and we can build an arena or stadium, whatever the hell...

Welp, we haven't lost a Big Sky game since a flukey loss to Weber State in 2019 (When KT got injured), and there hasn't been a single announcement about facility improvements, long term plans, NOTHING. National seed three years in a row. NOTHING. Hornets having success in the NFL, MLB, and beyond... NOTHING.

We got a very middling press box, and some pipe dreams from Dr. Nelsen in an e-mail directly to me because he responds unlike others....

So disappointing. Hey, maybe back to back to back to back titles will get it done! LOL

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

If there are any top secret plans for a partnership downtown or on campus, and I'm Mark Orr and Dr. Wood.... I'm SCRAMBLING to get out press releases THIS WEEK regarding any fundraising efforts, future facility improvements planned, etc. Release a conceptual drawing, SOMETHING.

But, we won't. Because although the product on the field has been nothing short of miraculous, and we still act like a poverty "franchise."

Any other school would be cashing in on this success in one way or the other. We always thought, hey, we just need to start winning some games... Hey, we're a sleeping giant. If we win the BSC once people will pay attention and we can build an arena or stadium, whatever the hell...

Welp, we haven't lost a Big Sky game since a flukey loss to Weber State in 2019 (When KT got injured), and there hasn't been a single announcement about facility improvements, long term plans, NOTHING. National seed three years in a row. NOTHING. Hornets having success in the NFL, MLB, and beyond... NOTHING.

We got a very middling press box, and some pipe dreams from Dr. Nelsen in an e-mail directly to me because he responds unlike others....

So disappointing. Hey, maybe back to back to back to back titles will get it done! LOL

It surely is frustrating and disappointing, I'll grant you that.

I'll give the new President a pass since he just recently took over the job. We'll see if the status quo continues over the next year or so before I pass any judgement.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

We replaced Nelson with an Activist President. His main goal, push and existence is DEI.
Goto the CSUS homepage, not one mention of the game, only DEI backslapping.

Everything is cyclical. The Hornets will once again start losing and the attention will wane. And the 1954 gym will still be used and the state fair grandstand will still reside next to the porta potties.

6000 J street is the socialist experiment in Sacramento, always has been, always will be.

Enjoy the Golden Years of Hornet football as this is the best it will ever be.

"Orr says we are happy at FCS level, but are maintaining awareness of the FBS landscape."
translation: we are reactionary and will only act if forced. we have no longterm goals for taking this school any higher than fcs. the general public is aware of the fbs landscape and as leaders of this school, we have no control over any decisions that effect us

 

[stingthemgood]

We replaced Nelson with an Activist President. His main goal, push and existence is DEI.
Goto the CSUS homepage, not one mention of the game, only DEI backslapping.

Everything is cyclical. The Hornets will once again start losing and the attention will wane. And the 1954 gym will still be used and the state fair grandstand will still reside next to the porta potties.

6000 J street is the socialist experiment in Sacramento, always has been, always will be.

Enjoy the Golden Years of Hornet football as this is the best it will ever be.

"Orr says we are happy at FCS level, but are maintaining awareness of the FBS landscape."
translation: we are reactionary and will only act if forced. we have no longterm goals for taking this school any higher than fcs. the general public is aware of the fbs landscape and as leaders of this school, we have no control over any decisions that effect us

Well aren't you just a ball of sunshine

 

[JB94]

We replaced Nelson with an Activist President. His main goal, push and existence is DEI.
Goto the CSUS homepage, not one mention of the game, only DEI backslapping.

Everything is cyclical. The Hornets will once again start losing and the attention will wane. And the 1954 gym will still be used and the state fair grandstand will still reside next to the porta potties.

6000 J street is the socialist experiment in Sacramento, always has been, always will be.

Enjoy the Golden Years of Hornet football as this is the best it will ever be.

"Orr says we are happy at FCS level, but are maintaining awareness of the FBS landscape."
translation: we are reactionary and will only act if forced. we have no longterm goals for taking this school any higher than fcs. the general public is aware of the fbs landscape and as leaders of this school, we have no control over any decisions that effect us

I sometimes wonder if you are actually enjoying the Golden Age of Hornet Football given your obsession with how our University is nothing but Socialists and Communists. Sports should be bringing everyone together not a forum to air every political grievance possible.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

We replaced Nelson with an Activist President. His main goal, push and existence is DEI.
Goto the CSUS homepage, not one mention of the game, only DEI backslapping.

Everything is cyclical. The Hornets will once again start losing and the attention will wane. And the 1954 gym will still be used and the state fair grandstand will still reside next to the porta potties.

6000 J street is the socialist experiment in Sacramento, always has been, always will be.

Enjoy the Golden Years of Hornet football as this is the best it will ever be.

"Orr says we are happy at FCS level, but are maintaining awareness of the FBS landscape."
translation: we are reactionary and will only act if forced. we have no longterm goals for taking this school any higher than fcs. the general public is aware of the fbs landscape and as leaders of this school, we have no control over any decisions that effect us

I sometimes wonder if you are actually enjoying the Golden Age of Hornet Football given your obsession with how our University is nothing but Socialists and Communists. Sports should be bringing everyone together not a forum to air every political grievance possible.

Um yeah, one party political rule is essentially communism.
I placed this comment in the downtown stadium section, as it is assinine to not build the stadium on campus which has existing expansive parking, easy freeway & public access, infrastructure already in place.
PSU found a path to a new arena, CP is building a $30M on campus football facility, meanwhile we are hellbent on increasing Pacific Islander acceptance??

 

[HornetFootballFan]

I believe Mark Orr has done an exceptional job and I know that he would like to see us in a MWC if the circumstances were good.
Nobody wants to do a San Diego state and jump the gun a shit the bed like they did burning bridges.
I believe until either the PAC 2 rebuild w inviting top 4 from each the MWC & AAC that nothing is going to move. That won’t happen until the court case w other PAC10 is done and the last 2 have control of resources etc.
Appears the MWC is quiet strategizing w PAC2 on a possible reverse merger that keep PAC12 brand, marketing history and revenues stream from previous conference championships and bowl bids can be somehow harvested?
If the PAC loses and the PAC10 super majority wins they will vote end of conference and take those royalties etc with them to NEW Conferences they joined. If that scenario happens most likely they join MWC,
With all of that being said. “Unless the PAC12 stays alive and absorbs 4 mtn west and AAC then I believe SAC ST will be staying FCS Big Sky. Because they won’t need us otherwise.
I did see Dr Wood at FB Stanford Game do great to see him engaged. I believe with 30K student body and new Placer campus to add 5-7K more students that a simple and very modest $1 / day college athletics experience fee could finance the monthly payments.
I believe Mark Orr is playing chess not checkers and that they are regardless going to look to replicate a more modest SDSU / SnapDragon Stadium precedent to actually make our team have a solid foundation for an FBS invite eventually for BOTH being a good team in #20 tv market but also because CA is a great recruiting area for players.
Have a great evening. Sorry for the long message.

 

[Kadeezy]

I believe Mark Orr has done an exceptional job and I know that he would like to see us in a MWC if the circumstances were good.
Nobody wants to do a San Diego state and jump the gun a isht the bed like they did burning bridges.
I believe until either the PAC 2 rebuild w inviting top 4 from each the MWC & AAC that nothing is going to move. That won’t happen until the court case w other PAC10 is done and the last 2 have control of resources etc.
Appears the MWC is quiet strategizing w PAC2 on a possible reverse merger that keep PAC12 brand, marketing history and revenues stream from previous conference championships and bowl bids can be somehow harvested?
If the PAC loses and the PAC10 super majority wins they will vote end of conference and take those royalties etc with them to NEW Conferences they joined. If that scenario happens most likely they join MWC,
With all of that being said. “Unless the PAC12 stays alive and absorbs 4 mtn west and AAC then I believe SAC ST will be staying FCS Big Sky. Because they won’t need us otherwise.
I did see Dr Wood at FB Stanford Game do great to see him engaged. I believe with 30K student body and new Placer campus to add 5-7K more students that a simple and very modest $1 / day college athletics experience fee could finance the monthly payments.
I believe Mark Orr is playing chess not checkers and that they are regardless going to look to replicate a more modest SDSU / SnapDragon Stadium precedent to actually make our team have a solid foundation for an FBS invite eventually for BOTH being a good team in #20 tv market but also because CA is a great recruiting area for players.
Have a great evening. Sorry for the long message.

Don’t be sorry! I mostly agree, just anxious for us to strike while the iron is hot and support might be too…

I talked to Orr on Saturday at Stanford and totally agree with the chess, not checkers thing. He has ambitions for the school, and he’s the best AD we’ve ever had, just hope we can break ground on some of these project before CAL swoops him up.

 

[Hornet25]

For what it's worth, Orr was on the radio, ESPN 1320, today and mentioned that he hopes to have an update on facilities that he can release to the public in the next few months.

Sounds like he and the new President are at least continuing to work on it and think they will have something to report.

 

[SDHornet]

For what it's worth, Orr was on the radio, ESPN 1320, today and mentioned that he hopes to have an update on facilities that he can release to the public in the next few months.

Sounds like he and the new President are at least continuing to work on it and think they will have something to report.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFTP28OUQk

Good interview, it's a shame Jason Ross didn't press Orr harder on the facilities like D Lo and KC in this interview. IMO, it's all in President Wood's hands. Nothing gets built without a sizable student fee to float the notes needed to get them built and maintained.

Orr was also on top of the realignment question, a typical "we like where we are at" answer with the "ultimately we'll do what's in the best interests for Sac State" kicker. As HFB posted above (excellent post), there's not much we can do at this point. If Wazzu and OSU can find a way to keep the Pac alive, it means the MW gets poached and we more than likely get a spot in the MW when the dust settles. The interesting thing with this whole FBS idea is that ESPN is hemorrhaging money and it will be interesting to see where they find the cash to payout all their media deals in the coming years.

 

[HornetFootballFan]

I wanted to post a screen showing financials from PAC12 teams in the PNW. How can we post a photo here to share?

 

[HornetFootballFan]

I wanted to post a screen showing financials from PAC12 teams in the PNW. How can we post a photo here to share?

 

[Super Hornet 2.0]

I wanted to post a screen showing financials from PAC12 teams in the PNW. How can we post a photo here to share?

Paste the picture's URL into the text box, then highlight it and click the picture button in the button row above the picture box. That will place img (for start image) in brackets before the URL and /img in brackets (for end image)] after it. When you click the submit button below the text box, the picture SHOULD come up.