the university has nothing to gain from supporting or not supporting the stadium, although i am sure they have al privately said they would conceptually support, as, from their perspective, they should. but i dont think they officially want to hitch their wagon to Ruiz just yet. 95% of the video game addicts posters on this board have no idea what it takes to build a $2B-$3B real estate development project. remember, the development of OTHER real estate phases (office, retail, hotel etc.) is what makes the stadium financially viable for Ruiz. he is copying Mas' and Beckham's Mel Reese template (not original to them). it takes a seasoned, well-capitalized team with expertise in capital markets, development, infrastructure, political issues and real estate among others to pull this off. therefore, putting Johnny Jr in front is risible at best. compare him and Ruiz's existing team to Mas' and Beckham's team
(((Long Reply Warning)))
I think it’s beneath u to resort to name calling or social class assignment who don’t share ur views on this matter. Hence, y I suggested u sit out this thread b/c u’re becoming personally triggered, which is way below ur noble standards, boss. I know u’re good ppl, so don’t stoop or resort to going down a muddy path.
I believe there’s some concerns & some optimism surrounding this project. I also feel that personal views of Ruiz, most likely due to his past indiscretion, makes it hard for some in this fan base to get fully behind. Imho, The Miami fan base, my brothers & sisters have become so snake bitten by all the bull chit that’s surrounded this school (horrible admin, Nevin Shapiro, The OB fiasco, SI story, Yahoo report, **** poor AD, **** poor coaching), that it’s made them either hyper jaded, chitting on any potential good news/waiting for the sky to fall or hyper Kool-Aid drinkers, looking for any glimmer of hope & running a marathon w/ it.
I try to approach everything w/ a balanced view, and maybe that’s b/c of the bull chit I’ve seen & been through vs. overcoming & continuing to overcome said bull chit. Here’s the only things I know in regards to ur concerns:
1. W/in a few weeks, our newly appointed AD went on record to say it would be nice if we had our own stadium closer to the campus
2. Mario & Rad said they wouldn’t have come unless it was proven that The University was fully invested in the program, which included, but not limited to facilities
3. HRS, while a fantastic event venue, is catering to the financial needs of Stephen Ross & his organization, exclusively
4. Ruiz has made good on his promise in regards to doing his part in helping the University, while also promoting his brand via NIL
5. Facility upgrades have already commenced on campus, while further developments are ensuing
6. HKS is an architect firm w/ many political tentacles. They r the ones taking the lead in this project.
7. Johnny went public to emphasize the need for Miami to have their own stadium to:
a. Maximize The U’s revenue stream to continue to sustain success on its own
b. To enhance the overall public usage of Tropical Park as its currently under utilized & neglected
These r all undeniable facts. The unknown is whether The Ruiz family will make good on their claim to validate point 7. We have no idea b/c the final renderings to present are not complete. (When I say renderings, I mean the entire infrastructure including the park’s proposal)
Ur concern about The University’s “interest” should be of no never mind, simply b/c if they weren’t interested, then we would’ve seen a statement stating such. However, it would be logical to assume there is some interest; I mean the stadium renderings have our logo on the field, w/ “Miami” in the EZ. Furthermore, Johnny said this stadium is not on the high priority list right now, as Miami is focused on current projects that immediately benefit the student athletes on campus; but, long term, this is on the docket.
Imo, the problem w/ some in this fan base is the lack of fwd thinking (& in no way is this a shot at u). I’m looking at various threads, & I get this overall sense of the fear to step into the 21st century. I’ve seen not wanting to upgrade facilities & “concern” about the campus or funds for NIL. I’ve seen not wanting Mario & “concern” about his FIU tenure. I’ve seen not wanting Ruiz involved w/ NIL & “concern” he’s another Shapiro. Now I’m seeing not wanting a new stadium w/ “concern” of traffic, convenience, Ross playing hard ball.
You replied to me that I shared a lot of “ifs” in regards to ?ing ur concerns, yet ur rebuttals thus far have been nothing more than projected pessimisms, including, but not limited to, stating u’ll “galvanize” the community to make sure this doesn’t happen; all w/o having tuned in to the podcast to hear Johnny’s proposal on behalf of those involved or, worse yet, not even seeing the final landscape or proposal.
U’re acting as if professionals, an elite architect, development, and infrastructure firm is not involved in this. I’m pretty sure they’re well aware of all that’s involved in multi billion $$ development project, so not sure y that was even a point of reference.