In line with the recent optimism that is swirling around in my own head, I feel obligated to share this bit. With Army as a probable qualifier for the Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl there is a bit of a scheduling change for the Black Knights' postseason plans.
Renovations to TCU's football stadium will shift the 2010 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl from Fort Worth to Dallas for at least one year, a source said Monday.
TCU on Monday announced a $105 million renovation project, the first major upgrade to Amon G. Carter Stadium since 1956, to begin immediately following its final home game on Nov. 13. The Armed Forces Bowl is expected to announce Tuesday that it will play this year's bowl game at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The planned stadium looks nice enough, there are some representations of the refurbished stadium here.
TCU also released this press release regarding the stadium work.
Construction will begin immediately following TCU's final home game in the 2010 season. After construction, Amon G. Carter Stadium will have a seating capacity of 40,000 that can be expanded to more than 50,000 seats.
The renovations will include:
* Significantly upgraded and new concession stands for better access and reduced wait times
* Elevators and escalators to better facilitate stadium accessibility and crowd flow
* A new, raised seating bowl on the west and north end for enhanced field views
* Upgraded and additional men’s and women’s restrooms
* Suites, club seating and lounges on the west side of the stadium
* A new press box
I guess the stadium work could be seen as TCU jockeying for inclusion into a BCS conference. It makes sense for them to do so, and they would be best served by following up this highly anticipated season with some serious infrastructure additions.
Considering that they are changing the venue of the Armed Forces Bowl just to get a jump on the stadium construction, TCU's motivation must be that they have one eye on the Big XII.
Not a big deal, really. I can't blame TCU for trying to cash in on their recent success (and this season's potential greatness) by building up their assets. Any other team in TCU's position would do the same.
