menu
Logo
dark_mode
Logo
dark_mode
Ohio Football Topic
Topic: 2 updates for Peden
Page: 1 of 2
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,752
SBH
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 8/11/2026 4:46 PM
The university's new capital improvements plan includes 2 updates for Peden:

1. Renaming of the tower in honor of Bill Hess. This will include updates to the upper floors, including a few VIP suites.

2. Concrete repair, resealing and repainting of the east (student side) stands. Obviously, replacement of those stands is not in the cards. $2MM budgeted for this. Not sure if the folks at Atlantic Coatings will be finished with the Reflecting Pool redo by then...
Last Edited: 8/11/2026 4:47:51 PM by SBH
Kinggeorge4
General User
Member Since: 12/22/2004
Location: Guysville, OH
Post Count: 1,102
mail
Kinggeorge4
mail
Posted: 8/12/2026 12:43 PM
Good to see some of their projects moving forward. So many needs on campus and little money. Fundraising is going to have to be good in order for things to get done. The next few years will be interesting.
GO BOBCATS
GEORGE
cbarber357
General User
C357
Member Since: 9/9/2012
Location: Pickerington, OH
Post Count: 1,262
C357
mail
cbarber357
mail
Posted: 8/12/2026 6:29 PM
Giving the student side a fresh look will be visually impactful, it definitely needed a refresh. I’m not sure where people thought the money for replacing those stands would come from, I think it makes a lot more sense to maintain and improve the existing stands right now and look at more modest additions to seating, like the addition of end zone seating in front of the center from last season, and potentially adding new seating to the other end along with a larger video board. We need to do things that get people to consistently fill the current stadium more often.
Bobcat1996
General User
B1996
Member Since: 1/2/2017
Post Count: 1,264
B1996
mail
Bobcat1996
mail
Posted: 8/12/2026 6:41 PM
Peden Stadium needs major upgrades to the restrooms on both sides of the stadium. It desperately needs an upgrade in almost everything including painting, weed clearance in and around the stadium including near the field. Rust is prevalent all around this old stadium. The stadium is ancient compared to other league stadiums. This football program has been as good as any MAC school the last five and ten seasons. Can’t say that about the condition of Peden stadium.
Last Edited: 8/12/2026 6:44:38 PM by Bobcat1996
Athens
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Alexandria, VA
Post Count: 5,496
mail
Athens
mail
Posted: 8/13/2026 7:00 PM
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
Giving the student side a fresh look will be visually impactful, it definitely needed a refresh. I’m not sure where people thought the money for replacing those stands would come from, I think it makes a lot more sense to maintain and improve the existing stands right now and look at more modest additions to seating, like the addition of end zone seating in front of the center from last season, and potentially adding new seating to the other end along with a larger video board. We need to do things that get people to consistently fill the current stadium more often.
Every seating addition/improvement to the stadium since the 80's has included some form of additional premium seating so I would expect any additional seating to be in that direction over addition of a big grandstand. For the endzones one feature as to how the seats are set up now is students can an experience a game near field level so any premium seating section would detract from that.

With consideration of filling the seats Ohio's crowds are substantially larger for big games. Homecoming, a key MAC game, big non-conference game, early season night games. The big game average since the season after Ohio won its first bowl in 2011 has been 22,000+. The amount of hard seats in the stadium not counting standing areas is actually only 20,140. Of those 20,140 seats 3,104 are chaiback, benchback seats representing 15.6% of the stadium.

Building an additional 2,500 premium seats moves the premium seating percentage to 25%. Can some of that additioal premium capcity be in the form of suites or sections like the Goal Line Patio? Those outdoor spaces add another 280 to capacity. 10 suites with 30 people each adds another 300. A second tower club on the student side would add another 994 seats. Edging up the capacity by a couple of thousand with more premium seatng should be sufficient on top of needed concourse/bathroom improvements.
Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
cbarber357
General User
C357
Member Since: 9/9/2012
Location: Pickerington, OH
Post Count: 1,262
C357
mail
cbarber357
mail
Posted: 8/13/2026 9:10 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
Giving the student side a fresh look will be visually impactful, it definitely needed a refresh. I’m not sure where people thought the money for replacing those stands would come from, I think it makes a lot more sense to maintain and improve the existing stands right now and look at more modest additions to seating, like the addition of end zone seating in front of the center from last season, and potentially adding new seating to the other end along with a larger video board. We need to do things that get people to consistently fill the current stadium more often.
Every seating addition/improvement to the stadium since the 80's has included some form of additional premium seating so I would expect any additional seating to be in that direction over addition of a big grandstand. For the endzones one feature as to how the seats are set up now is students can an experience a game near field level so any premium seating section would detract from that.

With consideration of filling the seats Ohio's crowds are substantially larger for big games. Homecoming, a key MAC game, big non-conference game, early season night games. The big game average since the season after Ohio won its first bowl in 2011 has been 22,000+. The amount of hard seats in the stadium not counting standing areas is actually only 20,140. Of those 20,140 seats 3,104 are chaiback, benchback seats representing 15.6% of the stadium.

Building an additional 2,500 premium seats moves the premium seating percentage to 25%. Can some of that additioal premium capcity be in the form of suites or sections like the Goal Line Patio? Those outdoor spaces add another 280 to capacity. 10 suites with 30 people each adds another 300. A second tower club on the student side would add another 994 seats. Edging up the capacity by a couple of thousand with more premium seatng should be sufficient on top of needed concourse/bathroom improvements.
Agreed with adding more high quality seats. Make things nice enough that the die hards will feel like it’s worth it to pay more for the better seats.

The last thing we need is a stadium that holds 35,000 plus but outside of 1-2 games a year it’s only about 60% full. We would also need to add some serious parking to Athens to handle 10k+ more people on game days.
CatsUp
General User
CU
Member Since: 4/15/2019
Post Count: 953
CU
mail
CatsUp
mail
Posted: 8/14/2026 7:16 AM
I have not attempted to do a serious estimate to try to determine how many it would add but it appears to me that a potential way to add 300-400 premium seats would be to square off the upper corners on the tower side. Might even be cost effective compared to other similarly sized options. A couple steel supports and concrete work?
Alan Swank
General User
AS
Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 7,387
AS
mail
Alan Swank
mail
Posted: 8/14/2026 10:45 PM
I don't quite understand all of this talk about additional premium seats. As of today, there are 75 tower club seats available on a single game basis.
BillyTheCat
General User
BTC
Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 10,860
BTC
mail
BillyTheCat
mail
Posted: 8/16/2026 6:01 AM
Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
I don't quite understand all of this talk about additional premium seats. As of today, there are 75 tower club seats available on a single game basis.
But if you build it, they will come!
FishBates
General User
Member Since: 3/6/2026
Post Count: 265
mail
FishBates
mail
Posted: 8/16/2026 12:18 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
The university's new capital improvements plan includes 2 updates for Peden:

1. Renaming of the tower in honor of Bill Hess. This will include updates to the upper floors, including a few VIP suites.

2. Concrete repair, resealing and repainting of the east (student side) stands. Obviously, replacement of those stands is not in the cards. $2MM budgeted for this. Not sure if the folks at Atlantic Coatings will be finished with the Reflecting Pool redo by then...
A reflecting pool redo?

There are tons of punchlines for that but to keep the peace I'll hold off.
100%Cat
General User
Member Since: 1/17/2013
Post Count: 2,763
mail
100%Cat
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 7:57 AM
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Mike Johnson
General User
Member Since: 11/11/2004
Location: North Canton, OH
Post Count: 1,779
mail
Mike Johnson
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 9:13 AM
100%Cat wrote:expand_more
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Troughs don't bother me. Perhaps because of my army experience - or when in the field the absence of those.
http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author
Deciduous Forest Cat
General User
DFC
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: OH
Post Count: 4,597
DFC
mail
Deciduous Forest Cat
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 11:47 AM
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Troughs don't bother me. Perhaps because of my army experience - or when in the field the absence of those.
not the same reasoning, but I don't care about the troughs either. (does it actually save water? If so, I'm way in favor of it). However the addition of hot water and better hand dryers would move people through the restrooms faster.

and we're talking about the "good" restrooms.
74 Cat
General User
74C
Member Since: 2/23/2005
Post Count: 122
74C
mail
74 Cat
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 1:05 PM
Troughs don't bother me. It's just like being uptown when you belly up to the bar.
100%Cat
General User
Member Since: 1/17/2013
Post Count: 2,763
mail
100%Cat
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 1:37 PM
74 Cat wrote:expand_more
Troughs don't bother me. It's just like being uptown when you belly up to the bar.
I always walk in there and think, "this is what I imagine jail/prison toilets to look like."
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,977
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 3:07 PM
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Troughs don't bother me. Perhaps because of my army experience - or when in the field the absence of those.
We were more civilized in the Navy. Every ship I was on had flush toilets and individual urinals. Cue, oldkatz, for a snarky (but friendly) reply!
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
Mike Johnson
General User
Member Since: 11/11/2004
Location: North Canton, OH
Post Count: 1,779
mail
Mike Johnson
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 3:30 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Troughs don't bother me. Perhaps because of my army experience - or when in the field the absence of those.
We were more civilized in the Navy. Every ship I was on had flush toilets and individual urinals. Cue, oldkatz, for a snarky (but friendly) reply!
My compound in Korea had been one built by the Japanese and used during their long occupation of Korea. My lodging had been a Japanese cavalry horse barn. A description? Primitive seems apt.
http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,752
SBH
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 4:21 PM
100%Cat wrote:expand_more
Troughs don't bother me. It's just like being uptown when you belly up to the bar.
I always walk in there and think, "this is what I imagine jail/prison toilets to look like."
The setup in the men's room at Tony's makes Peden look like the Ritz.
oldkatz
General User
O
Member Since: 12/22/2004
Post Count: 1,468
O
mail
oldkatz
mail
Posted: 8/17/2026 5:02 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Troughs don't bother me. Perhaps because of my army experience - or when in the field the absence of those.
We were more civilized in the Navy. Every ship I was on had flush toilets and individual urinals. Cue, oldkatz, for a snarky (but friendly) reply!
I think you implied your own snarkiness. I'll take the assist.
"All my inside sources tell me I have no inside sources." Salvatore "money bucks" Mafiosiano.
ShoreCat
General User
SC
Member Since: 3/10/2011
Location: Avon Lake, OH
Post Count: 232
SC
mail
ShoreCat
mail
Posted: 8/18/2026 7:33 AM
Peden reminds me of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. It's a dump, but it's a charming dump. On the banks of the Hocking (Lake Erie); troughs (both of them); but still a fun place to watch a game. At least with Peden, you can see tangible evidence of some improvements.

Does the condition of the stadium have any impact on recruiting or attendance? I've never once thought about not going to the game because Peden needs some work. I eat before I enter the stadium, I have never experienced long lines to get a Jackie O's and I take care of business while the game is being played, not at half time. For those 3 hours I'm soaking in the game, my friends, the 110 and just being at OU.

The stadium is a little older, a little rickety and a little curmudgeonly....just like me.
Last Edited: 8/18/2026 7:34:24 AM by ShoreCat
100%Cat
General User
Member Since: 1/17/2013
Post Count: 2,763
mail
100%Cat
mail
Posted: 8/18/2026 8:22 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
Troughs don't bother me. It's just like being uptown when you belly up to the bar.
I always walk in there and think, "this is what I imagine jail/prison toilets to look like."
The setup in the men's room at Tony's makes Peden look like the Ritz.
From a pure gut reaction when you walk in, I don't think anything will ever beat out pre-remodeled Pigskin for worst mens room in Athens.
shabamon
General User
Member Since: 11/17/2006
Location: Cincinnati
Post Count: 7,460
mail
shabamon
mail
Posted: 8/18/2026 9:06 AM
ShoreCat wrote:expand_more
Peden reminds me of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. It's a dump, but it's a charming dump. On the banks of the Hocking (Lake Erie); troughs (both of them); but still a fun place to watch a game. At least with Peden, you can see tangible evidence of some improvements.

Does the condition of the stadium have any impact on recruiting or attendance? I've never once thought about not going to the game because Peden needs some work. I eat before I enter the stadium, I have never experienced long lines to get a Jackie O's and I take care of business while the game is being played, not at half time. For those 3 hours I'm soaking in the game, my friends, the 110 and just being at OU.

The stadium is a little older, a little rickety and a little curmudgeonly....just like me.
It does leave money on the table, at least for me. The lack of space in the concourse limits concessions in terms of available cashiers and options. I barely even bother with it at those 20K+ games. Same with lack of a real team store.
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,977
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 8/18/2026 3:37 PM
oldkatz wrote:expand_more
I hope we never lose the experience of peeing in a trough in the men's rooms of Peden.


(extreme sarcasm alert, I hate the troughs)
Troughs don't bother me. Perhaps because of my army experience - or when in the field the absence of those.
We were more civilized in the Navy. Every ship I was on had flush toilets and individual urinals. Cue, oldkatz, for a snarky (but friendly) reply!
I think you implied your own snarkiness. I'll take the assist.
Great comeback! I see old dogfaced grunts can still dish it out with the best of 'em.
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
MonroeClassmate
General User
MC
Member Since: 8/31/2010
Post Count: 2,376
MC
mail
MonroeClassmate
mail
Posted: 8/19/2026 8:18 AM
ShoreCat wrote:expand_more
Peden reminds me of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. It's a dump, but it's a charming dump. On the banks of the Hocking (Lake Erie); troughs (both of them); but still a fun place to watch a game. At least with Peden, you can see tangible evidence of some improvements.

Does the condition of the stadium have any impact on recruiting or attendance? I've never once thought about not going to the game because Peden needs some work. I eat before I enter the stadium, I have never experienced long lines to get a Jackie O's and I take care of business while the game is being played, not at half time. For those 3 hours I'm soaking in the game, my friends, the 110 and just being at OU.

The stadium is a little older, a little rickety and a little curmudgeonly....just like me.
Ohio Stadium is no treat.

Take your Miami in the morning. Eat at a tailgate, sneak in your beverage and in-and-out for relief on an official review and Peden is the friendliest cost wise to the University facility to watch good football in the country. We are only talking 6 game utilization; why spend a dime more than needed for such little utilization?

As for the Navy, that must be where those $25,000 toilet seats can be found?
Last Edited: 8/19/2026 8:21:45 AM by MonroeClassmate
OhioCatFan
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 15,977
mail
OhioCatFan
mail
Posted: 8/19/2026 11:57 AM
MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
. . . As for the Navy, that must be where those $25,000 toilet seats can be found?
I think that the admiral and captain had those. Us enlisted men had only dorm-quality toilets! ;-)
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org
Last Edited: 8/19/2026 11:57:46 AM by OhioCatFan
Showing Messages: 1 - 25 of 31
View Other Ohio Football Topics
reply
vertical_align_top
vertical_align_center
vertical_align_bottom
add_comment
chevron_forward
MAC News Links
chevron_left
Saturday, October 17, 2026
chevron_right
Who's Online

There are 78 Active Visitors on BobcatAttack.com

78 Guests