JMU Bridgeforth Stadium construction webcam

[JmuSkinsfan]

The upperdeck looks like it's supported with toothpicks. That looks dangerous. And why did they sink the press box into the upperdeck instead of building it on top like most stadiums? They would have been able to add more seats. Unfortunately it obstructs the panoramic view of those sitting next to it. I like the other side better.

Hey dopey, thats the club level and suites. Press box is on the other side I believe.

Andy, that is the press box. The old press box (on the visitor's side) is being converted into a suite for the visiting ADs. The club level and suites are between the 2nd deck and upper deck. The press box is definitely going to be state of the art and suitable for FBS, not FCS ... ala planning for the future. That being said, people on the CAAZone have expressed concern about being able to see the whole field sitting next to the press box and it was relayed to us that no seat has an obstructed view ... you may not get the 360 panoramic but you will see the entire field, nonetheless (notice the side of the press box is build in at an angle that appears to allow those sitting against the wall to see the whole field)

[JmuSkinsfan]

Is JMU going to finish the other side next summer? Or it is going to be lopsided for the forseeable future?

(and yeah, I'm too lazy to look the answer up)

No. The current expansion will be complete in August (Phase 1 of 3). JMU came out with plans for a 3 phase expansion that would take the stadium capacity to around 50k. When the plans were announced funding was in place for the first phase.

The first phase would take two offseasons. The first offseason would see the demolishment of the old home side, rebuilt with the new lower level. Temporary bleachers would be placed in front of the new lower level so that after the season they could be removed and the crane could come back in and have room to add the steel for the upper deck during offseason #2. Also, the same metal temporary bleachers in the endzone would be constructed. Stadium capactity after the first offseason (2010 season) would have just a slightly increased capacity.

The second part of Phase I brought the crane back in to add the upper level. Once the steel was complete on the upper deck, the crane was removed and permanent 100 level seats were added below the structure completed in the first offseason (and these stands go RIGHT up to the field). Also, a permanent endzone structure will be put in place extending the the lower level constructed during the first offseason all the way around, almost connecting to the "old" visitors (student) side, but obviously not connected because of the differing size of the structures. After Phase I (complete this August) stadium capacity will be around 27k, though it is advertised in the campaign for tickets as 25k strong (marketing ploy).

Phase II, unfunded and with no timeline (though it is assumed would occur soon after any announcement to move up would be made and likely in the next 5 years), would see the demolition and construction of the same structure on the visitors side (with seats in place of where the press box is on the home side, obviously). The lower level would be connected in the corner of the visitors endzone side (where it previously had not connected to the smaller, old structure) completing the lower level horseshoe. Capacity would be taken to around 42k.

Phase III, also unfunded and without a timeline, would likely occur sometime down the line when JMU is FBS and selling out the current structure that is made up of Phase I and II. It would simply add an upper deck to the endzone structure, connecting the two upper decks constructed in Phase I and II and completing a 2-deck (or 3 if you count the 100 section in front of the home and visitors side) horeshoe stadium with capacity around 50k+

I hope that clears up any misconceptions! You can find videos for the whole 3 phase project on youtube ... they're all over!

[∞∞∞]

Thanks! So until JMU heads to the FBS, only the home stands will be at the current size. Might not make aesthetic sense (but really, who cares? it's just a building lol), but it does make financial sense which is all that matters.

[JmuSkinsfan]

Also, while the stadium may look slightly awkward with the old visitors side (I do NOT think it will look that bad, especially with completion of the permanent and nearly bowled out endzone seating), JMU fans are fine with this process. We are grateful that the administration saw the need to build a new facility and, as the demand increases, properly add seats to the stadium. The final project, regardless of when it will be complete, will be a beautiful stadium. Many point to Lane Stadium as how NOT to expand a stadium. They really never planned and just added pieces as the demand increased, and now VT has themselves one awkward looking piece-mealed stadium. It sounds like APp State fans have expressed similar concern with their administraton, having not "planned ahead" and simply just put in place a stadium that didn't really plan for future expansion (and left in the track ). I think JMU did the right thing, because regardless of how awkward that old side will look for a few years, in the long-run the stadium will look great!

[andy7171]

Also, while the stadium may look slightly awkward with the old visitors side (I do NOT think it will look that bad, especially with completion of the permanent and nearly bowled out endzone seating), JMU fans are fine with this process. We are grateful that the administration saw the need to build a new facility and, as the demand increases, properly add seats to the stadium. The final project, regardless of when it will be complete, will be a beautiful stadium. Many point to Lane Stadium as how NOT to expand a stadium. They really never planned and just added pieces as the demand increased, and now VT has themselves one awkward looking piece-mealed stadium. It sounds like APp State fans have expressed similar concern with their administraton, having not "planned ahead" and simply just put in place a stadium that didn't really plan for future expansion (and left in the track ). I think JMU did the right thing, because regardless of how awkward that old side will look for a few years, in the long-run the stadium will look great!

Towson has a similar 4 phase plan to take Unitas Stadium to to 26-28,000 range.

[93henfan]

Also, while the stadium may look slightly awkward with the old visitors side (I do NOT think it will look that bad, especially with completion of the permanent and nearly bowled out endzone seating), JMU fans are fine with this process. We are grateful that the administration saw the need to build a new facility and, as the demand increases, properly add seats to the stadium. The final project, regardless of when it will be complete, will be a beautiful stadium. Many point to Lane Stadium as how NOT to expand a stadium. They really never planned and just added pieces as the demand increased, and now VT has themselves one awkward looking piece-mealed stadium. It sounds like APp State fans have expressed similar concern with their administraton, having not "planned ahead" and simply just put in place a stadium that didn't really plan for future expansion (and left in the track ). I think JMU did the right thing, because regardless of how awkward that old side will look for a few years, in the long-run the stadium will look great!

Towson has a similar 4 phase plan to take Unitas Stadium to to 26-28,000 range.

Wow, Lady Gaga must be having a show there.

[andy7171]

Towson has a similar 4 phase plan to take Unitas Stadium to to 26-28,000 range.

Wow, Lady Gaga must be having a show there.

I'm not saying they are planning on doing the next phase anytime soon(seating in the closed end, 9K seats)
We did break attendance records in a 1-10 year and particularly a year when Delaware didn't come to town.
And enrollment is supposed to be in the 28-30K area in 4-5 years.

[BDKJMU]

Also, while the stadium may look slightly awkward with the old visitors side (I do NOT think it will look that bad, especially with completion of the permanent and nearly bowled out endzone seating), JMU fans are fine with this process. We are grateful that the administration saw the need to build a new facility and, as the demand increases, properly add seats to the stadium. The final project, regardless of when it will be complete, will be a beautiful stadium. Many point to Lane Stadium as how NOT to expand a stadium. They really never planned and just added pieces as the demand increased, and now VT has themselves one awkward looking piece-mealed stadium. It sounds like APp State fans have expressed similar concern with their administraton, having not "planned ahead" and simply just put in place a stadium that didn't really plan for future expansion (and left in the track ). I think JMU did the right thing, because regardless of how awkward that old side will look for a few years, in the long-run the stadium will look great!

Lane doesn't look any more hodge-podged than WA-Griz. Actually, you can see some similarities with the bigger endzone, just Lane is done on a scale more than 2x as big.
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/i ... ne+Stadium" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.egriz.com/washingtongrizzlystadium.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Both are in a mountain setting, but Montana's mountain scenery is nicer.

Agree about the old side, although it may be more than a "few years" that it looks awkward. But when Phase II is completed (maybe around the end of this decade/early 2020s) I agree it will look great. When Phase III is completed (2020s/2030s) will look even better.

[BDKJMU]

Is JMU going to finish the other side next summer? Or it is going to be lopsided for the forseeable future?

(and yeah, I'm too lazy to look the answer up)

No. The current expansion will be complete in August (Phase 1 of 3). JMU came out with plans for a 3 phase expansion that would take the stadium capacity to around 50k. When the plans were announced funding was in place for the first phase.

The first phase would take two offseasons. The first offseason would see the demolishment of the old home side, rebuilt with the new lower level. Temporary bleachers would be placed in front of the new lower level so that after the season they could be removed and the crane could come back in and have room to add the steel for the upper deck during offseason #2. Also, the same metal temporary bleachers in the endzone would be constructed. Stadium capactity after the first offseason (2010 season) would have just a slightly increased capacity.

The second part of Phase I brought the crane back in to add the upper level. Once the steel was complete on the upper deck, the crane was removed and permanent 100 level seats were added below the structure completed in the first offseason (and these stands go RIGHT up to the field). Also, a permanent endzone structure will be put in place extending the the lower level constructed during the first offseason all the way around, almost connecting to the "old" visitors (student) side, but obviously not connected because of the differing size of the structures. After Phase I (complete this August) stadium capacity will be around 27k, though it is advertised in the campaign for tickets as 25k strong (marketing ploy).

Phase II, unfunded and with no timeline (though it is assumed would occur soon after any announcement to move up would be made and likely in the next 5 years), would see the demolition and construction of the same structure on the visitors side (with seats in place of where the press box is on the home side, obviously). The lower level would be connected in the corner of the visitors endzone side (where it previously had not connected to the smaller, old structure) completing the lower level horseshoe. Capacity would be taken to around 42k.

Phase III, also unfunded and without a timeline, would likely occur sometime down the line when JMU is FBS and selling out the current structure that is made up of Phase I and II. It would simply add an upper deck to the endzone structure, connecting the two upper decks constructed in Phase I and II and completing a 2-deck (or 3 if you count the 100 section in front of the home and visitors side) horeshoe stadium with capacity around 50k+

I hope that clears up any misconceptions! You can find videos for the whole 3 phase project on youtube ... they're all over!

1st I've heard of the 27k. Interesting. I've heard 24.5, 25, and 25.5...

[93henfan]

1st I've heard of the 27k. Interesting. I've heard 24.5, 25, and 25.5...

2K streamers included in total.

[Sirloinburger]

The upperdeck looks like it's supported with toothpicks. That looks dangerous. And why did they sink the press box into the upperdeck instead of building it on top like most stadiums? They would have been able to add more seats. Unfortunately it obstructs the panoramic view of those sitting next to it. I like the other side better.

Hey dopey, thats the club level and suites. Press box is on the other side I believe.

Andy, that is the press box. The old press box (on the visitor's side) is being converted into a suite for the visiting ADs. The club level and suites are between the 2nd deck and upper deck. The press box is definitely going to be state of the art and suitable for FBS, not FCS ... ala planning for the future. That being said, people on the CAAZone have expressed concern about being able to see the whole field sitting next to the press box and it was relayed to us that no seat has an obstructed view ... you may not get the 360 panoramic but you will see the entire field, nonetheless (notice the side of the press box is build in at an angle that appears to allow those sitting against the wall to see the whole field)

Dude, stop following me. Since you stay away from me on CAAZONE, do me a favor and do the same here on the Subdivision. Jeezus Krist. I'm not impressed. Seriously, have a sports program to talk about and maybe I'll knock heads with you. Arguing with a Towson fan....This is embarrassing.

[JMUDuke2002]

1st I've heard of the 27k. Interesting. I've heard 24.5, 25, and 25.5...

The 25K number was purely for marketing--25K strong sounds better than 26.5K or 26K strong.

Every schematic has shown closer to 26.5K. If you take the existing stands ~5500 + 8870 (total upper deck) + 12,238 (lower bowl including endzone) you get 26,608. Some over on the CAAZone say that Bourne has confirmed that they could have an overflow crowd above 27K if needed.

[JMUDuke2002]

View from East Campus



Vidoeboard work ongoing



Videoboard and endzone seating going in



More videoboard







Endzone seats going in

[ODUalum11]

Thats going to be one hell of a stadium when its all finish. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous.

[JMUpurplehazed]

I walked through the stadium last night, awesome...anyway, I saw the footprint of the enzone framing which is going in now. IMO, the wrap around endzone completion will greatly reduce the uneven size of the east/west stands and more or less will bowl in the lower deck. the endzone stands will be taller than I expected. I can't wait for phase III...hell I never thought I'd see phase I...

[JMU2004]

endzone seating will be taller than the trees in that last picture...about 8 rows higher than the 1st level sideline seating

[CAA Flagship]

The 25K number was purely for marketing--25K strong sounds better than 26.5K or 26K strong.

Wait. What?
Sounds better to what audience?

[JMUpurplehazed]

West endZone framing/seating looking good and the top heavy look from the second deck is fading more every day...I'd post a pic but work computer is blocking...somebody will post a pic soon...I hope.

I still think this stadium is bigger than 25K packed in, has to be...

[JMU2004]

Here you go

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/img3895f.jpg/

[JMUDuke2002]

Shows how close the stands are to the field



Endzone seating going in. Still more steel to go up.



Replacement turf going in

[mcveyrl]

Went and picked my seats for my season tickets today and finally got to see it in person. Un-freakin'-believable. This will be the longest three months of my life...

[ODUalum11]

Went and picked my seats for my season tickets today and finally got to see it in person. Un-freakin'-believable. This will be the longest three months of my life...

I bet, just imagine what recuits will say when they see it?

Are they putting in the same type of turf? They should have put in a purple turf since its the new trend with different color turfs.

[bandl]

Went and picked my seats for my season tickets today and finally got to see it in person. Un-freakin'-believable. This will be the longest three months of my life...

Dude, it's a fucking football stadium! Get a life. Weren't you a TAD bit more anxious those last three months before your first child was born? Or maybe before you got married? How about those last three months of college before graduation in a drunken haze thinking about wtf you were going to do with our life? (yeah, me neither on that one).

btw, where the fuck you been? And the JOO? You two on sabattical together or something?

[State Line Liquors]

Phase II, unfunded and with no timeline (though it is assumed would occur soon after any announcement to move up would be made and likely in the next 5 years), would see the demolition and construction of the same structure on the visitors side (with seats in place of where the press box is on the home side, obviously). The lower level would be connected in the corner of the visitors endzone side (where it previously had not connected to the smaller, old structure) completing the lower level horseshoe. Capacity would be taken to around 42k.

Sorry to call up a post from a few weeks ago....I mostly just look at the pictures here.

I was told yesterday in a thread on JMU's board that they have budgeted $85 Million over the next 5 years for a basketball arena as well. Presumably, to do the other side we're talking about a similar figure to the $65 Million it cost for Phase 1. So I'm clear, over perhaps an 8 or 9 year period, JMU is budgeting $215 Million ($65M for Phase 1, $85M for basketball, $65M for Phase 2) for improvement to their football stadium and a new basketball arena....is that correct??

[mcveyrl]

Went and picked my seats for my season tickets today and finally got to see it in person. Un-freakin'-believable. This will be the longest three months of my life...

Dude, it's a **** football stadium! Get a life. Weren't you a TAD bit more anxious those last three months before your first child was born? Or maybe before you got married? How about those last three months of college before graduation in a drunken haze thinking about wtf you were going to do with our life? (yeah, me neither on that one).

btw, where the **** you been? And the JOO? You two on sabattical together or something?

Mother. Fucker.

Okay, maybe a bit dramatic (you've got a point on the kids....the wedding, eh, I just showed up), but seeing that thing on the inside in person is impressive. Once the end zone stands close it in some, it's going to be really nice.

BTW, I started my own law practice and took over some other job responsibilities on the side. Been a tad hectic. Still won't be on here a ton, but in short spurts. Haven't run into the JOO, which is too bad, I bet I could get a nice retainer out of him...