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Arizona Football: Three Stadium Changes that need to Happen ASAP

By Eric Townsend

Sep 17, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; An American flag is displayed on the field before the Arizona Wildcats play the Hawaii Warriors at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; An American flag is displayed on the field before the Arizona Wildcats play the Hawaii Warriors at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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"As we continue to progress (albeit begrudgingly) through this possibly forgettable Arizona Football season, perhaps better days are on the horizon with dreams of grandeur."

Given the obvious upgrades needed for the current Arizona Football team and roster, that got us thinking what other improvements can be maybe made just outside of the program.

Winning certainly takes money, effort and a myriad of other contributing factors, and as Arizona Athletic Director, Greg Byrne has certainly said in the past, he wants to make football more of a priority here.

Changes have come, and Arizona Football has definitely come a long ways from the John Mackovic days, but there is more room to grow for the program. With recent renovations to Arizona Stadium, we have come up with a few more solutions that would certainly improve things from the fans’ perspective.

Additionally it may help with keeping fans in the seats!

Idea No. 1- Serve Alcohol

It is no secret that adult beverages could feasibly help with attendance issues. Ever since the

Apr 7, 2016; Augusta, GA, USA; A patron holds a cup of beer during the first round of the 2016 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Augusta, GA, USA; A patron holds a cup of beer during the first round of the 2016 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /

University of Arizona moved the baseball team off-site to Hi-Corbett field, the selling of booze

helped raise, and keep the attendance in the stands.

Like it or not, it does help boost attendance numbers.

The biggest challenge however, is the rather large number of Arizona students that attend the game (possibility of underage drinking), as well as the fact the stadium is indeed located on campus which affects licensing.

The innovative and intuitive Greg Byrne, already seems to be doing his homework on this one, and may be coming up with a solution.

It will certainly be interesting to see how the University of Arizona handles this current situation, and what direction that do decide to go in.

Idea No. 2 – Shade

As we had mentioned, Arizona Stadium is a work in progress. The Athletic Department has certainly made strides with the construction of the Lowell-Stevens Facility, the addition of the large video boards, the chairs with seat-backings, etc.

Now it is time to address the perhaps even larger problem, the sun.

Well, we simply can’t make it go away, and playing in Tucson presents its challenges, when weather in late October can still be rather hot.

It is certainly a challenge when scheduling games, because you’re trying to be mindful of the players and fans’ comfortability, however, too late of games certainly can deter fans from even coming who don’t want to be out too late.

Perhaps one thing that could help, is providing a bit more shading a la Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA.

While this certainly wouldn’t eliminate the warm temperatures, it at least makes is a bit more comfortable for the fans sitting in the excruciating heat, and perhaps could help move up those late kick-off times.

Idea No. 3 – Improved Concessions & Restrooms

Such a small thing? Hardly. Renovations are never cheap, and despite it being such a seemingly small and minute idea, it is one I feel could improve the overall fan experience at Arizona Stadium.

Sep 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Television personality Stephen Colbert is dressed as a hot dog vendor prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Television personality Stephen Colbert is dressed as a hot dog vendor prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

It is no secret the stadium is old, and it definitely has that nostalgic feel to it. Built in the 1920s, the University of Arizona has done their best to keep up with the times, as technology and the need for improvement(s) persists.

Now is the time to update it once more, and the bathrooms as well as the concessions are in need of a little of that attention.

Ambiance and fan experience reigns supreme, and you certainly want your fans enticed to come to the games, and ultimately have a good time.

Fan satisfaction drives support, which in turn brings increased revenue (in theory). Again, Byrne must be aware of the challenges regarding Arizona Stadium, and is at least being proactive in trying to get Arizona on competitive footing.

The idea of making improvements from this standpoint would certainly help with the fans. Again, it could potentially drive revenue, and may tempt more fans to come to, and stay at the games, especially if they’re getting a top-notch experience.

Selling battery-powered spray fans and sunscreen at football games would be HUGE! They would sell out each day game guaranteed.

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At Zona Zealots, these are just the ideas and suggestions we feel that could be very helpful for the Arizona Football program moving forward. Have any other ideas and suggestions? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook, and as always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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