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Ole Miss

OXFORD — Ole Miss' plans to begin a $6 million renovation of Oxford-University Stadium could be put on hold for at least another year, school officials said.

Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone said the school initially hoped to began work on the Rebels' 17-year-old baseball stadium by this fall and have at least one phase of the work complete in time for the start of next season.

But as school officials await word from the Oxford board of aldermen on a partial funding plan, Boone said it's likely the stadium upgrades won't get under way until next summer.

Boone and baseball coach Mike Bianco were among an Ole Miss contingent that met with aldermen last Tuesday to ask the city to contribute $3 million toward the project. That city's contribution would come from revenues from a 2-percent food and beverage tax.

In all, Ole Miss is asking the city to contribute $225,000 a year for 20 years. The city had already committed $2 million from that same tax to help the school build O-U Stadium in 1988.

"I think we have a real good plan, not only for us but a feasible plan for what we're trying to accomplish for our fans and with the city of Oxford," Boone said late last week. "The reaction we got from the board is very positive. Now, they have to do their due diligence with their constituents, so we're kind of waiting. But I think it'll work."

Under the renovations, Ole Miss would add between 850 to 1,000 luxury and club seats to the grandstand area of the 3,500-seat stadium. More space and amenities, including a new scoreboard, would be added to the outfield area. Boone had hoped to complete the outfield work by next season and the grandstand work afterward. Also in the works is a $500,000 office building that would be a part of the baseball complex.

"We were trying to do it in a two-phase deal with the outfield set for this year," Boone said. "But with the way bids and the bonds work, it's probably too late to get it started this year."

— Michael Wallace

I know the city has rights to use the stadium. Some of the summer leagues are played there. It seems to me that the school would do this on their on. There is no reason that the city of Oxford should have to pay to upgrade a stadium that is primarily used for Ole Miss.

Exactly

Oh short-sighted ones, the city DOES have an incentive to participate in the funding ---- the popularity of UM baseball and the ever increasing crowds that come to Oxford to see baseball games has produced much revenue raising potential for the city and its businesses as many of those fans will spend money in the city at restaurants, shops, etc. Even with a partial funding of the improvements, the city's increases in business commerce and tax revenues will more than outweigh such expense, many times over. Also, baseball crowds provide an influx of paying customers during a former traditionally slower period.

Right now, UM is finishing paying for the IPF and studying the prospects for adding a new North End Zone ( similar to the South Endzone) and a renovated West Side and Press Box/Skybox area to Vaught Hemingway Stadium. There is also a need and efforts underway to come up with a plan to renovate Tad Smith Coliseum or build a new arena. Construction on the new Fed Express complex for the student athlete academic support center will be starting soon ---to be completed by fall of '06. So, there is already a lot on the plate of the UM Athletic Department.

IF the funding from the City is approved with respect to the baseball facility improvements, then the total cost of the project for each phase of the two year construction plan, could be spread out over time and covered by UM baseball related revenues and the city's investment, without tapping into needed funds for the other programs referenced above. Nothing wrong with an innovative solution to a need that helps UM and Oxford as well.

On a final note, unless you are a UMAA financial supporter or citizen of Oxford, then you don't have an iron in this fire.

Well I am a citizen of Oxford. I see your point but there are millions coming in donations to take care of the building of athletic facilities. If anything at this time needs to be improved for Ole Miss athletics it would have to be hands down The Tad Pad.

Rebel, my last comment was not directed to you --I assumed you were a financial supporter of UMAA to some degree. I did not know you lived in Oxford though.

True, Oxford is not "obligated" to do anything. But, it sure would be a nice gesture to speed up these needed renovations to the baseball facility ---renovations that would bring even more fans to the games and more customers spending money to the City. Ya think all those occupants of the new premium seating areas are going to dine on just a hotdog at the game? --------no, they will be spending their money at City Grocery, Ole Venice, etc etc etc and the little misses will be shopping on the square. And what about all those retirees now living in Oxford and UM folks buying future retirement pads in Oxford who pay property taxes and spend money there? ---- they are coming due to the entertainment value and activities that both UM and Oxford bring to the table, including some great baseball action. Looks like a "win - win " deal to me (to use a worn out cliche).