Let me first preface this by saying that I am one hoping and praying UM gets their own stadium.
Now for the but.
The fact of the matter is this program and stadium issue is quite different than most schools and we have the evidence to support it. Firstly, the old girl. She was disgusting dilapidated antiquated just downright uncomfortable and glorious at the same time when the place was packed and rocking. Was not on campus, yes was closer, but still not on campus. Parking, though fond memories of no blockie, was atrocious and inconvenient, and amenities were none to speak of. The reason we wax nostalgically about the place was due to the great success which led to amazing fun times. But even in our heyday the crappy teams we would go up against the place was half full.
Fast forward now to JRS (I will always call it Joe Robbie Stadium) we have our proof with that wonderful season and the ND and Va Tech massacre. With the improvements made to the stadium the experience has been better for a prime time matchup game. We know the place can rock like it did our glory years. The amenities are light years better, parking and tailgating is light years better as well.
The common component is we were winning and played games that had meaning and importance. Meaningless crappy games regardless of where it will never fill up and be crazy, but meaningful games they will show.
From a recruiting standpoint, again as evidenced, it does not matter where we play, what matters is that we win, with NIL we can now be even better while we keep winning, prove we can put players in the league like we did in the past. We do this and recruiting will be where we want it to be.
With that said, if we are winning, playing in a legit NFL highly regarded and thought of stadium that is home to major and important events does help in being and added bonus in your sales pitch. It doesn’t close the deal or make the deal, but it does aid in softening up a little the recruit you are trying to sell in coming here. Impressionable young minds with aspirations of making it to the NFL playing and being in a highly thought of stadium, with proof of playing on a winning team and proof that the place is rocking in big games. Nothing more nothing the less. That is the benefit of all these things.
Financially yes it benefits Ross more, but there are some intangible benefits to the program, so long as we start winning.
