Rockne's Roundtable

add the turf and the jumbotron. the turf for the quality of play and tron for the fan experience. would be nice if they did something to enhance the fan experience since they cram you in the stadium so tight you can't move or breath with either getting kicked in the back or kicking someone in the back

I don't mind the idea of field turf - you can make it look almost exactly like real grass, and even have the same traditional field markings. A big no on the jumbotron though - in fact, I think with the advent of post-PC devices and mobile phones, the jumbotron will be outdated pretty soon. I'd much rather see ND install about a couple thousand free wifi hotspots with access only to live video feeds, replays and stats of the game, and maybe scores of other games, etc. This keeps the stadium feel more traditional, but allows fans to have all the benefits of the jumbotron. As for the players, yeah, I get that, but unless it hurts recruiting I don't think that's a big enough factor to make a decision on.

I would have thought the jumbotron would have been installed before the field turf, and I'm surprised the field turf could come sooner than later.
I'm kind of disappointed there are no plans for the jumbortron - would have been a nice feature.

Reference to the afore mentioned comments regarding the addition of an artificial turf surface, a jumbotron and the need of "entertaining the fans" during time outs. I go to see the game and that is enough for me. I saw my first game in 1951 it was an event I looked forward to experiencing. On September 3,2011 I will be seeing my 94th consecutive home game, plus 13 Blue-Gold games and I am looking forward to the next game with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately we ,as a society always have to have more. I have been to many stadiums , some have the Jumbotron score boards that shoot fireworks and some of them have what we might describe as"outdated". I am sure some of the above respondents will chastise me as an "old fart" so be it. Incidentally I live in Florida so each game is a great weekend for me.

Field turf is a must for several reasons.

1) Most importantly gives the superior team (that's us!) a tactical advantage knowing the footing and defining areas to make cuts, kick to, pass to, etc.

2) Any recruit will be more attracted to field turf than sod, especially considering late season 'slip n slide' conditions

3) As Swarbrick says, we need to make the stadium more available for tours and other events and field turf ensures protecting the integrity of the field

4) You gotta know the band will love it

5) Fans will 'swoon' when they are in stadium or watching on TV

6) Our field isn't broke, but it has plenty of divots and traction issues.

7) The consistency issue of field turf from September through November is huge - no surprises

As far as the jumbotron - not necessary - wait until the field turf is in.

I vote for the idea from another poster of having the entire stadium be a Wi-Fi hotspot and allow mobile devices to provide the entertainment.

As for the turf...I'm surprised that Swarbrick or other posters haven't mentioned a middle-ground solution: The Green Bay Packers use a hybrid grass surface with an underlying turf matrix that reinforces and prevents the real grass above from breaking up. This, IMO, is the best solution for ND Stadium.

Well, I'm becoming more of an "old fart" every day. I love tradition, but what does that have to do with crappy field conditions? Put in the turf.
And - I like seeing replays on a jumbo. Just do. That makes the stadium experience better than staying home. Put in the jumbotron.
For what it's worth.

We had our local ND Alumni night at which a representative of the school alumni association spoke, his name was Mark Brundell and I asked him if there is any truth to either one of these rumors which he answered " ZERO" chance.