Indiana University Athletics
Changes Taking Center Stage
8/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
August 8, 2002
Bloomington, IN - It has been well documented that the Hoosiers will be wearing new helmets and new uniforms as the 2003 season opens. It probably will not be until late August before those new-look uniforms become public, but you will see them first here at iuhoosiers.com.
But, there are some other changes taking place too, including a new color commentator on the IU Radio Network, improvements to the pressbox at Memorial Stadium, new football practice fields and a new local flagship radio station for IU sports.
Former Hoosier tight end Dan Thompson will be joining Don Fischer in the radio booth this season serving as the network's color commentator. Thompson played for Head Coach Bill Mallory from 1990-1993. During his career at IU the Hoosiers posted a 26-19-2 record and appeared in the 1990 Peach Bowl, the 1991 Copper Bowl and the 1993 Independence Bowl. Thompson, a native of Greenwood, Ind., had his top statistical season in his senior campaign when he caught seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.
"I am extremely excited to be a part of the IU Radio Network. The excitement level for Indiana Football is high right now with the addition of Coach DiNardo. His passion to make Indiana Football a top priority in the state is fantastic," Thompson said. "I am also looking forward to working with Don Fischer who is a legend with IU fans."
In Bloomington, Ind. Thompson and Fischer will no be heard on WGCT (105.1 FM) this season, as opposed to WBWB (96.7). WGCT has a stronger signal (6,000 watts as compared to 3,000 watts) which will spread Hoosier athletic events even further around the state via the airwaves.
In addition to the change in Bloomington, new radio stations in Lafayette and South Bend will also be carrying IU sports. A full list of the IU Radio Network will be available on iuhoosiers.com later this month.
The radio booth the games will be broadcast from will be in a little different location for Fischer and Thompson this season. The Memorial Stadium pressbox is undergoing a $3.5 million upgrade. Some of the changes taking place are functional while others will result in a new revenue stream in years to come. The entire project is financed by private funding.
The pressbox will include eight suites and 300 club-level seats. The suites will be located on the sixth floor, while the club-level seats will be located in an enclosed setting underneath the press box.
"There are people who are interested in this type of seating and we have already had some verbal commitments without even marketing the seats," Director of Athletics Michael McNeely said. "The project, which is financed through private funding, will make better use of unused space to create a new revenue stream for athletics. The changes we are making are modest compared some other schools, but the enhancements will help improve the football complex."
The suites may be available as early as the final two home games this season with the club seats to follow in the near future. In addition, a new elevator is being installed to assist in transporting individuals to both levels. Once the suites and club-level seats are completed they will be marketed. It is expected that once the financing for the project has been paid off, which should take eight years, the addition of these seats will create $600,000-$700,000 in new revenue a year.
Just off to the North of Memorial Stadium the football practice fields are receiving a facelift. The team is currently practicing on fields located next to Bill Armstrong Stadium. The football practice fields will be all new in 2003.
