Now that I am spending a lot of time on campus, I am beginning to realize just how iconic and eye-catching the new stadium is.
The thing is hard to miss no matter which way you come onto campus.
I have been taking in the view from the Rec Center, which is right across the street, and recently from the Boca Raton Tri-Rail station.
Here is the view from the station, across I-95.
-
-
So, you have this huge outdoor arena, with the tower easily visible from highly trafficked I-95, meaning a prime signage spot, but still no takers for the naming rights.
I know the economy has been down, along with the football program, but still, it seems to me like a pretty prime location and there are still a lot of companies that are doing well.
The restaurant chain Hooters had been interested (seriously), and I thought that was a nice fit.
If IBM had not abandoned its campus, which is just across I-95, that would have been perfect.
But, alas, we wait to see who might step up and decide to put their name on the tower.
This is Boca -- how about Goldman Sachs or J.P. Morgan? Or Publix, or AutoNation, or Home Depot, all which have strong local ties.
In the meantime, FAU is not taking advantage of the situation by putting up a simple FAU sign that could be lighted at night and provide some free advertising for the university.
Just the bare tower, sitting there waiting patiently.
Later...
Comments
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
Sure, the economy is down and it is harder to find a naming rights buyer, but how about pursuing a short term naming partner? How hard would it be to get a company to buy the name for 2 years at a lower price with an option to extend it later? It's painfully obvious that the past FAU athletics regime was in over it's head with the stadium opening. They couldn't sell the place to fans or sponsors (which is ridiculous considering the location and how great the stadium turned out) and the and they were pretty poor at operating the building too. Glad we are finally bringing in new blood.
Also, just wanted to say that it's great to be able to comment on Ted's blog again and not have to wait hours for it to get approved to be posted!
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
And I agree with the sentiments here 100%. Even with a naming sponsor FAU needs to be on the towere too so people driing by know what school that beautiful stadium belongs too and go, "Oh, so FAU is in Boca...nice stadium, let's check out the rest of the school too!"
Get it done FAU admin. get a sign on the ower, it does not cost that much! And build a frigging bathroom facility at the baseball stadium, it makes FAU a joke to any visitior to the games AND is embarrasing to the alumni (ME!).
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
[img]http://www.fauowlsnest.com/itb/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/stadiumconstruction11-14-10.jpg[/img]
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
We could start getting a good AD. Someone needs to build these corporate relations better????
Great article Ted!
GO OWL NATION!
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
You have got to be kidding me. Seriously? SERIOUSLY?
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
I think a short term naming deal for 2 years would be a big mistake. Look at Joe Robbie Stadium and the debacle of their naming rights history. This is a stadium that until last year had 2 football teams, a baseball team, national championship games and super bowls. They totally de-valued their product. Sun Life will be gone as I heard they are pulling their business from the United States. At this point, I am ok with slowing everything down and letting the new AD start the process on his terms. I know we have to move forward, but I think we have already made too many changes (coaching positions) without having the new athletic director in place.
Re: Why doesn't FAU Stadium have a name yet?
That swings far to one side of the pendulum, but so does asking for $20M up front in a commuter market with no historical return to leverage as well.......
Either way, just Hope that someone steps forward, under some pretense, soon!
:)
On a side note:
Still going to call the former Marlins, and current Dolphins and Hurricanes stadium to the South Joe Robbie! It's become like an Ice Cream shop with the flavor of the day...make mine vanilla!