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Many thanks for the kudos for swimming & diving.

I want and support an IPF. It seems to be a prerequisite in today's recruiting and training needs for FB and suggests we are part of the big boys table.

As expressed above, the Capital Budget demands for an elite university with competitive athletic programs are apparently endless. I can also admire the persistent beauty of our campus and the wonderful additions with new Quads, Sophmore Dorms, Engineering / Education / Adminstrative Buildings, rennovation of Moody, attractive parking facilities, promenades, etc. We should be proud and for an old grad, a bit envious.

However, our wishlists for IPF, new soccer stadium, intramural fields, Band Hall, natatorium and more never seems satisfied. Hopefully some Angel and Lead Donors will step up. However, I can hardly be critical, when I am not writing checks big enough.

smustatesman wrote:FWiTW....having to relocate Westcott Field to the east side of Central, and rebuild will take donations...hmmm, who was the captain of the SMU Soccer Team in the 90's, and most probably is a member of the CoC, and a member of The SMU Board of Trustees? Baseball.....

If you're referring to Clark Hunt, he was actually team captain in the fall of '86.

Bergermeister wrote:

BIGHORSE wrote:The story of why R.G.T. fired Orsini was because he was always pushing him for more athlete friendly courses and the I.P.F.

Yeah, that's the reason.

I'm not saying it was only those 2 issues, but they played a part in it, Orsini was very

passionate about Mustang sports, R.G.T. not so much.

Balatro Diabolus Ex wrote:

smustatesman wrote:FWiTW....having to relocate Westcott Field to the east side of Central, and rebuild will take donations...hmmm, who was the captain of the SMU Soccer Team in the 90's, and most probably is a member of the CoC, and a member of The SMU Board of Trustees? Baseball.....

If you're referring to Clark Hunt, he was actually team captain in the fall of '86.

Your right. I hit the wrong key when typing.

smustatesman wrote:FWiTW....having to relocate Westcott Field to the east side of Central, and rebuild will take donations...hmmm, who was the captain of the SMU Soccer Team in the 90's, and most probably is a member of the CoC, and a member of The SMU Board of Trustees? Baseball.....there is a SMU Board Trustee, who's father was a college baseball player, an oil executive/magnet, and formed a foundation with his wife, which is suppose to benefit primarily Dallas and Houston. This Trustee's father has a baseball stadium named for him on a university campus in Lawrence, Kansas. He and his wife split their time between Dallas and Houston. I'm sure they would be very proud to have another stadium named after the father or family close to Central Expressway. Just say'n

Oh please be serious about baseball... Please oh please I need an SMU sport during the winter-spring time period!

Regarding the location of a potential IPF...could it be built on the site of the current practice fields that are adjacent to Ford Stadium and the Meadows Museum?

East Coast Mustang wrote:Regarding the location of a potential IPF...could it be built on the site of the current practice fields that are adjacent to Ford Stadium and the Meadows Museum?

That's plausible, but I could never see that happening. Too unsightly

Pony147 wrote:

East Coast Mustang wrote:Regarding the location of a potential IPF...could it be built on the site of the current practice fields that are adjacent to Ford Stadium and the Meadows Museum?

That's plausible, but I could never see that happening. Too unsightly

Even with the SMU brick exterior?

It would look like a box store on the corner of Bishop and Mockingbird, even with architectural touches.

A brick box like Meadows Museum?

SMU already has an IPF, it is located at Highland Park High School.

East Coast Mustang wrote: Even with the SMU brick exterior?

Good point. I live in Austin so whenever I think of an ipf, I think of UT's god-awful bubble. That would be better

docabel wrote:No IPF at old Bairds site.

SMU brought their proposal to the city of HP earlier this week.

SMU has plans for a pedestrian plaza at the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Airline Road, next to the proposed tennis courts. The pitch was brought before the Highland Park public works committee earlier today.

Alumni will remember this spot as the former home of the Mrs. Baird’s factory, where many homecoming floats were constructed in the wee hours of fall mornings.

Part of the plan includes a vacant alley that SMU wants to turn into pedestrian access to the tennis facilities. A sidewalk and second easement are also planned for the Town’s use.

"Cathedral live oaks" and "double red knockout roses" are intended to line the space, staying on par with SMU’s signature landscaping. Sadly, it doesn’t look like there are any fountains in the works.

"... pedestrian access to the tennis facilities" ... ?

No offense to the tennis teams - I like tennis and hope we win every match - but does anyone go to tennis matches at SMU other than maybe a player's family or boyfriend/girlfriend? They're getting another new facility and the university is worried about making sure pedestrian traffic can get across Mockingbird? Build the IPF.

Vitale wrote:

docabel wrote:No IPF at old Bairds site.

SMU brought their proposal to the city of HP earlier this week.

SMU has plans for a pedestrian plaza at the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Airline Road, next to the proposed tennis courts. The pitch was brought before the Highland Park public works committee earlier today.

Alumni will remember this spot as the former home of the Mrs. Baird’s factory, where many homecoming floats were constructed in the wee hours of fall mornings.

Part of the plan includes a vacant alley that SMU wants to turn into pedestrian access to the tennis facilities. A sidewalk and second easement are also planned for the Town’s use.

"Cathedral live oaks" and "double red knockout roses" are intended to line the space, staying on par with SMU’s signature landscaping. Sadly, it doesn’t look like there are any fountains in the works.

"... pedestrian access to the tennis facilities" ... ?

No offense to the tennis teams - I like tennis and hope we win every match - but does anyone go to tennis matches at SMU other than maybe a player's family or boyfriend/girlfriend? They're getting another new facility and the university is worried about making sure pedestrian traffic can get across Mockingbird? Build the IPF.

No but people would go to SMU baseball... I sure would

Just starting to follow this conversation, but has there been any conceptual design work done for the IPF and /or projected construction budget?