Topic: OT: Appy State: Laying Ground Work For I-A, Sure Looks It

[HerdZone]

The Athletics Enhancement Campaign
With the approval and strong recommendation of the Appalachian State University’s Board of Trustees, the Athletics Department has embarked on a $30-$32 million capital expansion to enhance its athletics’ facilities. The plan, staged in phases calls for the replacing of the turf in Kidd Brewer Stadium and resurfacing the track; demolishing Owens Field House and constructing in its place a new state of the arts Athletic building; converting Varsity Gym into a more athletics friendly training and practice facility; building a stand-alone indoor practice facility that will benefit all 20 intercollegiate sports programs; enhancing Kidd Brewer Stadium for alumni, fans and students and adding approximately 4,500 new seats to the East side of the Stadium.

The campaign, is a result of the nearly nine month study conducted an especially appointed Task Force which was initially formed to study the long range course of football, but quickly determined that the committee needed to review the entire course of athletics and its long term needs.

Chancellor Kenneth Peacock is a strong supporter of the project. “The enhancement of our Athletic Facilities will make all members of the Appalachian Family proud. Our athletics programs are an integral part of the comprehensive university experience.” Dr. Peacock concludes by saying, “I encourage all members of the Appalachian Family to give generously – funds donated to this campaign will be well invested in moving our great University to the next level.[/i] My pride in where we are today is only overshadowed by my excitement over our future.”

Tomorrow Is Now
The moment of opportunity has arrived. Right now is the chance for you to participate in one of the most exciting and dramatic ventures ever undertaken by Appalachian State University Athletics. The benefits of the Athletics Enhancement Campaign are enormous, and are vital components of the overall, rapidly changing physical plant and progress that is readily seen on campus.

The Benefits
• The plan will allow Appalachian to recruit and attract top athletes who wish to combine their athletic endeavors with personal achievement in education.
• It will help create successful careers for student-athletes and the general student population in various athletic and educational fields.
• The campaign will expand the Mountaineer fan base, which will be reflected in event attendance and financial support.
• The new facilities will Appalachian to keep pace with its competition nationwide.
• It will endorse and promote the overall reputation of Appalachian as a first-rate university that offers a comprehensive program of excellence in education, athletics and community involvement.

A Plan For Its Time
The Athletics Enhancement Campaign includes many state-of-the-art improvements and renovations that will considerably transform the Appalachian Athletics complex, with the major goals being the enhancement of the fan experience and improvement of athletic performance.”
* Kidd Brewer Stadium
• Replacement of playing surface with FieldTurf (completed)
• Resurfacing the track (completed)
• Expansion from 16,000 to nearly 21,000 seats
• New lighting and sound systems
• Renovation of spectator facilities including restrooms, concessions, hospitality areas, merchandise and storage areas
• Transformation of the East grandstands including a new broadcasters’ box, guest skyboxes, club seating and suites, a new Yosef hospitality room, a new Chancellor’s Box and covered upper deck seating.
• Transformation of the West grandstands including renovations to the press box, restrooms, concession area and new concourse seating.

* Owens Field House
The existing structure will be demolished to create a dynamic new facility that will feature:
• New football locker rooms
• New Olympic sports locker rooms
• New visitor and auxiliary locker rooms
• Dramatically expanded weight and conditioning center
• Expanded sports medicine facility
• Olympic sports center
• Athletic offices for all coaches and athletic administrators
• New Yosef Club room and enhanced hospitality areas

* Varsity Gym
• Indoor training facilities for all intercollegiate sports
• New hardwood courts for basketball and volleyball
• Satellite strength & conditioning and sports medicine areas

Our Athletics program is being complemented by the addition of a new soccer stadium at our State Farm property, six new competitive tennis courts, a track throwing events venue and an additional, stand-alone indoor training facility (currently under study).

The Athletics Enhancement Campaign is being jointly funded through University, student and private support. The Campaign is endorsed by the University’s Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, University Administration, Athletics Administration and the Yosef Club. Numerous naming opportunities exist through all levels of campaign support.

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My question is how long will they actually stay in the So.Con after all of this is completed. It took us 6 years after our stadium was complete to move up. Appy State had a meeting with students and 3 board members last week that wasn't well publicised, and well the meeting was cancelled only 5 students showed up for the I-A/I-AA debate. Theres another being put on the calendar within 2 weeks.

My guesstamastion ASU is I-A by 2013, that seems like a long way off but not really. Not if ASU is just now laying framework. Their Stadium should be done in 2-3 yrs. Then I give them 6 yrs to put a good fan base and get all their ducks in a row.

[Mako]

Well now isn't that special.  I-AA Appy State will have an IPF but we don't.  That's OK.  We don't need one do we?  Nah.  Players should be tough.

[DJdaHERDfan]

I'd say sooner than that.

It is very likely that Appy St could join a conference like the Sunbelt with a set to join date 3 to 5 years from now.

As soon as that stadium is done, they will want more.

[mr_ash_1995]

They could join the MAC (if the MAC is still around in 5 years).  The MAC probably will be searching to replace some teams (due to attendance issues).   :smile:

[Thunders]

All those expansions and an IPF for $30-35 mill?  That sounds like a good deal to me!   Maybe Marshall should contact their contruction company building all that for that price!!!

[Blade]

All those expansions and an IPF for $30-35 mill?  That sounds like a good deal to me!   Maybe Marshall should contact their contruction company building all that for that price!!!

Heck Thunders, we can't even get a commit for $2.3 million.  That would at least get us turf and a gridiron in a bubble.