The Ground Breaking Ceremony - MSF

[LBPop]

Sadly, I cannot be there on Saturday. I'm wondering who out there might be planning to attend and I would ask that you post a report for the rest of us. I would be very interested in hearing about the projected timeline.

With what is going on now and the amount of dirt that has been moved, it might be tough to have the new turf down in time for August practice. Anyone going?

[GUHoya07]

I'll try and wake up and look out my window at 10:30, but I dont expect to be able to hear what they are saying, so someone else will have to post that.

[Joe Hoya]

LBPop said:

Sadly, I cannot be there on Saturday. I'm wondering who out there might be planning to attend and I would ask that you post a report for the rest of us. I would be very interested in hearing about the projected timeline.

With what is going on now and the amount of dirt that has been moved, it might be tough to have the new turf down in time for August practice. Anyone going?

The artist formerly known as the field is mostly flat now, with the exception of a couple large dirt piles. I don't think it would be too hard to get those out of the way and get the turf down in three-four months, if it's a priority.

[CAHoya07]

I was working during the ceremony, otherwise I was thinking about going. It was raining like all hell around 10:30am this morning, but there was a big white tent around the middle of the field, so that's probably where it was held. I'd like to hear an eyewitness report on how it went, and how many people were there.

[DFW HOYA]

I was able to attend and it went very well.

The rain was a drawback to attendance (some guests couldn't make it down from NYC) but the use of the tent was an immense help. Speakers included representatives from the coaches and donors as well as Adam Brick, Todd Olson (VP of student affairs) and Jack DeGioia. DeGioia's speech was very upbeat and his support on this is very important.

Following the speeches there was a blessing of the project grounds and the guests headed back to a drier Leavey Center for lunch. There were a number of photos taken so I expect these to find its way to GUHoyas.com in the next day or so.

[FLHoya]

Yeah, the rain kept me from making the early walk from Foggy Bottom to the MSF thing. I finally stuck it out to get to the lacrosse game on time, so I appreciate the recap for sure.

I was thinking during that game on North Kehoe Field, you know, the MSF is going to be a nice home for I-AA football, but just as nice for Division I lacrosse and soccer. Really nice venue all around and I look forward to seeing it being built this summer. Of course, you're up on N. Kehoe watching lacrosse and you see the shell of the old "Classic" Kehoe and you're like "wow, that really wasn't that pleasant to watch games there now was it?" Certainly not as good as the Harbin field space. And the GEORGETOWN from the end zones is long gone too--I don't know why that hit me today when I was looking at the old field.

The tent/bubble thing was really odd looking though.

[DFW HOYA]

FLHoya said:

The tent/bubble thing was really odd looking though.

It sure beat standing in the quagmire that is what's left of Harbin Field?

Speaking of bubble, this link. A modest proposal: could this solve the on-campus basketball issue?

bceagles.collegesports.com/genrel/071100aac.html

[david]

the University of Texas football team also has a "bubble" indoor practice facility like BC's. The UT bubble was built for $4 million vs $2 million for the BC one.

Here's a picture: www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/pages/releases/2002_03/009/012303_20.html

[TigerHoya]

The Texans have a bubble too I believe.

There's a bubbledome manufacturer website with a list.

South Carolina and Clemson can't look at bubbles because one at SC got taken out during what was left of Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Where does BC store their bubble during football season?

[LBPop]

Was there any mention at the ground breaking ceremony of the total timeline and what was to be completed by this fall? I am hearing that the visitors' stands, the field (of course) and maybe a new weight room are planned by August. I hesitate to get too optimistic.

[GUHoya07]

I can't imagine a new weight room happening that soon, isnt that supposed to be in the side of the stands that won't be completed yet? I'd be overjoyed if the stands formely known as the visitors stands were completed by the fall, because I have serious doubts that it will happen.

[thebin]

From what I hear, from a solid source, there is no chance any of the permanent stands (read: stadium) will be up this season. The old bleachers again.

[DFW HOYA]

Yes and no.

The talk at the ceremony was that the permanent stands won't be there, but improved bleachers on both sides will be, at least for the short term. The old planks are gone.

[LBPop]

I hope that there is some improvement in the seating. With the improvement in the surface and the likely improvement in the product being displayed on that surface, any improvement in seating could really help build some fan support. Heck, who am I kidding? I would stand on a milk crate to watch the games.