siouxfan512

Yes, we are extremely spoiled. Have to remember than these types of things revolve around dominant winning programs that generate revenue. Like it or not, this is a money game. Winning in football and basketball will help. Can we replicate a football stadium from the Ralph? Probably not, unless we get some huge donors. But if they do decide to put football on campus, they should certainly strive to make it similar. The Ralph is phenomenal, and was built the right way. Would be awesome to have a football stadium of that caliber. I know basketball needs attention to, but the Betty is a very nice place. I wish they didn't have those tacky temporary bleachers behind each end though.

Its been a while since I have been up to GF, but I assume that where they have that outdoor field is still a parking lot, correct? What a cool place to setup tailgating. Right off of University, right near the fraternities. Would be a great central spot for the homecoming parade to end. I remember being in the parade at homecoming, which was always fun, but then it just ended and everyone had to drive over to Alerus. Would be fun to just have everything on campus.

Not a bad point. I do think the natural light suggestions that some people have made would be a big improvement too. Walking around the concourse isn't very inviting, compare that to walking the concourse at the Ralph. Not saying the Alerus needs to match the Ralph, but they could close the gap a bit.

Fighting Sioux was deemed unacceptable by the NCAA, which is why we are in this cluster#$%! North Dakota was not, I don't think there was anything wrong with having it on the ballot given the overwhelming support for it. What the committee, and President Kelly, did by removing the option, was piss off a lot of people and make the transition process even more difficult on the school. People don't like feeling forced into something. I, for one, would have voted for North Dakota, but had North Dakota been on the ballot and lost the vote then I would have gladly moved on. What really sucks, is not even having the chance to put your vote out there. Though, as I said, nothing will put it back on the ballot at this point, so arguing about North Dakota is pretty irrelevant.

Let's face it, Ralph spoiled us with facilities.

I think the obvious and most realistic consensus is that the team needs to win, the seat will get filled, the energy will go up. The stadium still needs some tweaks and improvements, but it is not a bad facility overall. I don't personally care for the design, but that is personal preference. That being said, if UND could secure funding to build a nice on campus stadium, would anyone really turn that down? (Assuming it is enclosed; I can't imagine the school would ever build an open air stadium). Maybe its a ways off OR maybe between donors, school fees, and state funds its not too far off. Either way, it would certainly be a nice addition to the program and the campus.

last I hward he was still a few weeks away. I'm sure they want him 100% over risking reinjury. He will be valuable when we play MT and MT St

I believe this is what you were mentioning: http://grandforkslife.blogspot.com/2007/12/und-is-planning-for-future.html

Yeah, forgot about him. Maybe they figure he'll be a better contributor with a year under his belt. I'm actually surprise they pulled as many shirts as they have (especially at RB), given that we aren't exactly supposed to be a top tier team. Granted, if Bubba thinks he can compete with those guys in, then who am I to argue. Glad to see us winning.

Any other potential redshirts being pulled this year? I would think we are done, but any other potentials?

Nice write up! Thank God hockey is back!

Facilities are certainly not the only factor to a program's success, but the DO help. I love UND hockey, and they typically generate a ton of money to take care of themselves, but there are other sports on campus. The school even did a nice job with the Betty for Basketball. Would love to see football on campus.

Yep, unfortunately these types of projection usually leak information to at least stir rumor. haven't heard any chatter about stadium type project for a while. The IPF is great, and I don't want to get too greedy, but getting a legitimate, on-campus, stadium would be a really nice facilities investment for the program.

Agreed, now if a Ralph like donor wanted to pay for it, I'd be happy to see it happen. That being said, I completely agree, a campus stadium would be better, it would be less windy, tailgating would be better, and I just see it being a better experience. Not saying the school should just go commit to dropping that much money on a stadium, but maybe at some point in the future. What was the cost of the IPF? Phase 1 and Phase 2? Just curious how much that cost in comparison to a stadium (which I would have to imagine would be, at least, 80 myn (and that number could be way way off)

I really see Portland state as being a tough game, but I think they are definitely ranked pretty high given who they have played. It was tweeted that UND is the number 1 rushing defense and Portland St. is the number 2, with (i think) a 2 yard differential. BUT we have also play 1 extra game AND Portland state has played a D2 team. As someone else mentioned, there may be a little bit of fools gold in Portland St. Not saying they won't be tough, but they are certainly beatable.

Jeez, between the enthusiastic commentator and the background I was waiting for the crowd to start chanting "Rudy"

C'mon man, I said its a pipe dream. Given the sincerity of the conversation, lets talk retractable roof!

Hope you are right. I know winning and adding some fans would certainly solve a lot of problems. Tough to have energy in a place, when we have been so irrelevant for so long. That being said, I would love to see a nice football stadium on campus. I know when I was in college, I would have loved to be able to just walk over to tailgating (the years that I didn't play in the band). Memorial Stadium is such a perfect location too, right across from the fraternities, there is a bunch of parking for tailgating. You could have people park over the the Ralph too, and take a quick bus over. I just think being on campus really adds to the game day experience. Of course a new stadium is a totall pipe dream, but still, nothing wrong with that kind of request on a forum thread. Who wants to start a Go Fund Me campaign?

Big time opportunity for our team this weekend. Beating UC-Davis (in a game where I think the score was closer than the actual game) we won a game that we were supposed to. These are the kinds of games that we should wind decisively, given the direction we all want this program to go. On to the next step, lets get a solid win on the road. Portland St has certainly been a surprise team to start the season, and it will not be an easy game, but it is winnable. Portland had a nice win over an FBS Washington St. (that is a really solid win), and a win over Idaho St, but I don't see anything too impressive over beating Western Oregon (a team who's only win is against Simon Fraser University). That is not meant to take away from this being a tough game, just to add some perspective. Offense needs to establish the run early, and maintain it. I know they would like to develop the passing game, but i though they tried to force it a bit on Saturday when it just wasn't there. Almost got us into some trouble in the second quarter. Defense needs to do a little better job on 3rd down. Overall this isn't as much of a concern, I think our D will step up. Reyes has played great, and Ratelle is just a stud. Special teams, needs to limit some of those big returns. Been a while since I've been this pumped about Sioux Football, already excited for the game on Saturday. Let's come into Homecoming on a high note (4-1). Talk about raising the confidence before Idaho St.

I was at the games in that time frame. Yes the environment was better, because there were more fans. But overall, the building kind of sucks, and the locations isn't that great. There are certainly worse venues, but there are definitely better ones too.

What the Alerus Center needs: To be gone. Obviously this isn't going to happen, at least not anytime soon. But what UND needs is a stadium that is on campus, a place where the student can walk over and tailgate. Never been a fan of the Alerus. Its like watching football in a big Pole Barn. Hate that there are no seats behind the end zones, and it just doesn't make for a great environment.

Is Tyler Leddy, Nick Leddy's brother or a cousing? Could be unrelated, but seeing as they are both from EP ...

With the Icebreaker tournament only two weeks away, I am wondering if anyone know what the viewing options are? The first game is at 3:30 against Lake Superior State, and I don't see anything listed on the UND website other than radio. I also check Maine's website, since they are hosting, and don't even see a webcast option. Trying to determine if I will be leaving work early that Friday to watch the game, but if it isn't even available to watch, then my decision is pretty easy.

Haha I like it

Stevie Coury and A Jonas Brother