re: Greg Byrne, enough excuses...

This should've been planned for decades ago.

I repeat Byrne is the only reason we have Oats and he actually has been fighting for a new arena.

Some of you need to chill and show some respect

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Byrne acted like we had enough money to build the arena two years ago then covid happened.

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The new arena would cost $30-40MM more than what was budgeted. Some construction material costs have come down but not enough to get back to where we were. The problem is lead time on material now. Switchgear used to ship in 14-18 weeks after ordered and now standard lead time is 12 months MINIMUM. There is a lot of chatter going on at the University about getting the arena started ASAP because of the construction timeline.

I agree 100$ with you. Hey, if they need volunteers to get started I'll be on campus with a shovel and hardhat tomorrow.

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RBR Article

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Haha I have seen that meme on twitter a few times this year. It’s hilarious.

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but it's somewhat irksome to see all the people who can't be bothered to show up to Coleman unless it's against UK or AU

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I live in Tuscaloosa and couldn’t buy season tickets in the lower section. I would go to every game if I had been able to get those seats. I’m 6’4” and the bones at the top of my femurs barely fit in the seats above the portals in Coleman. I have to spread my knees so wide to be able to sit because the row in front is too close. It’s like Neyland except with hard-backed seats. I don’t go unless I get a seat in the lower section. Many of those are usually empty except for the big games. Looks to me like they all were bought by scalpers. We need the new arena asap.

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I have a hard time thinking a Nike deal during the Anthony Grant/ Avery Johnson years is the reason we don’t have a new basketball arena.

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It's not the ONLY reason, but I'd be willing to bet five dollars it's a contributing factor.

I was thrilled when Bill Battle became our AD, because he'd been a successful businessman. That sponsorship deal with Nike, though, was idiotic for a variety of reasons. It didn't even match the value of our brand when it was signed, much less account for possible (almost guaranteed) additional value.

Battle really hamstrung a Alabama from a financial standpoint. A fair licensing deal would have helped fund a number of capital projects that were delayed (or completely shelved) in the last few years.

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Agree we need a new arena, but it's somewhat irksome to see all the people who can't be bothered to show up to Coleman unless it's against UK or AU suddenly start lecturing the AD about supporting the basketball program.

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Not sure what this has to do with the need for a new arena. Most people's opinions of the arena come from their own personal experiences. Even if you want to discount the more casual fans, Nate Oats just said this week his desire for a new arena. The two main concerns are:

1. The fan experience, which is extremely warranted. I don't want to feel like I'm screaming or trying to get loud from a mile away.

2. Blue blood jobs will be opening soon. Oats has quickly found himself on the lists of many future job openings, Alabama needs to do everything it can to hold onto him and really turn this program to its full potential.

Secure Oats long term. Make the fans happy. Have an awesome homecourt advantage. Profit.

You realize the Nike deal was signed during the Saban era?

The contract was signed after 3 national championships (and back to back titles).

Leaving millions on the table is never a valid excuse. $120,000,000? I don't care if the football team brings in 3 billion a year, you don't leave money on the table. If not for that terrible deal who knows where we'd be with a new arena.

You act like it wouldn't be a factor at all. That's just not the case IMO.