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Post by The Man on Oct 6, 2015 17:33:19 GMT -5
October 6, 2015 – A $50 million gift to Georgetown will support an innovative leadership program for the university’s 750 student-athletes and fund the completion of the sports field situated in the heart of campus. The gift, from Georgetown parents Peter and Susan Cooper of Newport Beach, California, is one of the largest ever received by the university and is the biggest gift to the athletics program. “Georgetown is deeply grateful to Peter and Sue for their commitment to our students and their ongoing dedication to our campus community,” said Georgetown President John J. DeGioia. “This investment will allow us to provide extraordinary opportunities for students engaged in intercollegiate athletics, preparing these young people for success both on and off the field.” The historic gift will underwrite a pioneering, academically based program that develops leadership skills and opportunities for students involved in one or more of Georgetown’s 29 Division I sports and teams. The gift also will enable the university to further develop the centrally located Multi-Sport Field that is currently home to Georgetown’s football, field hockey and lacrosse teams, as well as club sports and universitywide events. As permanent recognition of the Coopers’ generosity, the three-year-old student-athlete leadership initiative will be named the Cooper Athletics Leadership Program and the existing Multi-Sport Field will be renamed Cooper Field when it is completed in an estimated 12 to 18 months. A commitment of assets associated with holdings in Dimensional Fund Advisors, the gift will result in Georgetown receiving an income stream from the assets and additional earnings upon redemption or sale. Annual income from the gifts is fully expendable in support of the leadership program, the field and other needs within Athletics as the gift grows over time. www.georgetown.edu/athletics-leadership-cooper-gift
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Oct 6, 2015 17:50:05 GMT -5
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Oct 6, 2015 17:52:38 GMT -5
Once again, very nice work by Athletics Development.
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thebin
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Post by thebin on Oct 6, 2015 18:11:27 GMT -5
Does anyone know how much authority the local govt/zoning boards, etc. have to fight implementation? Is the max capacity up for debate? The stated 12-18 month timeline seems to imply that we need no further permission? But Im not sure how that can be if they are still evaluating the design itself.
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prhoya
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Post by prhoya on Oct 6, 2015 18:14:53 GMT -5
It's good to be the king!!
Awesome news!
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SSHoya
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Post by SSHoya on Oct 6, 2015 18:19:47 GMT -5
Wow!
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Nevada Hoya
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Post by Nevada Hoya on Oct 6, 2015 19:15:11 GMT -5
I am wondering, since that is the site of Relay for Life, if they will put in a track.
A part of the Coopers' gift will be used to enhance the facilities of the Multi-Sport Field for students and visitors. Our Multi-Sport Field is where our football, field hockey and lacrosse teams practice and play all of their home games—visitors watching the competition will enjoy new seating areas around the field and the teams will be provided with new locker rooms, among other improvements. The Multi-Sport Field is also home to Relay for Life, and other university-wide events, and is used by hundreds of students engaged in club sports.
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thebin
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Post by thebin on Oct 6, 2015 19:40:54 GMT -5
Dfw- with a 12-18 month timeline isnt 2018 the absolute latest Cooper Field debuts? It seems to me 2017 should very much be in play.
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DFW HOYA
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Post by DFW HOYA on Oct 6, 2015 20:12:08 GMT -5
Dfw- with a 12-18 month timeline isnt 2018 the absolute latest Cooper Field debuts? It seems to me 2017 should very much be in play. This assumes that all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed for a summer 2016 construction launch--no sure thing in DC circles. I think the operative question to get it done in 2017 vs. 2018 is the current use of the field. If football, field hockey, and lacrosse need to be on the field in 2016, it limits the scope of construction since the heavy equipment will not be given free range over the footprint. Yes, field hockey could go back on the road and lacrosse could relocate to Shaw Field, but the football season would most certainly be a barnstorming year if they pushed for 2017, along the lines of what Columbia did when they rebuilt Baker Field in 1983 and went on the road all year. Another option is to do what some schools have done: build one side the field over one off-season, finish it the next season. The problem is the footprint at soon-to-be Cooper Field is so tight that a two phase effort might cost as much or more than doing it all at the same time. My uninformed guess is that this has already been vetted with the coaches and if changes need to be made to schedules, they'll do it.
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Oct 6, 2015 20:44:43 GMT -5
Does anyone know how much authority the local govt/zoning boards, etc. have to fight implementation? Is the max capacity up for debate? The stated 12-18 month timeline seems to imply that we need no further permission? But Im not sure how that can be if they are still evaluating the design itself. I'm sure there's still some processing to be done, but I wouldn't expect any real obstructionism, given that we're mostly talking about a design change/beautification, not a whole new facility or use. I'm not sure what "max capacity" you're referring to. Personally, I'd be surprised if the final tally ends up exceeding the Cooper Stadium I played on in high school. To me, high quality and key elements of functionality (locker rooms, restrooms, etc.) are much more important than overall seating.
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thebin
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Post by thebin on Oct 6, 2015 21:22:47 GMT -5
Well surely they are roughly doubling current capacity which is 2500. The most common number i recall seeing was 4500 which i hope is the floor. Would be nice to have a sloping grass endzone that accomodate overflow crowds on occasion of up to 6k.
Please tell me this massive gift is not intended only to replace 2500 crappy seats with 2500 good seats. I'm a realistic man. Not looking for 10k but we have to at least be able to host a decent high school crowd in it.
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Post by aleutianhoya on Oct 6, 2015 21:57:40 GMT -5
Well surely they are roughly doubling current capacity which is 2500. The most common number i recall seeing was 4500 which i hope is the floor. Would be nice to have a sloping grass endzone that accomodate overflow crowds on occasion of up to 6k. Please tell me this massive gift is not intended only to replace 2500 crappy seats with 2500 good seats. I'm a realistic man. Not looking for 10k but we have to at least be able to host a decent high school crowd in it. It is a massive gift but its not entirely clear how much of it is designed to be immediately available. It is clear that some portion of it is to spin off income for future needs. Which, obviously, is a good thing in a vacuum. My point simply is that we would need to know how much will be spent immediately to have a sense for what they're going to build.
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Oct 6, 2015 22:51:11 GMT -5
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Post by Problem of Dog on Oct 6, 2015 23:19:17 GMT -5
Does anyone know how much authority the local govt/zoning boards, etc. have to fight implementation? Is the max capacity up for debate? The stated 12-18 month timeline seems to imply that we need no further permission? But Im not sure how that can be if they are still evaluating the design itself. I'm sure there's still some processing to be done, but I wouldn't expect any real obstructionism, given that we're mostly talking about a design change/beautification, not a whole new facility or use. I'm not sure what "max capacity" you're referring to. Personally, I'd be surprised if the final tally ends up exceeding the Cooper Stadium I played on in high school. To me, high quality and key elements of functionality (locker rooms, restrooms, etc.) are much more important than overall seating. That is a beautiful stadium facade. Really plantation-y, but I wouldn't expect any less from the state of Alabama. This is a s***ton of money. Two thumbs up from me, though. I hope the leadership curriculum is eventually offered for credit to student athletes. Also, I have no memory of the third Cooper son who played football. Is the release accurate?
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Oct 7, 2015 7:04:09 GMT -5
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Post by aleutianhoya on Oct 7, 2015 7:07:23 GMT -5
Got it. Still a lot of money, obviously, but that's a very different world from having $50M to spend on construction. Lord knows I'm not complaining! Be interesting to see what they come up with for that $10M (and let's not forget that it's possible there is other money available from previous donations, though it's also entirely possible the designations on those gifts were changed and the money spent on other priorities as this project bogged down). To me, the most important thing is to make it not an eyesore. I would rather they make relatively minor additions but do them in a first class way (add the locker rooms and restrooms -- but they can be basic on the inside so long as they present nicely from the exterior; permanent seating; and a nice looking fence everywhere to make it feel contained) and use future fundraising or interest from the gift to do other things in later years. I assume that part of the endowment will be used to replace the field surface on a timely basis. And, DFW, can I nominate you to let someone in McDonough know that they really ought to put a 9/11 plaque up around wherever they end up putting a flagpole as that was approved many moons ago but never done. I doubt anyone there even knows or remembers that, but it'd be a shame if it's never done, since there's really not much to it.
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thebin
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Post by thebin on Oct 7, 2015 7:33:22 GMT -5
"Of the gift's initial installment of $15 million, $10 million will be spent on adding seats, locker rooms and other upgrades to Multi-Sport Field....."
A few things.
That $10mm is in addition to funds already raised. To the best of my recollection a little more than half of the original $22mm target was raised. It has been a long time, but my vague recollection is 12-15mm was already raised. We have to assume some of that was spent on phase 1- the nice fencing and pillars and presumably much field turf work? I'm hoping at least $5mm of previously raised funds remains and we're looking at a $15mm building/stadium by conservative estimate. That sound about reasonable to the rest of you?
Additional seating and game day locker rooms- any reason those won't be part of a single edifice? Thoughts?
Capacity. Undergrad enrollment is now well over 7K. We've had not-rare (for FCS) sell-outs in the current 2500 seat configuration. That means to me this new facility has to hold at least 5k right? I think anything much below that would be disappointing. On the other hand anything over 7-8K is probably a non-starter for many reasons. I think 4500 permanent seats with possible overflow capacity of 6K when filling the sloped grassy end-zone near the business building has been floated or I might possibly be making that up because it sounds good to me. Thoughts?
Form. I think just as important as capacity is design. Will this look like a collegiate athletic facility and not temporary high school bleachers? I'm a bit nervous to the see the language about "adding seats" and locker rooms as though they are distinct modular builds. I was hoping for a real stadium and less of an amalgamated facility. That to me means a building complete with bricks, masonry, archways, etc that also houses presumably the locker rooms and adequate restroom facilities (with plumbing!) and permanent concession stands that go beyond fold-out banquet tables. Maybe even a permanent ticket window?
Do you guys think this is achievable in DC for c. $15mm? I'm sure it is in rural or suburban America but things get expensive very quickly in N.W. DC.
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DFW HOYA
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Post by DFW HOYA on Oct 7, 2015 8:40:48 GMT -5
And, DFW, can I nominate you to let someone in McDonough know that they really ought to put a 9/11 plaque up around wherever they end up putting a flagpole as that was approved many moons ago but never done. I doubt anyone there even knows or remembers that, but it'd be a shame if it's never done, since there's really not much to it. Consider it done. This was approved and funded by the Hoyas Unlimited Board of Directors in 2002 but by the time the MSF took hold, the staff turned over and the newcomers claimed no knowledge of it. And the plaque needs to include recognition for the late Michael Dunne (C'56). He fought for this effort when others did not.
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Post by aleutianhoya on Oct 7, 2015 9:19:02 GMT -5
And, DFW, can I nominate you to let someone in McDonough know that they really ought to put a 9/11 plaque up around wherever they end up putting a flagpole as that was approved many moons ago but never done. I doubt anyone there even knows or remembers that, but it'd be a shame if it's never done, since there's really not much to it. Consider it done. This was approved and funded by the Hoyas Unlimited Board of Directors in 2002 but by the time the MSF took hold, the staff turned over and the newcomers claimed no knowledge of it. And the plaque needs to include recognition for the late Michael Dunne (C'56). He fought for this effort when others did not. Thanks. Brian M. and Pat M. surely would remember. I think Brian may have done the legwork on a quote for it, etc., though I may be mistaken.
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Post by hilltopper2000 on Oct 7, 2015 12:01:52 GMT -5
"Of the gift's initial installment of $15 million, $10 million will be spent on adding seats, locker rooms and other upgrades to Multi-Sport Field....." A few things. That $10mm is in addition to funds already raised. To the best of my recollection a little more than half of the original $22mm target was raised. It has been a long time, but my vague recollection is 12-15mm was already raised. We have to assume some of that was spent on phase 1- the nice fencing and pillars and presumably much field turf work? I'm hoping at least $5mm of previously raised funds remains and we're looking at a $15mm building/stadium by conservative estimate. That sound about reasonable to the rest of you? Additional seating and game day locker rooms- any reason those won't be part of a single edifice? Thoughts? Capacity. Undergrad enrollment is now well over 7K. We've had not-rare (for FCS) sell-outs in the current 2500 seat configuration. That means to me this new facility has to hold at least 5k right? I think anything much below that would be disappointing. On the other hand anything over 7-8K is probably a non-starter for many reasons. I think 4500 permanent seats with possible overflow capacity of 6K when filling the sloped grassy end-zone near the business building has been floated or I might possibly be making that up because it sounds good to me. Thoughts? Form. I think just as important as capacity is design. Will this look like a collegiate athletic facility and not temporary high school bleachers? I'm a bit nervous to the see the language about "adding seats" and locker rooms as though they are distinct modular builds. I was hoping for a real stadium and less of an amalgamated facility. That to me means a building complete with bricks, masonry, archways, etc that also houses presumably the locker rooms and adequate restroom facilities (with plumbing!) and permanent concession stands that go beyond fold-out banquet tables. Maybe even a permanent ticket window? Do you guys think this is achievable in DC for c. $15mm? I'm sure it is in rural or suburban America but things get expensive very quickly in N.W. DC. Really great points. It is so surreal, because this is a great moment from Georgetown athletics, but I am now more worried than I was before that the University won't actually construct a facility worthy of its prominent space on campus. I loved the earlier design of the multisport facility: graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/gu/galleries/multi-sport-facility-030205/stadium4-lg.jpg But I am worried that we will get something closer to www.guhoyas.com/facilities/gu-multi-sport.html -- which is in some ways more embarrassing than what we have now, because it is clearly a permanent structure. As with all University building, I am in the better to do it right than to just get it done camp. And given all of the prior fundraising for the project, donors identified, and, now, incredible momentum behind completion, settling for anything less than what the University really wants and deserves seems insane. No building project has only one donor; others are, I'm sure, willing to chip in. Maybe I am totally off, but that same language thebin cites made me nervous that the new design will fit the bill, rather than seeking funds to get the ideal finished product.
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