[FarmDad.01]

FWIW the new Yankee Stadium is like the new Stanford Stadium: well-designed and a good place to watch a game, but sterile in a concrete-and-aluminum type of way.  I never saw the old Yankee Stadium which I understand had more soul.

The first of my many trips to the original Yankee Stadium was in 1954. Capacity: 72,000, which was nonetheless notably smaller than Cleveland's old Municipal Stadium (80,000+). I stopped going when Geo. Steinbrenner bought the team. From my first game to my last, the place was awesome: the steep-rise upper third deck that extended around to the bleachers; the weathered top-deck facade that Mickey Mantle boinked with the homer that almost became the only ball to leave the park; the monuments in deep center (balls that caromed behind them were in play). Speaking of the bleachers, my 13-year-old self sat just above the right-field auxiliary scoreboard at the 1958 Colts-Giants NFL championship game. In overtime, Baltimore FB Alan Ameche was chugging directly at me when he lurched into the end zone for the winning TD. Thanks, cctop, for rekindling the memories...

[FarmDad.01]

FWIW the new Yankee Stadium is like the new Stanford Stadium: well-designed and a good place to watch a game, but sterile in a concrete-and-aluminum type of way.  I never saw the old Yankee Stadium which I understand had more soul.

The first of my many trips to the original Yankee Stadium was in 1954. Capacity: 72,000, which was nonetheless notably smaller than Cleveland's old Municipal Stadium (80,000+). I stopped going when Geo. Steinbrenner bought the team. From my first game to my last, the place was awesome: the steep-rise upper third deck that extended around to the bleachers; the weathered top-deck facade that Mickey Mantle boinked with the homer that almost became the only ball to leave the park; the monuments in deep center (balls that caromed behind them were in play). Speaking of the bleachers, my 13-year-old self sat just above the right-field auxiliary scoreboard at the 1958 Colts-Giants NFL championship game. In overtime, Baltimore FB Alan Ameche was chugging directly at me when he lurched into the end zone for the winning TD. Thanks, cctop, for rekindling the memories...

[Phogge]

Have not been to the new Stadium. The old one was awesome.

Yeah, extra points for Wrigley. Multiple extra points if you saw Koufax strike out 18 Giants and Wally hit a Moon Shot to win the game in 1959 at the LA Coliseum. It was so unnatural to have baseball played there that it was fascinating.

However Bobbbbbb and I still think Seals Stadium was the most beautiful place on Earth.

[Phogge]

Have not been to the new Stadium. The old one was awesome.

Yeah, extra points for Wrigley. Multiple extra points if you saw Koufax strike out 18 Giants and Wally hit a Moon Shot to win the game in 1959 at the LA Coliseum. It was so unnatural to have baseball played there that it was fascinating.

However Bobbbbbb and I still think Seals Stadium was the most beautiful place on Earth.

[Trevmiesterj]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

I find the brown cement wall ringing the field an especially open palete for some type of artwork, branding, color, or greenery.  Even something like the LED lighting effect could have a major visual impact.

There is an opportunity there that has yet been explored.

[Trevmiesterj]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

I find the brown cement wall ringing the field an especially open palete for some type of artwork, branding, color, or greenery.  Even something like the LED lighting effect could have a major visual impact.

There is an opportunity there that has yet been explored.

[PalmTree]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

It's a JA facility, which means you get what he pays for....

Same holds true for most of the other JA edifices on campus, the SAA building the sole possible exception.

[PalmTree]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

It's a JA facility, which means you get what he pays for....

Same holds true for most of the other JA edifices on campus, the SAA building the sole possible exception.

[Trevmiesterj]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

It's a JA facility, which means you get what he pays for....

Same holds true for most of the other JA edifices on campus, the SAA building the sole possible exception.

Can you explain what JA facility means?  I am not familiar with the term.

[Trevmiesterj]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

It's a JA facility, which means you get what he pays for....

Same holds true for most of the other JA edifices on campus, the SAA building the sole possible exception.

Can you explain what JA facility means?  I am not familiar with the term.

[BostonCard]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

It's a JA facility, which means you get what he pays for....

Same holds true for most of the other JA edifices on campus, the SAA building the sole possible exception.

Can you explain what JA facility means?  I am not familiar with the term.

John Arillaga (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Arrillaga), the benefactor for the stadium and a bunch of other buildings.  He paid for it, and his company is the builder, so I'm guessing that he has a strong say in how it looks.

If you don't like it, pony up a quarter of a billion in donations over the years, and pay for something that you like better.

BC

[BostonCard]

With all the talent and funds at the University, I am surprised that Stanford Stadium is so generic.  

It's a JA facility, which means you get what he pays for....

Same holds true for most of the other JA edifices on campus, the SAA building the sole possible exception.

Can you explain what JA facility means?  I am not familiar with the term.

John Arillaga (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Arrillaga), the benefactor for the stadium and a bunch of other buildings.  He paid for it, and his company is the builder, so I'm guessing that he has a strong say in how it looks.

If you don't like it, pony up a quarter of a billion in donations over the years, and pay for something that you like better.

BC

[Trevmiesterj]

I know who JA is, just didn't get the JA acronym at that moment.  Thanks for clarification.

Never said I didn't like it, simply expressed an opinion that it could be improved upon.

[Trevmiesterj]

I know who JA is, just didn't get the JA acronym at that moment.  Thanks for clarification.

Never said I didn't like it, simply expressed an opinion that it could be improved upon.

[Snorlax94]

I don’t know why Trevmiesterj’s suggestion has to be shot down. I didn’t find the tone disrespectful, I imagine some might see the term “generic” as judgmental, but it’s been 10 years, and many new stadiums have been built in the past decade.

I imagine JA was so instrumental in getting the new stadium built because he wants what’s best for Stanford. From my readings from that era, it was an extraordinary labor of love to get such a great stadium built as quickly as it was. Aside from the financial aspect, Stanford was incredibly fortunate to have a supporter who could personally ensure such a success.

That said, the stadium is 10 years old, and there have been so many technoogical innovations, why not discuss what can be updated? I see no reason to squelch discission of what can be improved, and anyways I don’t think super donors have the choice to deliver whatever they want. To my understanding, the stadium renovation was such a success because it was a collaborative process.

I personally don’t see how a visual sprucing would heavily impact things (versus kickoff times, advance notice, parking, food, etc) but I appreciate hearing other fans’ perspectives.

[Snorlax94]

I don’t know why Trevmiesterj’s suggestion has to be shot down. I didn’t find the tone disrespectful, I imagine some might see the term “generic” as judgmental, but it’s been 10 years, and many new stadiums have been built in the past decade.

I imagine JA was so instrumental in getting the new stadium built because he wants what’s best for Stanford. From my readings from that era, it was an extraordinary labor of love to get such a great stadium built as quickly as it was. Aside from the financial aspect, Stanford was incredibly fortunate to have a supporter who could personally ensure such a success.

That said, the stadium is 10 years old, and there have been so many technoogical innovations, why not discuss what can be updated? I see no reason to squelch discission of what can be improved, and anyways I don’t think super donors have the choice to deliver whatever they want. To my understanding, the stadium renovation was such a success because it was a collaborative process.

I personally don’t see how a visual sprucing would heavily impact things (versus kickoff times, advance notice, parking, food, etc) but I appreciate hearing other fans’ perspectives.

[Mick]

Have not been to the new Stadium. The old one was awesome.

Yeah, extra points for Wrigley. Multiple extra points if you saw Koufax strike out 18 Giants and Wally hit a Moon Shot to win the game in 1959 at the LA Coliseum. It was so unnatural to have baseball played there that it was fascinating.

However Bobbbbbb and I still think Seals Stadium was the most beautiful place on Earth.

The new Yankee ballpark is superb, I really enjoy it.  But to tell the truth, I like the new Comerica park in Detroit even better.  They have some similarities, but I like the food and the intimate confines in Detroit.

I definitely prefer AT&T park, but I do like the new Comerica.  I like Wrigley, but it honestly reminds me of San Jose Giants park but in a better neighborhood.

[Mick]

Have not been to the new Stadium. The old one was awesome.

Yeah, extra points for Wrigley. Multiple extra points if you saw Koufax strike out 18 Giants and Wally hit a Moon Shot to win the game in 1959 at the LA Coliseum. It was so unnatural to have baseball played there that it was fascinating.

However Bobbbbbb and I still think Seals Stadium was the most beautiful place on Earth.

The new Yankee ballpark is superb, I really enjoy it.  But to tell the truth, I like the new Comerica park in Detroit even better.  They have some similarities, but I like the food and the intimate confines in Detroit.

I definitely prefer AT&T park, but I do like the new Comerica.  I like Wrigley, but it honestly reminds me of San Jose Giants park but in a better neighborhood.

[Trevmiesterj]

I don’t know why Trevmiesterj’s suggestion has to be shot down. I didn’t find the tone disrespectful, I imagine some might see the term “generic” as judgmental, but it’s been 10 years, and many new stadiums have been built in the past decade.

I don't know why that post got ripped either, but it sure makes it hard to want to continue to contribute when a seemingly innocuous position gets rear ended by a mod.  Might be time I just head to the Cardboard sidelines for a while.

[Trevmiesterj]

I don’t know why Trevmiesterj’s suggestion has to be shot down. I didn’t find the tone disrespectful, I imagine some might see the term “generic” as judgmental, but it’s been 10 years, and many new stadiums have been built in the past decade.

I don't know why that post got ripped either, but it sure makes it hard to want to continue to contribute when a seemingly innocuous position gets rear ended by a mod.  Might be time I just head to the Cardboard sidelines for a while.

[ChicagoCard]

I looked back and if the response in question is the one I think it is, maybe he/she didn't intend to shoot the earlier comment down. I see how it reads that way. There is a reality to the power that "JA" and such people have and I could even read the "shoot down" post as a veiled dissatisfaction with that reality (too).

[ChicagoCard]

I looked back and if the response in question is the one I think it is, maybe he/she didn't intend to shoot the earlier comment down. I see how it reads that way. There is a reality to the power that "JA" and such people have and I could even read the "shoot down" post as a veiled dissatisfaction with that reality (too).

[OutsiderFan]

The real reason NDIrish is on this board is because no thread about Stanford - Notre Dame could ever wind up in a discussion about Yankee Stadium on ND fan discussion sites.  That only happens here on the Cardboard.  I think there is some theory that the longer a discussion goes on this board, eventually it will turn to old baseball stadiums.

[OutsiderFan]

The real reason NDIrish is on this board is because no thread about Stanford - Notre Dame could ever wind up in a discussion about Yankee Stadium on ND fan discussion sites.  That only happens here on the Cardboard.  I think there is some theory that the longer a discussion goes on this board, eventually it will turn to old baseball stadiums.

[NDIrish]

The real reason NDIrish is on this board is because no thread about Stanford - Notre Dame could ever wind up in a discussion about Yankee Stadium on ND fan discussion sites.  That only happens here on the Cardboard.  I think there is some theory that the longer a discussion goes on this board, eventually it will turn to old baseball stadiums.

haha  - im just glad its a new discussion and not the crap i usually see.

since you guys brought up the yankee style uniforms... you should have heard the uproar by fans...  since apparently by default a large number of ND fans are cubs fans as well, it was disrespectful for to make them cheer for a team wearing yankee themed uniforms???? figure that out.  then it was they are only doing because they are money hungry... you know the solution to that?  Don't buy new gear for 1 game... then they don't make the money... Do i love the uniforms? not really, but i don't really care, its one game.  They aren't changing them for the year, its just something fun to do.

Apparently many think that kelly was wasting his time on designing these, because they really think that is what he does??? so dumb...

Personally, and im not a baseball fan, but i think it would have been kinda funny if Syracuse would have worn some red sox themed ones... lol

[NDIrish]

The real reason NDIrish is on this board is because no thread about Stanford - Notre Dame could ever wind up in a discussion about Yankee Stadium on ND fan discussion sites.  That only happens here on the Cardboard.  I think there is some theory that the longer a discussion goes on this board, eventually it will turn to old baseball stadiums.

haha  - im just glad its a new discussion and not the crap i usually see.

since you guys brought up the yankee style uniforms... you should have heard the uproar by fans...  since apparently by default a large number of ND fans are cubs fans as well, it was disrespectful for to make them cheer for a team wearing yankee themed uniforms???? figure that out.  then it was they are only doing because they are money hungry... you know the solution to that?  Don't buy new gear for 1 game... then they don't make the money... Do i love the uniforms? not really, but i don't really care, its one game.  They aren't changing them for the year, its just something fun to do.

Apparently many think that kelly was wasting his time on designing these, because they really think that is what he does??? so dumb...

Personally, and im not a baseball fan, but i think it would have been kinda funny if Syracuse would have worn some red sox themed ones... lol

[Hulk01]

Irish, I'll venture a peak ahead.

ND could be our toughest match up because of two things I fear in a 2018 Stanford opponent:

1.  Big running backs running behind at least a couple (Mustipher and Bars) good offensive linemen.  Their bigness hasn't translated into numbers but perhaps it will?  Our inside linebackers are very athletic but get pushed around a lot, and our nose is young and merely coming along nicely.

2.  A QB who can really run.  In the Shawbaugh era, we've often those guys extra yards and extra first downs to work with.

We'll have an added worry if our OL--which is terrific at pass protection--doesn't start blocking for the run better.

If our OL comes around and your running game doesn't, I love our chances.  And regardless, it appears you have to run often and well to beat us.  This could be Stanford's best pass defense ever: tons of experience and intelligent veteran leadership and very good cover guys at four of the nickel positions.

[Hulk01]

Irish, I'll venture a peak ahead.

ND could be our toughest match up because of two things I fear in a 2018 Stanford opponent:

1.  Big running backs running behind at least a couple (Mustipher and Bars) good offensive linemen.  Their bigness hasn't translated into numbers but perhaps it will?  Our inside linebackers are very athletic but get pushed around a lot, and our nose is young and merely coming along nicely.

2.  A QB who can really run.  In the Shawbaugh era, we've often those guys extra yards and extra first downs to work with.

We'll have an added worry if our OL--which is terrific at pass protection--doesn't start blocking for the run better.

If our OL comes around and your running game doesn't, I love our chances.  And regardless, it appears you have to run often and well to beat us.  This could be Stanford's best pass defense ever: tons of experience and intelligent veteran leadership and very good cover guys at four of the nickel positions.

[Redrum]

As an fairly infrequent visitor to see games in person I have watched the hand-wringing over Stanford Stadium for years and wondered why its such a burr under so many Stanford fan's saddles. 

One quick correction, the current stadium hosted the 2006 season so it is a dozen years old.  Maybe the experience with the abysmal Wlat Harris irretrievably soured some people on the scene of his crimes.

But I recently got treated to three consecutive home games. Other than being fried on the home side lower seats for Davis and getting reacquainted with barely-adequately sized restrooms, I didn't note any major shortcomings.  I did watch the USC game from the upper deck, and was glad it wasn't an early afternoon game which would have reacquainted me with its nickname: The Wok. 

But with none of these games was sold out (by actual butts in seats) , even USC, so complaints about limited size seem unsupported by statistics.  I have attended games at Notre Dame stadium and agree that its a high-energy spectacle that epitomizes the outsized zeitgeist of big time college football. Ditto with games in Bama's stadium or the Coliseum in LA.  But I don't go to games to participate in some outsized national tribal zeitgeist.  I go to see Stanford play and win and hope lots of fans and students get to share that experience.

So the stadium is not perfect, but the focus should be on the football being played, not the place. Maybe something can be done with the concrete wall decor, go to it!  But on  my just concluded trip and last year, too I've been privileged to attend the Council of Chiefs presentations the day before the game.  Those catch what is great about supporting Stanford football. To see the quality of the guest football players who are dedicated students and just great people cuts to the chase on why I'm a fan.  I'd even sit in The Wok on a sunny day to see men like that play for my school.

[Redrum]

As an fairly infrequent visitor to see games in person I have watched the hand-wringing over Stanford Stadium for years and wondered why its such a burr under so many Stanford fan's saddles. 

One quick correction, the current stadium hosted the 2006 season so it is a dozen years old.  Maybe the experience with the abysmal Wlat Harris irretrievably soured some people on the scene of his crimes.

But I recently got treated to three consecutive home games. Other than being fried on the home side lower seats for Davis and getting reacquainted with barely-adequately sized restrooms, I didn't note any major shortcomings.  I did watch the USC game from the upper deck, and was glad it wasn't an early afternoon game which would have reacquainted me with its nickname: The Wok. 

But with none of these games was sold out (by actual butts in seats) , even USC, so complaints about limited size seem unsupported by statistics.  I have attended games at Notre Dame stadium and agree that its a high-energy spectacle that epitomizes the outsized zeitgeist of big time college football. Ditto with games in Bama's stadium or the Coliseum in LA.  But I don't go to games to participate in some outsized national tribal zeitgeist.  I go to see Stanford play and win and hope lots of fans and students get to share that experience.

So the stadium is not perfect, but the focus should be on the football being played, not the place. Maybe something can be done with the concrete wall decor, go to it!  But on  my just concluded trip and last year, too I've been privileged to attend the Council of Chiefs presentations the day before the game.  Those catch what is great about supporting Stanford football. To see the quality of the guest football players who are dedicated students and just great people cuts to the chase on why I'm a fan.  I'd even sit in The Wok on a sunny day to see men like that play for my school.

[CowboyIndian]

I'd even sit in The Wok on a sunny day to see men like that play for my school.

But....did you sit on the sunny side of the Wok in 2006 to watch us produce 52 total yards of offense....and score once on a pick-6? That, my friend, is....I don't know what!
What I LOVE about our stadium is that there are not any truly bad seats....even in the end zones. And the fact that we are damned near unbeatable there is a pleasant addition. I like the stadium...as I loved the previous incarnation...because that's where my boys play.

[CowboyIndian]

I'd even sit in The Wok on a sunny day to see men like that play for my school.

But....did you sit on the sunny side of the Wok in 2006 to watch us produce 52 total yards of offense....and score once on a pick-6? That, my friend, is....I don't know what!
What I LOVE about our stadium is that there are not any truly bad seats....even in the end zones. And the fact that we are damned near unbeatable there is a pleasant addition. I like the stadium...as I loved the previous incarnation...because that's where my boys play.

[CTcard]

As an fairly infrequent visitor to see games in person I have watched the hand-wringing over Stanford Stadium for years and wondered why its such a burr under so many Stanford fan's saddles. 
...
I did watch the USC game from the upper deck, and was glad it wasn't an early afternoon game which would have reacquainted me with its nickname: The Wok.  ...

So the stadium is not perfect, but the focus should be on the football being played, not the place. ...

I also am an infrequent visitor to see games in person, as it's a 3122 mile drive to the stadium (google maps). 

I get a chance for about a game per year, and was lucky enough to be at the $C game a week and a half ago. [Though, until half time the sun directly in my face on the sunny side, (lower) upper deck was easily enough to remind me why it is the Wok.] 
For me its so great to be out there that I have an extremely hard time noticing any drawbacks to the stadium. I also am jealous enough of those who can make all the games that I find it slightly grating to hear complaints about the generic-ness of the place; regardless of the fact that it's basically true.

But, I am not going to tell others where their focus should be. And I would certainly enjoy it if the stadium/grounds folks could find a few touches that could make the place uniquely Stanford.

[CTcard]

As an fairly infrequent visitor to see games in person I have watched the hand-wringing over Stanford Stadium for years and wondered why its such a burr under so many Stanford fan's saddles. 
...
I did watch the USC game from the upper deck, and was glad it wasn't an early afternoon game which would have reacquainted me with its nickname: The Wok.  ...

So the stadium is not perfect, but the focus should be on the football being played, not the place. ...

I also am an infrequent visitor to see games in person, as it's a 3122 mile drive to the stadium (google maps). 

I get a chance for about a game per year, and was lucky enough to be at the $C game a week and a half ago. [Though, until half time the sun directly in my face on the sunny side, (lower) upper deck was easily enough to remind me why it is the Wok.] 
For me its so great to be out there that I have an extremely hard time noticing any drawbacks to the stadium. I also am jealous enough of those who can make all the games that I find it slightly grating to hear complaints about the generic-ness of the place; regardless of the fact that it's basically true.

But, I am not going to tell others where their focus should be. And I would certainly enjoy it if the stadium/grounds folks could find a few touches that could make the place uniquely Stanford.

[Spiny_Norman]

I have not been to the stadium yet this season. But advertising around the field and on the scoreboard has been at a minimum because Mr. Arrillaga does not like it. I applaud that view and am grateful that his donation has allowed Stanford to forego that blight.

However I have told the AD reps every year at the coach's tour that the retired numbers (1, 7, 16) should be displayed somewhere prominently around the stadium. No action yet. But I am going to keep beating that drum. I love the murals around the concourse. But there should be visible evidence of Stanford football history from the stands and the field as well.

[Spiny_Norman]

I have not been to the stadium yet this season. But advertising around the field and on the scoreboard has been at a minimum because Mr. Arrillaga does not like it. I applaud that view and am grateful that his donation has allowed Stanford to forego that blight.

However I have told the AD reps every year at the coach's tour that the retired numbers (1, 7, 16) should be displayed somewhere prominently around the stadium. No action yet. But I am going to keep beating that drum. I love the murals around the concourse. But there should be visible evidence of Stanford football history from the stands and the field as well.

[BostonCard]

I'm a regular at football games at the stadium and I find it perfectly fine.  It is a tremendous improvement over the old stadium, with the baking heat (why it was called the Wok), the track, and the excess of seating.  There are some nits I could pick with it, but all in all it is a pleasant experience that adds to the experience of a Stanford game.  Though it will never be "iconic", and if it ever is replaced, I don't think it will engender a ton of nostalgia, it is a very effective for what it needs to be, a place to enjoyably watch Stanford football.

BC

[BostonCard]

I'm a regular at football games at the stadium and I find it perfectly fine.  It is a tremendous improvement over the old stadium, with the baking heat (why it was called the Wok), the track, and the excess of seating.  There are some nits I could pick with it, but all in all it is a pleasant experience that adds to the experience of a Stanford game.  Though it will never be "iconic", and if it ever is replaced, I don't think it will engender a ton of nostalgia, it is a very effective for what it needs to be, a place to enjoyably watch Stanford football.

BC

[CardinalSagehen]

The new stadium is a massive improvement, but its very best attribute is the quality of the team that plays within it.  

I remember being at the 2007 opener and seeing Richard Sherman catch a 70-yard TD pass.  My friends said that we were in “on the ground floor” of the rebirth of Stanford Football.  Then we got creamed and even they weren’t so sure anymore.  

But the new stadium has seen some momentous wins since then.  I’m lucky enough to be able to attend most games and appreciative for the comfortable digs.

[CardinalSagehen]

The new stadium is a massive improvement, but its very best attribute is the quality of the team that plays within it.  

I remember being at the 2007 opener and seeing Richard Sherman catch a 70-yard TD pass.  My friends said that we were in “on the ground floor” of the rebirth of Stanford Football.  Then we got creamed and even they weren’t so sure anymore.  

But the new stadium has seen some momentous wins since then.  I’m lucky enough to be able to attend most games and appreciative for the comfortable digs.