Turf and lights coming to Meade Stadium

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 5 years ago

I'm hoping this field ends up being cheaper than expected, typically a new field is 1-2 million. Maybe the new practice facility will begin once the academic year is over?

Hal Kopp · Unread post by **Hal Kopp** » 5 years ago

agreed . sounds high.
$1M for lights.
Some of it might be for maintenance down the road? I heard.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 5 years ago

Here are the technical specifications for the project from January:

http://www.purchasing.ri.gov/RIVIP/Exte ... 6PLANS.pdf

Maybe someone can shed some light on some of the details in here.

If I'm looking at page 5 right, the bike path is going to go right by the existing East stands and could really lock stands on that side into the existing footprint. Not sure how you can expand so we have a bowl/horseshoe and have the path there as shown.

Also looks like the existing fencing around the stadium could be getting replaced as part of this project.

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 5 years ago

Pretty typical turf details, all new sub base and drainage system, new lights, new small retaining wall near the east stands, and some new fencing. Interested to see more on that bike path too.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 5 years ago

Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑5 years ago Pretty typical turf details, all new sub base and drainage system, new lights, new small retaining wall near the east stands, and some new fencing. Interested to see more on that bike path too.

Same on the bike path. I walk the section from the Kingston train station out about a mile and a half and back almost every day. Construction on the path has started just before the Mile 1 marker and looks like it runs out to 138. If it's going to go by the football stadium, it's gotta cross 138. Will be interesting to see how they safety that up. Speed limit is only 25, but it looks like many that go by here are easily doubling that.

RF1 · Unread post by **RF1** » 5 years ago

I ride that bike path several times a year and have kept up on its expansion (personally more interested in when the final leg to the Town Beach will be completed). There will be a spur off it that will basically follow close to the path of the Watch Horn Brook. Will go through the farm land south of Rte 138 and cross the road near the entrance to the Athletics area south parking lots. Will go by Meade and cross West Alumni Ave and be incorporated into the landscaping for the new Brookside Dorm currently under construction. It will end at Flagg Road.

Trail Map Link with future URI Extension
http://southcountybikepath.org/wp-conte ... 04/map.jpg

Brookside Hall Landscape Rendering

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 5 years ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑5 years ago
Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑5 years ago Pretty typical turf details, all new sub base and drainage system, new lights, new small retaining wall near the east stands, and some new fencing. Interested to see more on that bike path too.
Same on the bike path. I walk the section from the Kingston train station out about a mile and a half and back almost every day. Construction on the path has started just before the Mile 1 marker and looks like it runs out to 138. If it's going to go by the football stadium, it's gotta cross 138. Will be interesting to see how they safety that up. Speed limit is only 25, but it looks like many that go by here are easily doubling that.

My understanding is there is going to be a button on each side of 138 to trigger a light allowing people to cross

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 5 years ago

I would assume the fence line would extend right along the bike path along Meade Stadium since you need to pay to get into games. Love the idea.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 5 years ago

Going off of Google Maps, at it's narrowest point it appears that there are about 35 feet between the existing East stands and White Horn Brook and about 15 feet between the white shells by the south end zone and the brook. By putting the path on the Meade side of the brook as opposed to the Roger Williams Complex side you're really locking in the footprint of Meade, severely limiting possible expansion to the 10-14,000 where we should be at. We're already built out as much as possible on the west side and any seats on the north end would eat into Lincoln Almond Plaza and even might make moving West Alumni Ave necessary, so most of the expansion would have to be in the east and the south, which is what the path eats into. I would like to see the path move from the athletics side of the brook to the dorm side at the existing road way between Ellery Pond and the fence south of Meade

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 5 years ago

Thats a good point on the bike path location in reference to possible stadium expansion. Maybe the bike path works because they need access for emergency/fire around that stadium.

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 5 years ago

So trying to figure out what an expanded Meade Stadium could look like, you currently have 1400 seats on the west side. You should be able to put 1000 seats behind the north end zone with minimal impact to the plaza area in front of the Ryan Center and no impact to West Alumni Ave. In the south end zone you can put another 1000 seats if you go just sideline to sideline which would give you open space in the corner like the renovation plans that came out in 2001 and up to 1450 going grandstand to grandstand depending on how the bike path effects the footprint. That means you need at least 6150 seats on the east side where you currently have 5200

RhowdyRam02 · Unread post by **RhowdyRam02** » 5 years ago

Rhodysk · Unread post by **Rhodysk** » 4 years ago

Any new updates or pictures of the field renovation?
I know it’s been a couple weeks since last picture but I am very excited to see it done!

adam914 · Unread post by **adam914** » 4 years ago

I was just up there last week. Still just lots of dirt moving around. Definitely making progress though.

Taylor Swift · Unread post by **Taylor Swift** » 4 years ago

I was over that way yesterday and drove through campus. I took a picture on my phone but can't figure out how to upload it to KB either via my phone or laptop. Loooks like they're putting down a layer of pebbles right now (I know nothing about turf so pardon me for my unscientific terminology). Looking forward to the first night game come September!

Unread post by **ATPTourFan** » 4 years ago

Nice pic!

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

It’s probably the drainage layer of crushed stone. That means most of the base is in. Good progress.

Taylor Swift · Unread post by **Taylor Swift** » 4 years ago

Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑4 years ago It’s probably the drainage layer of crushed stone. That means most of the base is in. Good progress.

Crushed stone... and here I am calling them pebbles

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

I'm hearing the turf will be installed by mid-July...if all goes well until then. If not, then it will be delayed until August, which would be cutting it close.

Hal Kopp · Unread post by **Hal Kopp** » 4 years ago

I was told exact opposite by very reliable source.
That they are running ahead of schedule.

RhodyRams12 · Unread post by **RhodyRams12** » 4 years ago

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

RhodyRams12 wrote: ↑4 years ago

Am I seeing new benches in the east stands in this video?

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

Hal Kopp wrote: ↑4 years ago I was told exact opposite by very reliable source.
That they are running ahead of schedule.

Well thats great then!

JimSidd · Unread post by **JimSidd** » 4 years ago

My daughter took this photo yesterday when she was on campus for Ramette practice.

Taylor Swift · Unread post by **Taylor Swift** » 4 years ago

RhodyRams12 · Unread post by **RhodyRams12** » 4 years ago

JimSidd · Unread post by **JimSidd** » 4 years ago

Getting there: then on to the lights!

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

Greener pastures!

Rhodysk · Unread post by **Rhodysk** » 4 years ago

Wow! Very exciting

reckless jake · Unread post by **reckless jake** » 4 years ago

I love those navy blue end zones with Keaney blue trim I saw in Rhody Tickets latest video posted yesterday

SmartyBarrett · Unread post by **SmartyBarrett** » 4 years ago

R.Kelly150 · Unread post by **R.Kelly150** » 4 years ago

How big of a crowd is everyone expecting for Saturday Sept 7th against Delaware?....if under 8-10k I'd be disappointed. Historic moment for the program.

JimSidd · Unread post by **JimSidd** » 4 years ago

Isn’t Meade capacity about 6,500 - 7,000? I think it’s less than the RC. Even selling standing room, I don’t think it could get to 10K. I agree with your larger point that it should sell out, though.

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

Capacity is 6,555. It was reduced from 8,000 when the Ryan Center was built.
Anything over 6,555 includes Standing Room Tickets.

R.Kelly150 · Unread post by **R.Kelly150** » 4 years ago

I reviewed past FB attendance records. In 2014 they had 7,936 on hand.... so they sold out every seat (6,555) and sold 1,381 standing room only tickets.

***Oct 19, 2014 Richmond W, 12-10 7936

Yes my point was strictly this is a historical event for the football team and it wold be awesome to have a huge crowd on-hand for it! Maybe if demand is high enough bring in temporary bleachers???

No way they break the all-time record for largest crowd at Meade:

***The largest crowd in Meade Stadium history, 13,052, witnessed Rhode Island’s
22-7 win over Boston University in the 1984 Homecoming contest

OBRAM · Unread post by **OBRAM** » 4 years ago

Brown had about 19,000 for there 1st-night game vs. Harvard, maybe 2010, when they brought in portable lights.

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

R.Kelly150 wrote: ↑4 years ago I reviewed past FB attendance records. In 2014 they had 7,936 on hand.... so they sold out every seat (6,555) and sold 1,381 standing room only tickets.

***Oct 19, 2014 Richmond W, 12-10 7936

Yes my point was strictly this is a historical event for the football team and it wold be awesome to have a huge crowd on-hand for it! Maybe if demand is high enough bring in temporary bleachers???

No way they break the all-time record for largest crowd at Meade:

***The largest crowd in Meade Stadium history, 13,052, witnessed Rhode Island’s
22-7 win over Boston University in the 1984 Homecoming contest

My advice would be to buy your tickets early. Likelihood of a sellout is high.

Brian Forster · Unread post by **Brian Forster** » 4 years ago

predict an extra 3000 people per night game.

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

Last season vs Maine, I was only able to buy a standing room only tickets. I would expect a great crowd on opening day. As long as this is all advertised correctly. I haven't seen anything other than social media and possibly in the local papers. There should be TV time and billboard advertising.

rhodyfan3 · Unread post by **rhodyfan3** » 4 years ago

This looks GREAT!

steviep123 · Unread post by **steviep123** » 4 years ago

Looks great! Sorry if I'm not remembering this, but will those stands also be fixed? Last I knew they weren't in great shape.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 4 years ago

steviep123 wrote: ↑4 years ago Looks great! Sorry if I'm not remembering this, but will those stands also be fixed? Last I knew they weren't in great shape.

That's a great question...and one of the things making me think twice about going opening night...Those things seem dicey and rickety when there's no one there...I can't imagine them packed with a bunch of well-lubricated fans jumping up and down.

Unread post by **ATPTourFan** » 4 years ago

Everyone always mentions the unsafe East Stands, but the University has had them checked and they are structurally sound. Imagine if there were any incident on them and the University either knew of the deficiency OR didn't take steps to discover a deficiency.

To me, either come up with hard evidence that they're "not safe" or stop mentioning it. Or just ask Thorr to vouch for their structural integrity.

Brian Forster · Unread post by **Brian Forster** » 4 years ago

If king of URI would upgrade the entrance way before the east stands.
It's like walking into a parking lot or desert.
Put a brick walkway or keaney blue asphalt type.
Put low brick walls instead of the chain link fence where check tickets,hang a little ivy.
Get rid of the gravel (?) on the inside (do same as outside walkway).

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

ATPTourFan wrote: ↑4 years ago Everyone always mentions the unsafe East Stands, but the University has had them checked and they are structurally sound. Imagine if there were any incident on them and the University either knew of the deficiency OR didn't take steps to discover a deficiency.

To me, either come up with hard evidence that they're "not safe" or stop mentioning it. Or just ask Thorr to vouch for their structural integrity.

I have sat in the East stands every year. When it’s cold I even prefer then to be warmer from the sun.
I think they are safe. As Boards become old I see them get replaced by new Boards. They might not be the most attractive stands but I never think of them as unsafe. Agree too that the University is responsible for their safety and would be liable. I’ve never understood the grave concerns raised here.

Rhodymob05 · Unread post by **Rhodymob05** » 4 years ago

Let’s just agree that this field and light upgrade is step one of a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng list of much needed upgrades.

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 4 years ago

The good news is that posts here about dropping football have dropped.
Team is looking up, improvements are being made. We are in the best FCS conference.

PeterRamTime · Unread post by **PeterRamTime** » 4 years ago

That's sweet!

New field and lights can only help.

Always better to look more legitimate with sports.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 4 years ago

ATPTourFan wrote: ↑4 years ago Everyone always mentions the unsafe East Stands, but the University has had them checked and they are structurally sound. Imagine if there were any incident on them and the University either knew of the deficiency OR didn't take steps to discover a deficiency.

To me, either come up with hard evidence that they're "not safe" or stop mentioning it. Or just ask Thorr to vouch for their structural integrity.

I like Option B - ask Thorr.

OBRAM · Unread post by **OBRAM** » 4 years ago

Visit to Meade today, 8/6/2019

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