Verdict
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I attended the George Strait show over the weekend and got an up close and personal look at the stadium, so I thought that I would report back to the cowboyszone members my positive and negative impressions of the stadium and its operation.
First of all, the external view of the stadium can be summed up as massive and awe inspiring. The architecture is very impressive and there are several world records which have fallen to this stadium (which they reminded you of on the big screens during the concert).
The stadium access situation (roads) was unfamiliar to me, but it sure seems as though the roads will be MUCH more congested on game day than it was at the old stadium. I think that is going to be a real problem.
Premium parking will probably be going for MORE of a premium at the new stadium than the old stadium. Parking is scattered everywhere, and let me tell you, if you have tickets opposite of the parking lots like I do, you are going to hate the walk. I think parking is going to be a real issue that people really arent going to like. There isn't going to be enough parking, and it is going to be a long walk.
Another thing that I HATE about the new stadium is that I have been advised that you cannot enter the stadium except at the designated entrance for your ticket. This increases the walking distance but is partially because it is very difficult to walk from one part of the stadium to the other. You seem pretty confined to your area.
The stadium still isnt finished, but it is impossible to tell what is supposed to be there and what is not. For floor seating, there were portable (towed) bathroom facilities (which were well air conditioned) but you would think permanent bathrooms would be installed by now, if they were part of the plan. Much of the first level was not painted so I'm not sure they are done with that part, but it really leaves you wondering.
The people that work there are essentially so clueless that they are of little or no assistance. Areas are very poorly marked (if at all). Much of the entrances are down small hallways much smaller than you are used to at a stadium. I really wonder how this stadium passed fire codes. I'm very serious about that part. I don't know how much that I can stress that access, in, out and around INSIDE the stadium seems to SUCK.
There are suites on ground level (field level) and I have no idea how they will ever be able to see a game. You would think their view would be almost totally restricted of the actual game.
The video screens are massive, and are of exceptional quality. I think that Jerry built the satadium with the thought that the video screen would make up for some of the stadium's shortcomings in other areas. He is a very smart man. I am telling you .... if the big screens werent there, many fans would hate this stadium. But they are very impressive and hide a some flaws in the layout of the stadium.
The concession lines moved at a snails pace, or slower, which is to partially be expected since it was opening night. The good news is that there are very large tv's in the concession areas to insure you don't miss any of the big game.
I am sure that as time goes on that I will learn a few tricks to getting around a little bit easier in this stadium, but it is very different than I expected it to be, and much different than the old stadium. If the finished product involves porta potties on the field level instead of actual bathrooms, somebody got swindled for 1.1 billion.
In sum total, if you look at the stadium as a whole, it is one of the greatest wonders of the world, but when you "break it down" there are going to be a lot of things that people arent going to like about this stadium.
If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer anything that you ask which I can remember about the stadium.
First of all, the external view of the stadium can be summed up as massive and awe inspiring. The architecture is very impressive and there are several world records which have fallen to this stadium (which they reminded you of on the big screens during the concert).
The stadium access situation (roads) was unfamiliar to me, but it sure seems as though the roads will be MUCH more congested on game day than it was at the old stadium. I think that is going to be a real problem.
Premium parking will probably be going for MORE of a premium at the new stadium than the old stadium. Parking is scattered everywhere, and let me tell you, if you have tickets opposite of the parking lots like I do, you are going to hate the walk. I think parking is going to be a real issue that people really arent going to like. There isn't going to be enough parking, and it is going to be a long walk.
Another thing that I HATE about the new stadium is that I have been advised that you cannot enter the stadium except at the designated entrance for your ticket. This increases the walking distance but is partially because it is very difficult to walk from one part of the stadium to the other. You seem pretty confined to your area.
The stadium still isnt finished, but it is impossible to tell what is supposed to be there and what is not. For floor seating, there were portable (towed) bathroom facilities (which were well air conditioned) but you would think permanent bathrooms would be installed by now, if they were part of the plan. Much of the first level was not painted so I'm not sure they are done with that part, but it really leaves you wondering.
The people that work there are essentially so clueless that they are of little or no assistance. Areas are very poorly marked (if at all). Much of the entrances are down small hallways much smaller than you are used to at a stadium. I really wonder how this stadium passed fire codes. I'm very serious about that part. I don't know how much that I can stress that access, in, out and around INSIDE the stadium seems to SUCK.
There are suites on ground level (field level) and I have no idea how they will ever be able to see a game. You would think their view would be almost totally restricted of the actual game.
The video screens are massive, and are of exceptional quality. I think that Jerry built the satadium with the thought that the video screen would make up for some of the stadium's shortcomings in other areas. He is a very smart man. I am telling you .... if the big screens werent there, many fans would hate this stadium. But they are very impressive and hide a some flaws in the layout of the stadium.
The concession lines moved at a snails pace, or slower, which is to partially be expected since it was opening night. The good news is that there are very large tv's in the concession areas to insure you don't miss any of the big game.
I am sure that as time goes on that I will learn a few tricks to getting around a little bit easier in this stadium, but it is very different than I expected it to be, and much different than the old stadium. If the finished product involves porta potties on the field level instead of actual bathrooms, somebody got swindled for 1.1 billion.
In sum total, if you look at the stadium as a whole, it is one of the greatest wonders of the world, but when you "break it down" there are going to be a lot of things that people arent going to like about this stadium.
If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer anything that you ask which I can remember about the stadium.
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