Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a genuine level of excitement about Mizzou’s facilities on campus now that the University of Missouri Board of Curators have announced plans for the new softball stadium just east of the Hearnes Center. There’s also a lot of anticipation over the new south endzone training complex that will include new football offices.
So that got us at Truman’s Tales thinking. With all of the massive upgrades going on, is it possible that we’re looking so high into the clouds that perhaps something at our feet needs attention? After compiling a list of needs and wants from Tiger fans, we think we have a comprehensive list of updates that should be taken care of before any of this big stuff really starts rolling.
No. 5, Sound System
Sometimes it’s loud. Sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it keeps playing the same top-40 music over and over…but that’s another bone. The actual performance of the current system is hit-and-miss at times. Sitting in the south stands of Memorial Stadium, it can be a strain to hear things if they’re quiet, but plan on getting blasted out of your seat on something that brings high volume. Lots of bass, and I get that the kids like it, but maybe something that’s a little more functional for hearing everything? Just me, and I’ll admit that this one is kind of picky.
No. 4, Road Behind Stadium
On paper, it’s simply known as Champions Drive. To anyone that’s driven on it, it’s “that one really, really steep road behind the stadium.” I know most everyone has asked this but how do they expect anyone to drive on it if there’s been snow and ice? They don’t, they simply close it down. Even if there isn’t snow, the whole thing feels like you’re on some county road that was never properly inspected, except you’re in the middle of the heart of a town over 100,000 people. I’m not sure what the solution is for this road or if it would even make sense financially, but cutting out this hazard would be a huge feather in someone’s cap.
No. 3, Glare & Reflection from East Suite Doors
It’s a relatively new problem, but one that is driving anyone with an attention to detail nuts, and it can’t be thrilling for the players, either. I’m talking about the glare that comes off of the doors from the new east suites. As dusk approaches and the sun begins to nestle into the landscape, the reflection is projected from the doors as a strong, vibrant area of light. Open and close one of the doors, and it sends this misshapen wad of energy streaking across the entire playing field. Once might be enough, but since those doors are constantly in motion, glare from the sun is flying around on the field constantly, making it almost impossible to ignore. I’m not sure if some sort of material can be put on the doors to dampen reflection, but something happening in relation to this would make the whole show a much easier watch.
No. 2, Congested Vending Areas
Ever tried to get food or drinks at halftime? Even worse, ever tried to not be involved in this fiasco but find that you can’t even walk around it? There’s not a lot I can see the University being able to do with regards to this one, but walking area around concession lines is a total nightmare. Sometimes, avoiding them completely during halftime is the most assured way to avoid a headache. Throw in the fact that condiment tables seem to be conveniently located right in the middle of possible free walking space, and you have the recipe for congestion every game, regardless of whether there’s 60,000 there or a sellout.
No. 1, Men’s Bathrooms
Guys…you know.
All I have to say, is have fun at the trough. That is, if you can make it there before you give up. Men’s bathrooms are a warzone to try and access. If it’s halftime and the vending lines are long (which they always are) then you can plan on making your restroom visit the only thing you’re doing during halftime if you’re not going to miss the game. Make it inside and you’re treated to something that I guess they used as a group urinal in the old west? Seriously, going number one in a huge open trough that looks like it belongs at the dump is too much. There’s a lot more I could say about this, but I don’t know who’s eating, and I want to respect the sensitivity of all readers…but just know that the situation in there isn’t good.
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New weight rooms and offices? Sure. Eventual expansion to 80,000? It’s likely. But don’t find a place for the 70,000 that can barely use that bathroom now, and finding a place for 80,000 will be a lot harder. In all seriousness, bathrooms is the only thing that I would say is pressing, but certainly all of the items addressed would serve a beneficial purpose to everyone. The only question is how much…would it cost?