Stadium Walk: 8/5/26

It is finished.

Well, they're still doing some wiring and hanging a few lights, but that's about it. Contractor trailers are being hauled away, sheds being dismantled. Atkins pest control inside spraying.

Outside, some parking has been lost in front of the north gates, but they've expanded the lot on the northwest corner, so I'd call it a wash. Nice landscaping in front of the north gate, much nicer look coming out of the tunnel.

Inside, coming in from the south. Boy it looks and feels different, even from the late games of last year. The stadium before had an open, friendly feel to it. Its now darker and rather gladitorial. I find this to the better. This will be an unpleasant surprise to visitors having been here previous. If there was a hint of "High School", its gone now. Though I'm sure Rantards will find it if only in their purile imaginations.

The north end now looms over the field, an impression of "This is where important things happen, both good and bad". As this is historical, I like it. The south actually balances surprising well with it, as the moon to the sun.

The west side is now more clearly the balance problem. It's just not tall enough, and needs to match the east. Hopefully this is the next project concerning the stadium. If there are any pee troughs left they'll be in there somewhere.

Someone called the north board a glorified ribbon board. It is not. From the inside it is massive, and adds to the looming structure of the north.

I am happy to see there is still standing room on the north pavilion. And the wall in front of the M will be some of the best viewing in the place. Get a general admission ticket, get there early and stake out a space along the rail. The elevation is perfect.

The concrete under the west bleachers has been painted with a dark grey sealer. The east is still bleached concrete. No idea why.

If this team is good, this place will rock.