Late December back in 2013, what a very special time for The Sports Bank, as we remember what an article (or two that we posted). Big apologies to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons for the lede. We were the first to report that Notre Dame athletics had signed a new deal to make Under Armour their new apparel partner (here’s a link to that).
Three weeks later, it became official and ESPN’s Darren Rovell, being what a Darren Rovell is, and doing what a Darren Rovell does, tried to pass off the idea that he broke the story first; even though we beat him by close to a month.
Of course, only people who work in media ever care about who has the scoop first; on any story. Moving on to the next one that we published first, TSB reported the changes coming to Notre Dame Stadium again back in December of 2013.
We first broke the story of the new video board, artificial turf and other renovations coming to Notre Dame Stadium.
Again, unless you’re a journalist, absolutely no one cares who’s first to the party on these things.
Well, Darren Rovell seems to care a lot about this stuff, as Deadspin has covered quite well for all of us to see over the years.
Anyway, here’s an excerpt of what the Notre Dame Sports Information Department published late afternoon yesterday on the changes coming to Notre Dame Stadium.
You’ll have a better enhanced view of “Touchdown Jesus”!
Seating improvements will include the addition of vinyl-clad benches throughout the stadium, replacing the wood bench seats, as well as establishment of an 18-inch standard width for all bench seating.
The most visible change at Notre Dame Stadium will involve the addition of a video board at the top of the south end of the venue, along with ribbon boards along the east and west sides of the stadium. As is the case with the video boards at Purcell Pavilion and the Compton Family Ice Arena, there will be no advertising or commercials associated with use of the video boards.
“We are confident the introduction of video will significantly improve enjoyment of every aspect of a game at Notre Dame Stadium—including the ability to support game day introductions and presentations with video elements, additional opportunities to promote the University, plus replays,” said Swarbrick.
The addition of the video boards also will allow for the removal of the north scoreboard in order to enhance the view of the Word of Life mural on the Hesburgh Library.
Here are additional enhancements planned:
— Improvements to the Wi-Fi network within the stadium
— Enhancements to the existing sound system within the stadium bowl
— Renovation of restrooms and an increase in the number of women’s restrooms
— Renovation of concession stands
— Renovation of both the lower and upper concourses, including improved lighting, seating areas, enhanced signage and video monitors
“Notre Dame Stadium is one of the most tradition-rich facilities in all of college football,” said Swarbrick. “The Campus Crossroads Project is indicative of our commitment to making even greater use of it in the decades to come.”
Now there’s a lot more to this initiative, dubbed the “Campus Crossroads” project than just the fan experience, the football, or the legendary House that Knute Rockne built. Notre Dame Stadium is iconic, and that’s not just to ND fans and college football aficionado; even people who don’t care for college football know all about its history.
The very extensive Campus Crossroads will add to student life at the University. Notre Dame Stadium will serve as the focal point/hub for additional resources that will benefit students and potential future students. You can read more on that here.
All of the wonderful improvements and tremendous additions that are coming will benefit Notre Dame students, and it will be a source of overwhelming pride for students and alumni, but in this article, in this post, we only focus on the changes that appeal to you the fan. We kept you, the reader in mind.
Notre Dame Stadium, and the buildings around it, will have an entirely different, and much improved look.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is part of the FOX Sports Engage Network.Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous talk radio stations all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 the Zone.
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