RI State Funding and URI Facilities

[Rhodymob05]

Big push to get state leaders and RI in general to recognize the need for upgrades at URI, specifically athletics.

https://www.wpri.com/sports/college/uri ... disrepair/

[Jdrums#3]

Go Rhody!

[PeterRamTime]

It's in the best interest of the university and the whole state.

[rjv]

What is Mike McNally saying on twitter

Mike McNally
@MikeMcNallyRI
·
2h
Amanda- to be clear. The Governor’s proposed budget makes huge cuts to URI’s operating and Capital budget requests. For example, governors proposed operating fund is less than URI spent last year. Hopefully the legislature fixes this.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

the comments on the WPRI FB post on this.... just. wow. the uneducated and uninformed.

a microcosm of how doomed our state and country really are.

a bond for athletics has no chance if it appears on a ballot.

[RhowdyRam02]

Big push to get state leaders and RI in general to recognize the need for upgrades at URI, specifically athletics.

https://www.wpri.com/sports/college/uri ... disrepair/

I have to be honest, I don't know what to think here. It seems like previously the strategy was keep absolutely quiet and let Meade and the track and field facility get passed with no one noticing. Now it seems like there's a change in strategy with this story coming out and videos on YouTube detailing how bad our facilities are. Did we think our project was going to get cut and we're looking to apply pressure to keep them in the budget? Are we so confident in getting Meade and the track through that we think if we apply pressure we can get everything through? The latter would be nice but I'm thinking it's the former unfortunately

[Rhodymob05]

the comments on the WPRI FB post on this.... just. wow. the uneducated and uninformed.

a microcosm of how doomed our state and country really are.

a bond for athletics has no chance if it appears on a ballot.

Rhode Islanders are infamous for their absolutely insane comments on social media. No one has a clue. Insufferable.

[Rhody_NYCT]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I was at the school last summer, and I thought the outside of Mackal/Kearney Gym looked beat up. Maybe I am wrong. I just remember thinking it didn’t look good. Also, the stores near upper college road are strange looking. Totally dated. I know that’s probably owned privately but it’s such a focal point near campus that it should look great. Something should be done. The new generation of applicants are kind of spoiled, in my opinion and want the latest, greatest, trendiest stuff. It makes a difference when a prospective student visits the school. Again, just my opinion.

[spookydog]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I was at the school last summer, and I thought the outside of Mackal/Kearney Gym looked beat up. Maybe I am wrong. I just remember thinking it didn’t look good. Also, the stores near upper college road are strange looking. Totally dated. I know that’s probably owned privately but it’s such a focal point near campus that it should look great. Something should be done. The new generation of applicants are kind of spoiled, in my opinion and want the latest, greatest, trendiest stuff. It makes a difference when a prospective student visits the school. Again, just my opinion.

They are currently fixing the outside of Keaney.

[RhowdyRam02]

They are doing work to the front of Keaney. The Emporium nothing can be done because it's privately owned. The University should have tried to purchase it when it sold for $5.475 million in 2004.

Here's a recent update on URI ongoing projects:

https://rhodycigar.com/2023/04/27/const ... ay-campus/

[ramster]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I was at the school last summer, and I thought the outside of Mackal/Kearney Gym looked beat up. Maybe I am wrong. I just remember thinking it didn’t look good. Also, the stores near upper college road are strange looking. Totally dated. I know that’s probably owned privately but it’s such a focal point near campus that it should look great. Something should be done. The new generation of applicants are kind of spoiled, in my opinion and want the latest, greatest, trendiest stuff. It makes a difference when a prospective student visits the school. Again, just my opinion.

They are currently fixing the outside of Keaney.

[RI_Bred]

They are doing work to the front of Keaney. The Emporium nothing can be done because it's privately owned. The University should have tried to purchase it when it sold for $5.475 million in 2004.

No doubt, it looks pretty much the same as it did when I was in school. In 1989.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I was at the school last summer, and I thought the outside of Mackal/Kearney Gym looked beat up. Maybe I am wrong. I just remember thinking it didn’t look good. Also, the stores near upper college road are strange looking. Totally dated. I know that’s probably owned privately but it’s such a focal point near campus that it should look great. Something should be done. The new generation of applicants are kind of spoiled, in my opinion and want the latest, greatest, trendiest stuff. It makes a difference when a prospective student visits the school. Again, just my opinion.

the Emporium is a dump.

[Rhody_NYCT]

Wow, can’t believe the school passed on the opportunity to buy that shopping center. It has the potential to be a major selling point to students. Maybe the school can go partners with them on some type of update and facelift. That area should look pristine.

[Rhody_NYCT]

That’s great news about the work being done to the front of Keaney.

[ramster]

It's been going on for some time. Maybe since December or thereabouts??

Work has started on the Meade Field East stands. Cement truck spotted yesterday

[Jdrums#3]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I was at the school last summer, and I thought the outside of Mackal/Kearney Gym looked beat up. Maybe I am wrong. I just remember thinking it didn’t look good. Also, the stores near upper college road are strange looking. Totally dated. I know that’s probably owned privately but it’s such a focal point near campus that it should look great. Something should be done. The new generation of applicants are kind of spoiled, in my opinion and want the latest, greatest, trendiest stuff. It makes a difference when a prospective student visits the school. Again, just my opinion.

They are currently fixing the outside of Keaney.

219B861E-6045-4D17-BBFA-B0668146C32C.jpeg

C8678FCC-7F11-4ED6-815E-959AEE1D09CC.jpeg

Thanks for the pictures and updates, Ramster. Much appreciated.

[section(105)]

WPRI TV did a news video of failed outdoor facilities, with Thorr painting the multiple deficiencies picture. Have to say, I was pretty shocked. WPRI will do further follow up with Thorr. Shame on me to not know these facilities e siting conditions are as poor as shown. Focus was soccer, baseball, track, and of course metal bleachers on football, and out of code and ADA non compliance press boxes across the outdoor board. My guess is, high school kids compete on better.

[RF1]

URI leaders say athletic facilities are in ‘disrepair’

https://www.wpri.com/sports/college/uri ... disrepair/

[Blue Man]

WPRI TV did a news video of failed outdoor facilities, with Thorr painting the multiple deficiencies picture. Have to say, I was pretty shocked. WPRI will do further follow up with Thorr. Shame on me to not know these facilities e siting conditions are as poor as shown. Focus was soccer, baseball, track, and of course metal bleachers on football, and out of code and ADA non compliance press boxes across the outdoor board. My guess is, high school kids compete on better.

Because former leadership at the University didn’t want anyone to know that things were that bad because it was not a priority of his to fix them.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

WPRI TV did a news video of failed outdoor facilities, with Thorr painting the multiple deficiencies picture. Have to say, I was pretty shocked. WPRI will do further follow up with Thorr. Shame on me to not know these facilities e siting conditions are as poor as shown. Focus was soccer, baseball, track, and of course metal bleachers on football, and out of code and ADA non compliance press boxes across the outdoor board. My guess is, high school kids compete on better.

100% some local HS's are playing on and in nicer facilities. The State of RI and the university are their own worst enemies.

it's no secret the state as a whole is difficult for actual for profit companies to do business with and for corporations to operate within. RI is not business friendly, no matter what BS our elected officials want to say.

The state and university have zero interest in running their newest facilities (RC/Boss) as ops been outsourced since day one. They kicked the can.

why would we expect the state to take care of older facilities if they cant take care of the new ones?

Expect nothing to change without a massive private donation and/or earmarked capital campaign. right or wrong, RI'ers are not going to approve millions on the ballot to repair URI athletic facilities.

[RI_Bred]

My guess is, high school kids compete on better.

As a matter of fact, the URI outdoor track & field teams were (and maybe still are, I'm out of the loop now) using the Narragansett track and field facility which is quite new, and top notch.

[RhowdyRam02]

My guess is, high school kids compete on better.

As a matter of fact, the URI track outdoor track teams were (and maybe still are, I'm out of the loop now) using the Narragansett track and field facility which is quite new, and top notch.

That should be a complete embarrassment to the state, but most people seem to have the attitude of "good, screw them, why should URI get anything?"

[RhowdyRam02]

WPRI TV did a news video of failed outdoor facilities, with Thorr painting the multiple deficiencies picture. Have to say, I was pretty shocked. WPRI will do further follow up with Thorr. Shame on me to not know these facilities e siting conditions are as poor as shown. Focus was soccer, baseball, track, and of course metal bleachers on football, and out of code and ADA non compliance press boxes across the outdoor board. My guess is, high school kids compete on better.

100% some local HS's are playing on and in nicer facilities. The State of RI and the university are their own worst enemies.

it's no secret the state as a whole is difficult for actual for profit companies to do business with and for corporations to operate within. RI is not business friendly, no matter what BS our elected officials want to say.

The state and university have zero interest in running their newest facilities (RC/Boss) as ops been outsourced since day one. They kicked the can.

why would we expect the state to take care of older facilities if they cant take care of the new ones?

Expect nothing to change without a massive private donation and/or earmarked capital campaign. right or wrong, RI'ers are not going to approve millions on the ballot to repair URI athletic facilities.

I think that's why the University worked so hard to get Meade and the track and field facility into the budget. We know we can't get a bond passed and a capital campaign for that kind of money could take longer than the East stands have left

[RF1]

Are all the recent URI athletic facility reports part of a concerted PR campaign to get approval from the legislature for McKee's budget? Is there concern the GA will not approve McKee's plan?

Meanwhile in Providence, the state is about to start spending some $8M on a new roof for the AMP Pavilion. The state spent more than $100M to purchase and renovate the arena less than 20 years ago. None of the many tens of millions spent by the state on this facility ever went before voters as GA approval was all that was needed.

[Blue Man]

Are all the recent URI athletic facility reports part of a concerted PR campaign to get approval from the legislature for McKee's budget? Is there concern the GA will not approve McKee's plan?

Meanwhile in Providence, the state is spending some $8M on a new roof for the AMP Pavilion. The state spent more than $100M to purchase and renovate the arena less than 20 years ago. None of the many tens of millions spent by the state on this facility ever went before voters as GA approval was all that was needed.

Thanks to our new president, we are finally getting aligned with the political powers at be in Providence.

Not for nothing the dunk is right down the street from their chambers, it's become a clear window into the state from an entertainment perspective, and the management speaks up to the state house. Honestly, a lot of our lawmakers weren't truly aware of the dire straits our facilities are in.

Our previous leadership in Kingston had their own list of priorities and wanted to pretend everything was great outside of that. They wouldn't ask for anything with athletics because that wasn't their priority. If they couldn't get funding for their own pet projects they didn't want anything else. They had no problem showing up to games though.

There's no mistaking why you are seeing videos like what Thorr and Shane put out now, and why you would have NEVER seen them before our new president got here. One of them knew of the problems, but didn't care if they got fixed or not unless his priorities were met first. The latter is embarrassed at the state of disrepair of our facilities and wants to get the help to improve them.

Marc Parlange should be greeted with as great a reception as possible anytime you're in his presence.

[Rhody15]

Are all the recent URI athletic facility reports part of a concerted PR campaign to get approval from the legislature for McKee's budget? Is there concern the GA will not approve McKee's plan?

Meanwhile in Providence, the state is spending some $8M on a new roof for the AMP Pavilion. The state spent more than $100M to purchase and renovate the arena less than 20 years ago. None of the many tens of millions spent by the state on this facility ever went before voters as GA approval was all that was needed.

Thanks to our new president, we are finally getting aligned with the political powers at be in Providence.

Not for nothing the dunk is right down the street from their chambers, it's become a clear window into the state from an entertainment perspective, and the management speaks up to the state house. Honestly, a lot of our lawmakers weren't truly aware of the dire straits our facilities are in.

Our previous leadership in Kingston had their own list of priorities and wanted to pretend everything was great outside of that. They wouldn't ask for anything with athletics because that wasn't their priority. If they couldn't get funding for their own pet projects they didn't want anything else. They had no problem showing up to games though.

There's no mistaking why you are seeing videos like what Thorr and Shane put out now, and why you would have NEVER seen them before our new president got here. One of them knew of the problems, but didn't care if they got fixed or not unless his priorities were met first. The latter is embarrassed at the state of disrepair of our facilities and wants to get the help to improve them.

Marc Parlange should be greeted with as great a reception as possible anytime you're in his presence.

I knew the facilities were bad, but I didn't think they were THAT bad.

If you showed those facilities in neutral colors without Thorr and Shane as the guide, you'd think those were at Fordham, La Salle. etc

Pretty embarrassing.

[Rhodysk]

It's been going on for some time. Maybe since December or thereabouts??

Work has started on the Meade Field East stands. Cement truck spotted yesterday

Anymore detail to this?
Are they using cement to strengthen up the stands?
Are they adding a new ADA ramp to get up to the stands?

I know they mentioned “ fire code “ and not enough of exits.

[RhowdyRam02]

It's been going on for some time. Maybe since December or thereabouts??

Work has started on the Meade Field East stands. Cement truck spotted yesterday

Anymore detail to this?
Are they using cement to strengthen up the stands?
Are they adding a new ADA ramp to get up to the stands?

I know they mentioned “ fire code “ and not enough of exits.

They are putting stairwells on each side of the East stands so they don't have to tarp off the top sections

[section(105)]

Are all the recent URI athletic facility reports part of a concerted PR campaign to get approval from the legislature for McKee's budget? Is there concern the GA will not approve McKee's plan?

Meanwhile in Providence, the state is spending some $8M on a new roof for the AMP Pavilion. The state spent more than $100M to purchase and renovate the arena less than 20 years ago. None of the many tens of millions spent by the state on this facility ever went before voters as GA approval was all that was needed.

Thanks to our new president, we are finally getting aligned with the political powers at be in Providence.

Not for nothing the dunk is right down the street from their chambers, it's become a clear window into the state from an entertainment perspective, and the management speaks up to the state house. Honestly, a lot of our lawmakers weren't truly aware of the dire straits our facilities are in.

Our previous leadership in Kingston had their own list of priorities and wanted to pretend everything was great outside of that. They wouldn't ask for anything with athletics because that wasn't their priority. If they couldn't get funding for their own pet projects they didn't want anything else. They had no problem showing up to games though.

There's no mistaking why you are seeing videos like what Thorr and Shane put out now, and why you would have NEVER seen them before our new president got here. One of them knew of the problems, but didn't care if they got fixed or not unless his priorities were met first. The latter is embarrassed at the state of disrepair of our facilities and wants to get the help to improve them.

Marc Parlange should be greeted with as great a reception as possible anytime you're in his presence.

I knew the facilities were bad, but I didn't think they were THAT bad.

If you showed those facilities in neutral colors without Thorr and Shane as the guide, you'd think those were at Fordham, La Salle. etc

Pretty embarrassing.

More like the ACI or Rikers? What amazed me, was the soccer field(I think)where the scorers/press area was a folding Benny’s type table, folding chairs with a leaky tent!

[Jdrums#3]

The University is first and foremost, imho, an educational and research institution and therefore, I will never criticize a President for having priorities that align with that. In fact, I applaud it.

However, for a President to not have an appropriate level of concern or urgency (if that is the case) to address athletic infrastructure issues - somehow/someway - that put student-athletes at a significant disadvantage or, even worse, at risk of injury is not friggin’ acceptable! You move your priorities along AND you figure out a way to get the athletic issues addressed…period! No friggin’ excuses! Do your friggin’ job as the leader of the entire university community!

I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer for The University and advocate for it whenever I was in a position to do so but, I have never been privy to the nature of the relationship between leadership and the athletics department. Hearing about and reading about examples of disrepair and potential dereliction of duty really pisses me off to no end - as does the crappy attitude and lack of respect and pride of the general population (including a percentage of alumni) towards the state’s Flagship University! It is friggin’ bullshit!

I exclude KB members from the above because I believe we are all supporters of The University here in our own ways.

My apologies for the rant at the end. Carry on.

[Rhody72]

If URI had Hockey East Men's and Women's hockey programs, athletics would have more State support for Athletics. Northern RI is not a big supporter of URI. Go at it!

[section(105)]

If URI had Hockey East Men's and Women's hockey programs, athletics would have more State support for Athletics. Northern RI is not a big supporter of URI. Go at it!

Not to derail this important topic into a for/against D1 ice hockey, but as long as Thorr is here, I don’t see it happening.

[RI_Bred]

Bottom line you can't just let the facilities rot. At some point stuff needs to be overhauled.

I grew up near and worked in the summers during high school at UConn (mom worked there for 30 years as well so I was around the campus a lot) in the mid/late 80s, during their transformation into the basketball powerhouse they have become. I was there when it was still basically a "cow barn" school. The upgrades and facelift they began while I was working there is what URI needs now, never mind the city that UConn has become today. As we know it all started with their basketball programs winning.

Can it be done at URI?

[Rhody72]

Bottom line you can't just let the facilities rot. At some point stuff needs to be overhauled.
...
Can it be done at URI?

This is why I posted that renovation of a basketball practice facility should have been a URI/State expense and not done with boosters money. Not having a D1 hockey program plays into low State support.

[RI_Bred]

Bottom line you can't just let the facilities rot. At some point stuff needs to be overhauled.
...
Can it be done at URI?

This is why I posted that renovation of a basketball practice facility should have been a URI/State expense and not done with boosters money. Not having a D1 hockey program plays into low State support.

I would argue that not implementing the D1 hockey program is probably one of the greatest sports travesties ever at URI. Huge mistake.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

We’d have to be independent for a season or two, then go atlantic hockey. I dont see HE having room for us as is. We unless they have team movement.

Anyway, point made and I agree, we need hockey.

Ok, back to our sub par facilities and how to make improve them.

[Blue Man]

Bottom line you can't just let the facilities rot. At some point stuff needs to be overhauled.
...
Can it be done at URI?

This is why I posted that renovation of a basketball practice facility should have been a URI/State expense and not done with boosters money. Not having a D1 hockey program plays into low State support.

I would argue that not implementing the D1 hockey program is probably one of the greatest sports travesties ever at URI. Huge mistake.

The second a donor ponies up the $3-4M per year a men’s hockey program costs, and the matching title IX required team we would have a hockey program.

[Rhody72]

The second a donor ponies up the $3-4M per year a men’s hockey program costs, and the matching title IX required team we would have a hockey program.

If this was a priority for Thorr, it would have happened. The truth is that this would be a threat to football whose cost is doubled for Title IX matching.

[PeterRamTime]

Hockey is boring

[ElmCityRhody]

Hockey is boring

Hockey is great

[KingstonLane]

Hockey is boring

Only state in New England who’s flagship University doesn’t have D1 hockey. Unfortunately synonymous with the story of Rhode Island. What don’t we have that you do. A lot.

[hrstrat57]

Bottom line you can't just let the facilities rot. At some point stuff needs to be overhauled.
...
Can it be done at URI?

This is why I posted that renovation of a basketball practice facility should have been a URI/State expense and not done with boosters money. Not having a D1 hockey program plays into low State support.

I would argue that not implementing the D1 hockey program is probably one of the greatest sports travesties ever at URI. Huge mistake.

The crazy part is our hockey facility is superior to what is provided to nearly all our varsity sports. Both programs could immediately move to D1.

[KeaneyBluBallz]

Hockey is boring

clueless

[RhowdyRam02]

Hockey is boring

Should have warned us all to apply sunscreen before dropping this hot take

[RhowdyRam02]

URI leaders say athletic facilities are in ‘disrepair’

https://www.wpri.com/sports/college/uri ... disrepair/

An update on this story:

https://www.wpri.com/sports/college-spo ... ic-fields/

[PeterRamTime]

D1 Hockey is completely irrelevant

It's behind
Football FBS and FCS
Men's and Women's basketball
Baseball and Softball

It would be cool to have a varsity team, but it's not worth adding if we are strapped for cash.

I also think Baseball is worse than hockey if that makes anyone feel better.

[section(105)]

Apparently the Bay Campus and Fine Arts is getting some love.

[KingstonLane]

D1 Hockey is completely irrelevant

It's behind
Football FBS and FCS
Men's and Women's basketball
Baseball and Softball

It would be cool to have a varsity team, but it's not worth adding if we are strapped for cash.

I also think Baseball is worse than hockey if that makes anyone feel better.

For the most part Athletics are more marketing tools than profit centers.

D1 hockey in the northeast is probably 2nd to only Basketball in relevant sports

[Rhode_Island_Red]

Politicians don't mind doling out money for new or massively-renovated facilities. They love ribbon-cuttings because they get to take credit for this shiny new whatever.

Money for maintenance is a whole 'nother story. There's no ribbon-cuttings for brooms, wrenches or buckets of paint.