Report commissioned by state Sen. Lesniak recommends upgrade in Rutgers athletics facilities

[Tango Two]

A formal study commissioned by a New Jersey lawmaker points to the economic benefits of Rutgers University's entrance into the Big Ten Conference and recommends that the state university invests in a potentially $50 to $100 million upgrade to its athletics facilities.



Link-----> RecommendedUpgrades

 

[Upstream]

Very nice. This certainly provides some political cover to use when others complain when Rutgers makes capital improvements.

It would be even nicer if the report recommended that the State provide part of the investment, since the State sees many of the benefits.

 

[RC1991]

Of course they would have to do redo the whole analysis as all of the economic benefits noted are only applicable if we go with the mascot as currently configured...though seriously it os good to see some positive news regarding facilities upgrades.

 

[ScarletKnightRider]

Me likey

 

[Jim_from_RU]

Means nothing without an actual funding method.

 

[JPhoboken]

A lot of us have been saying this for a long time, even before the BIG invite......................

Nearly one-third of the report is dedicated to analyzing the University Senate findings, which Lesniak called "the equivalent of sixth-grade math.''

"Their report did not look at all the benefits and all the upside from investing in athletics as this report did, and did not look at all the downside from not investing,''

 

[Jim_from_RU]

Doesn't surprise me at all. The University Senate is completely anti athletics.

 

[JPhoboken]

"I'm delighted that the senator has taken the time to have folks look at the broader issue of athletics and its impact on the state as well as our university that go beyond the simple objective numbers of a budget,'' Barchi told NJ Advance Media.

Before the facilities issue became more publicized months ago, and it all really started with what JH said at the court club, President Barchi's only worlds about facilities upgrades were:

1. Budget neutrality for sports

2. Must lower subsidy

3. And any facility upgrades will be paid for by donors as Rutgers won't spend any money on it.

Now all of sudden, the importance of athletics go beyond the simple numbers of a budget? Is Barchi actually starting to get it, and maybe he will stick out his neck a millimeter or two to get behind facility upgrades?

 

[motorb54]

Who is the "we" that Lesniak keeps talking about?
"We have invested....."
I guess it is a start in the right direction
but it comes far short of the support other flagship state universities receive.
Just a few years ago our Big Ten brother, the University of Minnesota,
opened a new football stadium. The State of Minnesota contributed 48%
of the cost to the tune of $137.2 Million. Here in New Jersey the State
wouldn't even guarantee the bonds we needed to finance the expansion.

 

[RobertG]

Means nothing without an actual funding method.

One of the best lines I've heard related to this is: "Vision without funding is hallucination."

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

Please lets make it so!

 

[j10oreo]

The fact that attention is being brought to this is definitely a step in the right direction. But I'd be more excited if there was actual plans in place to get things done.

Pressure to get the facilities upgraded can only be a good thing since we have a proven track record to cave in to pressure.

 

[e5fdny]

Very nice. This certainly provides some political cover to use when others complain when Rutgers makes capital improvements.

It would be even nicer if the report recommended that the State provide part of the investment, since the State sees many of the benefits.

+1

Somebody gave the right honorable Gentleman from Union County the podium, mic and the good lighting.

And maybe the script too.;)