So one other item to add to the wishlist, but can we get a good robust public WiFi network included in this thing? Seems like a great opportunity to push better connectivity into the tailgate lots.
CyTown Announcement - Monday 9/19 (Links in OP)
- Thread starter theshadow
- Start date
I go to Es Tas before bb games a lot. Parking lot right around the corner. A mix of old people (I'm 54) and college kids in there for pre game.
Imo it's worse than when I was in school. I go down there often for clients and I know every time I have to go to the Asylum I pray I don't get towed.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
It's a cesspool and should be avoided at all times, not just for this subject.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
I’m somewhat surprised by the backlash on Facebook regarding CyTown. Plenty of negative Nancy comments from people who just don’t get it, and probably don’t even go to athletic events. It’s not going to financially harm academics in any fashion. On the contrary, it will generate income for the entire Iowa State Center and provide more opportunities for the arts and entertainment venues. These are the same Karen’s that were squawking about the south end zone project and how that was such an awful idea.
This project is the best idea in 50 years and I hope it gets fast tracked. I’m planning on bringing a pick ax and some shovels to the Texas Tech game on November 19 so our tailgate crew can begin digging.
This project is the best idea in 50 years and I hope it gets fast tracked. I’m planning on bringing a pick ax and some shovels to the Texas Tech game on November 19 so our tailgate crew can begin digging.
I'll stand and watch.... just like the DOT does on road construction projects.... except I'll be chugging a beer.
Might have to buy a new shovel and paint it gold for our ceremony and invite Jamie to do some fireball shooters with us while we turn the asphalt.
From the little I have read, it seems for a good portion of our fanbase, the only thing they care about is cheap parking and cheap seats at the game. They are stuck in the mid '90s of Cyclone football and they don't see what it takes to keep pace with the top tier teams in college football.
This is something that would set ISU apart from a lot of schools and make it a destination. I would have to imagine a lot of visiting team fans would be excited at the prospect of something like this right next to the stadium.
It's probably a lot to do with why ISU is in the situation we are in. A lot of our fans lack vision. They probably wish it was still the way it was when I was in school and they didn't even have to buy a ticket at all, just walk in at half time for free.
Agreed with the casual ISU fans lack of vision. When visiting fans ask “what’s there to do in Ames the night before or after the game?” We’ll actually have something to say. I love Ames and this will not only improve gameday but the brand of the university along with revenue potential to transform ISC.
The bolded part says a lot.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
In regards to the Facebook part, the discussion I saw was following a poorly-written article by the Ames Tribune which seemed to indicate in one section that the project costs $200 million, and in another that it's projected to bring in $200 million.
For folks looking at a university that's quite likely in decline (the common state of colleges right now), that looks like a concern. If one were to figure that revenue estimates are often rosier than reality and cost estimates rosier, too, then it could look like a very possible pending loss.
In terms of whether a loss like that could hurt academics, it absolutely would. The university would almost certainly move funds over, even while they're currently in the process of closing down departments. That could lead to some questions as to whether Cytown or the uni fits in the land grant mission, or is a tail wagging the dog, or whatever. There wasn't anything unreasonable being posted there. It's a big gamble at a difficult market. It shouldn't hurt to acknowledge that.
For folks looking at a university that's quite likely in decline (the common state of colleges right now), that looks like a concern. If one were to figure that revenue estimates are often rosier than reality and cost estimates rosier, too, then it could look like a very possible pending loss.
In terms of whether a loss like that could hurt academics, it absolutely would. The university would almost certainly move funds over, even while they're currently in the process of closing down departments. That could lead to some questions as to whether Cytown or the uni fits in the land grant mission, or is a tail wagging the dog, or whatever. There wasn't anything unreasonable being posted there. It's a big gamble at a difficult market. It shouldn't hurt to acknowledge that.
We choose to build CyTown in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we’re willing to accept. One we are unwilling to postpone. And therefore, as we set sail, we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure that Iowa State has ever gone
I can live with those wondering if it could ever take away from academics. That's a fair concern, even if it's unlikely. Most here know academics hasn't been prioritized or funded at ISU adequately by the State. That said, many many of those are not exactly in that category. As the poster above said, many just don't want change.
There are some people who are just against any and all type of change, for any reason at all. They see no reason why things can't stay precisely as they are for all eternity.
There's a reason a lot of new pro sports stadiums are being built with adjacent developments like this - they allow the area surrounding the stadium to generate revenue. Flat expanses of pavement only generate revenue if there's some reason for people to park there, and this will give them a reason to on non-gamedays.
Similarly, some of the response on r/iastate on reddit was interesting. There were more than a few people whose first reactions were about either commuter parking or the CyRide orange route, both of which seem pretty trivial to adapt to CyTown. I also think part of the negative reaction on there is a result of this not necessarily being for students (other than sports die-hards, which is really a small portion of the student body). In my mind, CyTown will be more beneficial for community members and people visiting Ames who spend time on or near campus, but certainly want something nicer than Welch Avenue spots.
If the commentary is based on a poorly-written article, it's likely unreasonable (plus, it's Facebook). Bad data in -> bad data out.
In terms of moving funds over, the university stopped doing that for ISC. That's part of the reason the situation is what it is.
The hand-wringing and whataboutism is both comical and par for the course. There are representatives from the university, athletics, research park, city government (mayor and city manager), economic development, and convention/visitors bureau who have been working on this for at least 3 years. They're not going to make the details of a project of this size and scope public without having plenty of guarantees/agreements already in place.
