Yet another OCS thread: Rutgers trimming stadium plans because of cost

[Jim Johnson]

For those who are - and will - clamor for an OCS... consider Rutgers is having problems with their expansion, and it's 13,000 seats:

---

Cost woes might trim stadium at Rutgers

Thursday, July 10, 2008

BY JOSH MARGOLIN AND TED SHERMAN

Star-Ledger Staff

Rutgers University officials yesterday said skyrocketing costs for concrete, steel and fuel will force them to scale back the university's controversial $102 million football stadium expansion, or risk going over budget.

Bids for the project have come in higher than anticipated, and the university now is looking to cut back some elements of the design.

The first phase of the project -- which will add 1,000 new "premium" mezzanine seats -- remains on schedule and officials say those seats will be ready for the Scarlet Knights' first home game Sept. 1.

The problems center on the construction of 13,000 additional seats in the south end zone section of the stadium in Piscataway. Rutgers president Richard L. McCormick said higher fuel costs, coupled with dramatic increases in building materials, led to much higher bids than estimated, forcing the university to start looking for cuts.

...

In addition to the end zone seating, plans call for the addition of a recruiting lounge, additional concession stands, locker rooms, a media room and a new entrance off River Road. The stadium currently seats 43,000.

The expansion project was approved by the university's board of governors in January, following the recent success of the Rutgers football program, which included three bowl appearances and 26 wins in the past three seasons -- leading to an increasing demand for tickets.

Rutgers plans to borrow $72 million to finance the expansion, with bonds that will be repaid through stadium revenues. However, New Jersey's budget crisis forced Trenton lawmakers to pull the plug on additional state support for the stadium, forcing the university to raise $30 million in private donations.

...

Source

[crambone]

That's because Rutgers has had 2 decent years since their program has been around, and they think they deserve a new stadium.

Hmm...sounds like a fanbase we know...

[slowdown]

Holy Smokes.  $102 Million expansion!  They could build two of ....................

[smazza]

it is called a mob tax

[The Sheriff]

Rutgers football is like the housing bubble...

[crambone]

Holy Smokes.  $102 Million expansion!  They could build two of ....................

[Bull Dozer]

Holy Smokes.  $102 Million expansion!  They could build two of ....................

lol

[Bulls 8_va]

Holy Smokes.  $102 Million expansion!  They could build two of ....................

lol

I don't get it...is this a UCF joke?

GO BULLS!!!

[mikebeau]

I don't get it...is this a UCF joke?

GO BULLS!!!

Isn't everything a UCF joke

[Guest]

Holy Smokes.  $102 Million expansion!  They could build two of ....................

lol

I don't get it...is this a UCF joke?

GO BULLS!!!

Their stadium is all metal and really heats up during day games.  Their first game they had problems because they didn't have enough water fountains and people were having heat-realted problems (heat stroke, for example).