TURF - it's official

[Rack Em]

I guess I would be ok with an interlocking ND or a simple shamrock.

Key word... Simple. It's the classiest stadium in football... not a Starter jacket.

My ND Starter jacket was the epitome of classy. If you were here, I'd punch you in the nose.

 

[bobbyok1]

This?

Or this?

I like the top one myself. But I'm perfectly ok with either

Of those two I like the top one better

 

[arrowryan]

Of those two I like the top one better

Just brainstorming some ideas. I wouldn't be against them putting "Irish" in cursive and dotting the "i" with a shamrock

 

[chubler]

I'd be all for a logo if someone can convince me it would be a positive addition, i.e., it adds value. I can't see how it does, and I think because we're all so used to seeing logos on literally every other field that we forget the statement plain grass makes. Just don't see a reason to change it, but if someone smarter than me can find one, i'll fall in line.

That said, the endzones are off limits.

 

[woolybug25]

My ND Starter jacket was the epitome of classy. If you were here, I'd punch you in the nose.

 

[koonja]

I'd be all for a logo if someone can convince me it would be a positive addition, i.e., it adds value. I can't see how it does, and I think because we're all so used to seeing logos on literally every other field that we forget the statement plain grass makes. Just don't see a reason to change it, but if someone smarter than me can find one, i'll fall in line.

That said, the endzones are off limits.

Well I can't guarantee it would add value, but it might simply look really cool. You could compare it to the changing of the helmets to the better gold look (although that update was much more needed than any logo).

Also, I'd argue it adds brand awareness. Everyone on here doesn't need to see a 'ND' logo to know it's an ND game. But think about when you're at a part and the casual game is on in the background, and girls for instance, barely know what sport it is, let alone who's playing.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I'm down for a 'classy' shamrock at mid-field. No ND. Endzones are completely off limits. Maybe a design on the sidelines where the team stands. I was for the turf, but I do not want it to look like a 6th grade art project.

 

[Irish#1]

We're going to be so much faster now!

 

[loomis41973]

We're going to be so much faster now!

Speed kills.

 

[bobbyok1]

I'd be all for a logo if someone can convince me it would be a positive addition, i.e., it adds value. I can't see how it does, and I think because we're all so used to seeing logos on literally every other field that we forget the statement plain grass makes. Just don't see a reason to change it, but if someone smarter than me can find one, i'll fall in line.

That said, the endzones are off limits.

It's all about branding in my opinion, well and that it would look cool. There are plenty of kids across the country who when they are recruited by Notre Dame say "I really don't know much about them . . . " For me it's about helping the non-ND fan to have a better visual representation of the ND brand. That's why I'm pumped about the ND-Under Armour deal. Not necessarily because UA makes a superior product than everyone else (I think they do and will make a fine product) but because they made ND the face of their company. Branding. A visual representation of the team and furthermore the university. And in my opinion as someone who has been watching ND football for some 30 years a well done logo (interlocking ND is my preference) is a much better brand than a plain field.

 

[ulukinatme]

I hope it's a purple faced Brian Kelly.

How about this?

By the way, Reesus, Manti, Golden Army 14, and Irish Chocolate shirts are for sale for $5 and $6 on Sportscrack.com if anyone is interested. New Tight End U shirts are also in.

I know of two end zone designs from the past. The first was a white ND monogram in the extreme left corner of each end zone.

They left the rest of the endzone (including the right corner, no logo over there, completely blank).

The leprechaun inside a yellow football with "Fighting Irish" in yellow beneath that. I'm almost positive that they did a couple other designs in the 70's as well but I don't have the evidence right now.

[NDN] Blasphemy! Conspiracy! Those pictures were doctored on one of those new fangled computer boxes! It never happened! ~Posted via grandson on the Samsung Galaxy [/NDN]

 

[vmgsf]

My opinion. Kelly and Swarbrick got together - what is best for the program - for recruiting, for home field advantage etc. etc. Turf. Turf it is. Kelly and Swarbrick and Father Jenkins care about WINNING with HONOR - actual student-athletes. If some of the traditionalists don't like turf over grass - tough shit - root for Yale or the University of Chicago.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

How about this?

By the way, Reesus, Manti, Golden Army 14, and Irish Chocolate shirts are for sale for $5 and $6 on Sportscrack.com if anyone is interested. New Tight End U shirts are also in.



[NDN] Blasphemy! Conspiracy! Those pictures were doctored on one of those new fangled computer boxes! It never happened! ~Posted via grandson on the Samsung Galaxy [/NDN]

Here is my spiel on traditionalist :

Today's "traditionalists" would have been called spoiled brats by the Fighting Irish faithful that built the ND program to what it is, the most recognized college sports brand in the world and the winningest college football program with the highest graduation rate. If you look at the supporters from way back, that went and saw games at Cartier Field, they were delighted to see every upgrade to the program. People marveled at the House Rock Built. They sat for years on 2X6 planks, that lunch bucket crowd, and watched the transition of the Irish from outsiders to the mainstay of college football, and they marveled at and cheered every innovation.

Now I read recent statistics. Field turf is safer than natural grass. That is why ND chose to practice on it. Just the reduction in high ankle sprains and turf toe alone, would make a huge impact, (it is not like those injuries have dampened ND seasons in the past half dozen years or so.) Yeah, these anti turf curmudgeons are in fact whiney over privileged spoiled brats, and someone should clue them in.

 

[Irish#1]

Most of you know I am in the group that preferred to stay with grass. I'm not going to bitch and moan about this decision, but after reading some of the comments I'm still scratching my head.

We have some who want turf (screw tradition), yet don't want logos in the end zone and/or the middle of the field. Some want turf to control the environment, but got up in arms when I suggested (jokingly) that we put a lid on the stadium to make it as close to a perfect playing environment as possible. Some want turf but no Jumbotron or a scoreboard that will not cover TD Jesus.

Seems to me people are being selective on what traditions to embrace and the ones to throw out the window. I am disappointed we won't have grass, but I won't lose any sleep over it. Just remember, if it weren't for a lot of the traditions of Notre Dame, we wouldn't be Notre Dame.

That is all.

 

[IrishLion]

Grass is not a tradition. The look of the field is. But even traditions can use updates.

 

[Grahambo]

Most of you know I am in the group that preferred to stay with grass. I'm not going to bitch and moan about this decision, but after reading some of the comments I'm still scratching my head.

We have some who want turf (screw tradition), yet don't want logos in the end zone and/or the middle of the field. Some want turf to control the environment, but got up in arms when I suggested (jokingly) that we put a lid on the stadium to make it as close to a perfect playing environment as possible. Some want turf but no Jumbotron or a scoreboard that will not cover TD Jesus.

Seems to me people are being selective on what traditions to embrace and the ones to throw out the window. I am disappointed we won't have grass, but I won't lose any sleep over it. Just remember, if it weren't for a lot of the traditions of Notre Dame, we wouldn't be Notre Dame.

That is all.

Sign me up for field turf, jumbotron, logos, et al. I understand tradition and trying to preserve the history of ND but you can do that while modernizing the stadium and doing so in a tasteful manner. You need to keep up or you'll get left behind.

I could ramble on more but thats the gist of my thought process.

 

[ndfi78]

Grass is not a tradition. The look of the field is. But even traditions can use updates.

Yup.

I am for field turf and against changing the design off the current.

 

[rikkitikki08]

Ok Rikki through a generous donation I now have a little change to toss around. So a million vbucks on me saying that there will be a logo on the field and you saying there will not. You up for it?

Yeah im up for it,you got yourself a deal. Also borrowing money to make a bet in the gambling world is what we like to call "dangerous business"

 

[ulukinatme]

Most of you know I am in the group that preferred to stay with grass. I'm not going to bitch and moan about this decision, but after reading some of the comments I'm still scratching my head.

Heres the thing...rainy/snowy weather is a part of real football, but you don't want it to lead to injuries or other negatives for your team. Rain on it's own doesn't necessarily contribute to injuries, but combined with a grass surface it can cause problems. The ball gets wet, it can cause fumbles, both teams are affected by it and from that standpoint it benefits neither team...that is unless you favor a passing offense. The field gets torn up, it makes it difficult for offensive linemen to get footing, and it becomes much more difficult to time routes and catch balls. Games in poor weather on grass often go to the team that can pound the ball better.

Look at Navy last year. Their running attack kept them in the game while our depleted defense struggled to get stops and our offensive skill players like TJ were slipping on the field. We can't have our athletes neutralized in games against the Navys of the world.
All this changes with Field Turf. You get improved footing and field conditions. You take the mud out of the equation, but you still can enjoy a game in the elements.

I understand theres a lot of mixed feelings about things like playing surface, Jumbotrons, views of TD Jesus (I was rather upset myself when I saw the vision was blocked in the '97 expansion), etc. I think when it comes down to it, you have to do whatever is best for the athletes first, and then the fans. Field Turf benefits the athletes. A Jumbotron, tactfully done and not further blocking TD Jesus, could help keep fans engaged and excited during those long arse NBC TV timeouts. TV timeouts are the bane of football. Nothing is better at killing fan excitement and team momentum than a TV timeout. Unfortunately they are a necessary evil. Show game/player highlights during the break on a big screen during that time...and no offense to the ND Chess Team, but it's kind of a buzz kill when they are corralled out during TV breaks to announce their latest World Championship. It's impressive, I support them, it just...always feels so awkward to see them out there. The fans had great feedback about the Jumbotron from the Arizona State game last year. Keeping the fans engaged in the game is not only is good for the fans, but it can keep the team motivated...and we definitely need to exercise more home field advantage in the House that Rockne built.

Tradition is great, but what if it holds you back? If we were still a team that ran the triple option, I'd say keep the grass as it could work in our favor. We're not though, we're a Spread offense that's looking to pass lots and run some read option. If we seriously want to be a football powerhouse we need to let go of a few traditions perhaps and get in line with the rest of the 21st century. Not only will these kinds of changes help our athletes and keep our crowd engaged, but they can help entice better athletes to come to Notre Dame.

 

[dublinirish]

they should put up a big scoreboard that can be "seen through" like a Nintendo DS with augmented reality so Touchdown Jesus can be visible from the stadium

 

[woolybug25]

Sign me up for field turf, jumbotron, logos, et al. I understand tradition and trying to preserve the history of ND but you can do that while modernizing the stadium and doing so in a tasteful manner. You need to keep up or you'll get left behind.

I could ramble on more but thats the gist of my thought process.

Not to sound too NDnation, but I think "Tradition" is a bad word to use for people against things like turf and jumbotrons.

"Identity" would be better. Notre Dame is supposed to be different and unique. It's supposed to be held to a higher standard and have a classy essence to it. Things like these are always going to be held to a higher critique by our fan base because we don't want to "keep up" with Michigan or Oregon, we don't want to be those teams. We want to be Notre Dame.

The moment we start worrying about getting left behind because of flashy things like jumbotrons, is when we start getting caught up with being the same as other programs. But what has made this university special is that we are different. We do go about things differently.

All that being said, I do think there is room for things like turf and jumbotrons without losing our identity. But they have to be done in ways that are consistent with our culture, not the rest of college football.

 

[woolybug25]

.

 

[Huntr]

Seems to me people are being selective on what traditions to embrace and the ones to throw out the window.

Of course. That's always the way of it, since opinion and taste is largely personal.

My personal preference is that the stadium and any other aspects of the team/facilities, etc keep enough ties to tradition to not totally sell out (don't "look like a starter jacket" - Wooly), yet modernize enough so they don't look and play like a high school squad. Turf will help in play, maintenance costs and field appearance. I think an interlocking ND logo at midfield would be fine, but I really would like to see a shamrock with no letters, just the shamrock, at midfield. Those are just my tastes, tho'.

Then again, I wouldn't care if they played in a cow pasture if they were dominating and winning multiple national championships while maintaining academic excellence.


ETA (and this isn't directed at anyone in particular): what Wooly just said about identity is right on, too. Taking the turf vs grass or no jumbotron debate waaaaayy too seriously is emblematic of what ppl hate on ND for - some Irish fans act like our sh- doesn't stink, like we're above having field turf or a jumbotron. That attitude sucks.

 

[ulukinatme]

Not to sound too NDnation, but I think "Tradition" is a bad word to use for people against things like turf and jumbotrons.

"Identity" would be better. Notre Dame is supposed to be different and unique. It's supposed to be held to a higher standard and have a classy essence to it. Things like these are always going to be held to a higher critique by our fan base because we don't want to "keep up" with Michigan or Oregon, we don't want to be those teams. We want to be Notre Dame.

The moment we start worrying about getting left behind because of flashy things like jumbotrons, is when we start getting caught up with being the same as other programs. But what has made this university special is that we are different. We do go about things differently.

All that being said, I do think there is room for things like turf and jumbotrons without losing our identity. But they have to be done in ways that are consistent with our culture, not the rest of college football.

I agree that we can make these changes without sacrificing our identity. I mean, what is our identity? We're essentially a private school from northern Indiana, and considered the premier Catholic institution. We have a large number of Heisman winners, National Championships, and we provided innovation in the use of the forward pass and the backfield shift.

None of those things change by improving our playing surface and providing a better fan experience at games. We'll still be Notre Dame. We'll still have the Horsemen. We'll still have Rockne. We'll still have Ara, and Leahy, and everything else that goes along with that. Think of it this way...if football as a sport refused to evolve from leather helmets because of tradition, the sport probably would have been outlawed completely (Which nearly happened) or it would have been reduced to flag football and never would have achieved the popularity is carries today. I think this move to Field Turf is a natural evolution and one that will make us better in the long run. As long as we're not adding a bunch of logos/sponsors on the field, or big ads on a Jumbotron, it can still be a special place if it maintains the overall look and feel of Notre Dame stadium.

 

[phork]

Look at Navy last year. Their running attack kept them in the game while our depleted defense struggled to get stops and our offensive skill players like TJ were slipping on the field. We can't have our athletes neutralized in games against the Navys of the world.

You mean it wasn't all Diacos fault after all?

I am all for fieldturf, the jumbotron needs to be done right though. Frankly I can't see a way that can happen. Jumbotrons are meant to be larger and intrusive. Absolutely NO logos in or around the stadium.

 

[woolybug25]

You mean it wasn't all Diacos fault after all?

I am all for fieldturf, the jumbotron needs to be done right though. Frankly I can't see a way that can happen. Jumbotrons are meant to be larger and intrusive. Absolutely NO logos in or around the stadium.

I think the name "jumbotron" is what's most off-putting to people. The reality is that I highly doubt we see a humongous, ad spewing jumbotron in the stadium. But rather a clean and unobtrusive video board that simply shows scores and replays. That's what I hope, anyways.

 

[IrishLax]

Of those two I like the top one better

The monogram they have at the center of Arlotta is pretty fresh:

A lacrosse field is a roughly the same size as a football field (just a bit more wide sideline to sideline). I think you could something similar to this for the football field and have it look great.

 

[tko]

The monogram they have at the center of Arlotta is pretty fresh:

A lacrosse field is a roughly the same size as a football field (just a bit more wide sideline to sideline). I think you could something similar to this for the football field and have it look great.

Beautiful in its simplicity.

 

[gkIrish]

The monogram they have at the center of Arlotta is pretty fresh:

A lacrosse field is a roughly the same size as a football field (just a bit more wide sideline to sideline). I think you could something similar to this for the football field and have it look great.

Gold ND monogram is definitely the way to go IF we add a logo.

 

[tko]

Gold ND monogram is definitely the way to go IF we add a logo.

But what shade? We don't want to look like Pitt.