3/29/21 announcement

[vandytoad]

Did anyone else get the email on the announcement on the future of VU athletics with CDD and CSL at 10:00 am, CDT, Monday? Any speculation on what might be the subject?

[AuricGoldfinger]

My bet is one of these three options:

A. Capital campaign announcement
B. New facilities announcement
C. Something that everyone is going to be very disappointed with

[Go Vandy!]

.

[DS2001]

new football facility that will reimagine the South end zone with either a bridge or tunnel connecting McGugin Center.
Clark Lea was promised a facility that would help him attract players. This is it.

[Captcook]

This is going to be the beginning of the transformation we’ve been waiting so long for. Multiple phases.

[charlestonalum]

Whatever the announcement is, my reading of the "personal" message I got is that not surprisingly we are going to be asked to help fund it. In other words we have a chance to put our money where we have been putting our hopes and dreams, even demands. Will be time to step up and put skin in the game.

[katmai]

$300 Million Capital campaign. $200 Million already raised, including $100 Million from VU. New Football and Basketball operations building, starting after the Football season concludes. Renovation of McGugin. Sounds like a good start.
Edit: Sounds like there will also be a dedicated new indoor football practice facility, and it will likely be connected with the new football operations facility.

[Seadog73]

A new indoor practice facility was mentioned as well, more available to the football program and completely different from what Franklin got built. CSL mentioned it took too long after clearance from the weather to move from McGugin to the current indoor facility.

[DS2001]

Where will a new indoor practice facility go? Will it eliminate an existing practice field? That’s the only place if you want to connect to McGugin.

[katmai]

Where will a new indoor practice facility go? Will it eliminate an existing practice field? That’s the only place if you want to connect to McGugin.

They didn't answer that specific question (about location). However, I get the impression that there will be a new Football operations facility separate from McGugin, and that will have the indoor facility connected to it. I don't know where they would put that.

[charlestonalum]

They said location of new construction is being reconsidered by architect. They were adamant that the start of construction is end of coming football bseason, that $300 M will be the price tag for this INITIAL step, that $100M needs to still be raised, but construction will start before we all chip in to reach goal. This is the first administration that has said athletics us important and will be fully supported.

[DS2001]

That`s the only thing about the press conference that I wish they had been a little more specific about where all of this is going to go. They said that more announcements would be coming in June with specifics, but if they are going to be starting construction on a new football operations facility immediately after the season is over, I would think that they are pretty far along with the design phase by now..... I will say that the announcement of an investment of $300 million in athletic infrastructure by the Chancellor is impressive by Vanderbilt standards. In my 50 years of VU fandom, that is a first! Maybe things are changing on West End after all.

[Nashmann]

I think it is a huge step forward for Vanderbilt! Looking forward to the renderings in June.

[AuricGoldfinger]

Here's the link to the website with additional information: https://vucommodores.com/vandyunited/.

I personally think this is a huge moment for athletics and the university. I commend Chancellor Diermeier and AD Lee for their leadership on this, particularly coming within the first year of both of them in their respective positions. I'm ready to give.

[charlestonalum]

Here's the link to the website with additional information: https://vucommodores.com/vandyunited/.

I personally think this is a huge moment for athletics and the university. I commend Chancellor Diermeier and AD Lee for their leadership on this, particularly coming within the first year of both of them in their respective positions. I'm ready to give.

I will also contribute because this is as stated precedent setting and deserves our reward of support. Candace gave a tip of the hat to all us old, long suffering, loyal fans.

[vandytoad]

The money is important but I think the most important thing is that the Diermeier administration has admitted there is a problem and is determined to address the issues which prevent football and basketball from being competitive.

[kay1092]

Donated..... And happy to do so

[dcdore]

I'm in.

[EagleDore]

I'll donate. Finally moving forward!

[BWSeven]

This announcement alone will help with recruitment. Additional details including renderings which are expected in June will help further.