zip81

It is correct that UA was independent I-A for a few years before joining the MAC. When Gerry Faust took over, we were still in the OVC and making the transition to D-I.It is my opinion that Faust didn't want to join the MAC. I believe he aspired to be a big-time D-I independent like Notre Dame or Penn State (at the time). The MAC wasn't big time enough.I think the MAC knew Gerry's opinion of them and that made it more difficult for Akron to join.After a few years of Coach Faust's .500 records and the lack of dominance he wanted to achieve, in addition to the death of Div. I-A independent football (with the exception of ND) Akron decided to seek MAC admission.I think the MAC wanted to expand, just like the Big 8, Big 10, WAC and the creation of new conferences such as Mountain West and C-USA...into a "Super" Conference. Akron seemed to be a logical choice. Didn't N. Illinois also rejoin when Akron entered? They left the MAC in the early 80's with their sites on becomming big-time independent too and saw the logic of belonging to a conference...especially in basketball.I think if we were in the MAC right when we went DI in football, we would have hung on to Coach Huggins in basketball for a few more years because we would have had the automatic bid. Instead, he felt hung out to dry, trying to make the tourney as an at-large, which is close to impossible for a mid-major.I agree with an earlier post that Youngstown, which was winning D-IAA championships at the time, were not invited a few years later because of the MAC presence in Ohio already reaching a saturation point.The guy from Youngstown who was posting on here a few days ago seems to vent all his anger at UA and Can't State, however, it was a strategic decision by the MAC not to let Youngstown in and bring in new markets such as Buffalo. I think that's why they're also letting in Temple..new markets, new exposure, new $$$.That's the way I remember it.

Well said!Not a cent of tax dollars should be spent on this terrible idea!

Starting this year the MAC gets 3 guaranteed bowl bids and we are a backup for a 4th now.As for the hatrid thing, I haven't heard UT fans saying they hate or dislike Akron. There is no foundation for this "hate" thing.I think it's just one person's opinion.I've never picked up any disrespect from the conference.Where are the examples?And I still don't think C USA is that much of a step up from the MAC. They've lost their quality programs to the Big East, who is losing it's quality programs to the ACC.

That will be one heck of a rally..since he's dead. His son is now running the biz...

Not really a step up for him.Who changes schools in conference?

That is a nice one...lets break ground tomorrow!

I don't understand. What do they do to us that shows they hate us?How are we disrespected by the MAC? I have never picked that up, but then again, I know others follow more closely than I.Right now, I think the MAC is a good fit.Even if we win a lot, I don't think the Big East would ever let us in.C-USA would be the only other possibility. Quite honestly, I don't think that's much of a step up.

A BG grad...no way!!!

I have provided more facts than anyone in this topic. I saw some articles posted, but everyone is speaking from opinion about how they think this will hurt UofA (and then using a "this will bomb" rationale to support them). I have posted facts, such as the negotiations between the development group and the communities, and information about studies that have been done.Now, I fear it's just one of those internet 'last word' type arguements..... and I'll let you have it. Zen:I hold no grudges.You have your opinion, which you have stated well and I do respect.Lively discussion is what these forums are all about.It will be interesting to follow this issue -- that's for sure.I wish you all the best and happy holidays!

Who does this report? I have never seen it before.Do you think it is credible?

I gave up looking, but it was published. Yes, "promise" was the wrong word. Contractual law is strong. Even bancrupsy isn't as good as it used to be for skirting financial responsiblity.You know, this thread made me realize how far bias can go toward closing minds.This thread has made everyone realize that you don't know what the heck you are talking about.What the heck does this mean?"It's human nature, of sorts, even though we are dealing more with the sociology of government and/or group decision making than it does psychology, it holds true. They will ALWAYS work harder to bring in a new resource (or keep it from leaving) than they will to plakate one that is 'stuck' here. It's why professional (privately owned) sports teams always get new stadiums, but universities and public parks remain relatively underfunded."My goodness...get a grip!You are not getting it. It doesn't matter what UA needs...this is an extremely bad idea that is a waste of money...period. No emotion. No Bias.Your arguments are so non-sensical that I have to believe you work for the Wolsteins and are in on their mega spam campaign.Soccer...for crying out loud. I'd rather them build an ice skating rink!I've had enough of this discussion...

all emotion....and I understand the emotion, but I really don't think you are using your head except to figure out ways to rally around what your heart says. I too wouldn't want anything to hurt us from getting a stadium on campus, but I am not going to say irrational things that I have no basis for.We have a stadium. It sux, it's true, and it doesn't draw well, but we don't "NEED" one more than wolstien does. Pro-soccer will not succeed down town. It can succeed in suburbia. If you disagree with that, fine. But why would a reasonably intelligent developer risk his own money on what you are calling a sure-thing failure???[edit-add]just read the two articles. I am forced to ask, would the county pass a "cigarette-tax" for university football stadium. I highly doubt it would get funding that way. This seems like apples and oranges to me. Not emotion...fact.You misunderstand.My opinion of the soccer stadium has nothing to do with UA and their needs, and I never said build the soccer stadium downtown. I'm not sure if building this thing will have any effect on the Zips Stadium.Here is my opinion on this topic...stated plainly...a professional soccer team will not be successfull, therefore building a $200 million stadium will be a fantastic waste of taxpayer money.Now if Wolstein wants to build it with HIS money, fine.Q: Why would a reasonably intellegent developer risk his own money on what I'm calling a sure-thing failure? A: Because he has done it before, and you know as well as I where all of the professional soccer teams in this area are now...that's right...defunct.And no one is saying anything about passing a cigarette tax for the UA stadium...only you. No one knows where the funding sources for the Zips stadium will come from. Any apples and oranges comparisons are coming from you.How about we agree to disagree...however, If they build this thing, I do want to talk to you in the future ...after the team folds, and the taxpayers are stuck paying for an empty stadium.

Funniest cheer I've ever heard was in the late 80's when we went down to Murfeesboro for the OVC basketball tourney.Austin Peay fans shouted, "Let's go Peay."Just for the record, Peay is pronounced Pee!

Bob Dyer hit the nail on the head with his commentary.A soccer team isn't going to draw bumkis so why waste $200 million, and a very big chunk of that taxpayers dollars, on a soccer stadium.Bob even listed the number of soccer teams that have come and gone and explored why no one will watch professional soccer.This is such a stupid idea, I can't even put it to words.But you can tell the bloodsuckers at the public trough want it. They spammed out the state of Ohio sending broadcast e-mails in support of this dumb idea, that the state had to put up a firewall to keep the spam from crashing their computers.The quicker this idea goes away, the better.Build a stadium where it is needed...on campus for the Zips!

You have an incredible chip on your shoulder my man.You blame Akron and Can't for everything that Yunztown doesn't have.If Yunztown draws so well, why did you need to get into the MAC to have a bigger stadium?I'm sure that since YSU is so darn good in everything they do, that they also have their own forum...why don't you visit that one instead of our's.uh, bye bye now.

While we're changing things...it was a boot...not a shoe.A boot with a zipper going up the front.Just a little marketing advice:That's a lot of stuff to read on the back of the shirt.

cute, but wrong.I don't think you actually took the time to read and comprehend my post, and all the factors that contribute to a valid reason to build. I didn't say reasons, I said reason. All of those factors mean that it will be a success both for the builders, clients, and communities involved. If you think they are wrong, well, you must be smarter than them, but I have to ask, why should you care.Again, I say, you must feel threatened by it, and I can't figure out why.Now, your cute quote is silly if you read my post. There wasn't anything near where they old colleseum was build over 30 years ago, and there wasn't 25 years later, and now there is nothing but park. Macedonia is completely different. Been there, been growing, will be growing. You're right..I did not study your post because the only part of my comments that involved you was the fact that I'm not threatened. I'm sorry, I just don't get that.The remainder of the post had nothing to do with your opinion.But I will answer your question, why should I care?Are you kidding me? $7 million per year for 30 years of public money and you are asking me why I care!Just answer me this:Do you feel that a new soccer franchise will be successful enough and last long enough to warrent this new stadium?If you say yes, then I am indeed smarter than those behind this project because history tells us different...over and over again.Let Wolstein use his money...not our's.

I applaud and appreciate the administration not sinking (literally) any more money into the Bowl.I knew they had damage problems a few years ago when they closed the portion of that one section of the closed end.I didn't know it affected the whole darn side of the stadium.We need this new place bad...the bowl is an embarrassment in its current condition.

Beacon Journal editorial says today this Wolstein stadium would take $7 million per year for 30 years in public money.You have got to be kidding me!In ten years we'll be paying $7 million per for an empty building after this new soccer franchise moves or folds.Bad...Bad idea!

ewwwww...lets hope not.We need something that wraps around one of the end zones.Last time I was in Yunztown, they only had stands on the one side..one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen. Can you imagine what that looks like on TV when the cameras are on the press box side....would look like an open field.I know they've now put stand on the opposite side, but still too much open area, as is the case with most MAC stadiums too.

Excuse me Zip37, but did you say ?

I understand the feelings here toward OSU. Heck, I myself almost got into a shoving match with an arrogant Buckeye fan when we played them in the NIT.However, I like Tressell. He's a class act...and a Zip grad.So, I must say...Ohio State over FLA.

You're right...I like the Princeton stadium...big time look and holds 27-28 thousand, which should be just about right for an Akron stadium.The Montana stadium looked good too. I'm just hoping the administration doesn't make another mistake like the JAR.

Rather than the expense of sending their beat writer to an away game, they took the easy way out and just ran a blurb from the wire.