An invitation from Gary Barta

[Kerky]

Anyone else get this email?

Good morning. I’m writing today to extend to you an invitation to join me, Gary Dolphin, and other members of the National I-Club and/or season ticket holders exclusively in a conversation about the intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Iowa.

This one-hour event will take place next Tuesday night – Feb. 5 – at 7:30 p.m. We will call you at the telephone number we have on file at the National I-Club office or in the UI Athletics Ticket Office. As an invited participant, you’ll be provided the opportunity to submit comments and questions. I'm looking forward to our conversation and I'm eager both to answer your questions and hear your comments.

Our goal is to provide fans of the Hawkeyes like you who participate in the National I-Club and/or purchase season tickets an exclusive opportunity to learn more and ask questions about our short-term and long-term plans.

Thank you for your support of our coaches and student-athletes. Your participation in the National I-Club and/or your purchase of season tickets is always greatly appreciated.

As always, Go Hawks! I look forward to your participation in next Tuesday night’s conversation.

Line up your questions boys.

[jabberjaw]

If the first question isn't about GDGD, the whole fuckin' thing is a scam.

[AZmess]

Smh

[Gushawk]

So much hate?

[Gushawk]

BTW, I'm good. I've already emailed Gary my views privately

Would be interested to his response to a question regarding the length of KF's leash in terms of tolerance for more seasons like last or consecutive additional seasons without a "good" bowl...ie gator/outback or better.

[atemp]

I received it. Seems kind of a weird set up.

[Kerky]

Originally Posted by atemp

I received it. Seems kind of a weird set up.

Yeah, I wondering how many people are going to be on the call and how they plan on facilitating it. Probably going to be more than one date and time I imagine.

[atemp]

Originally Posted by Kerky

Yeah, I wondering how many people are going to be on the call and how they plan on facilitating it. Probably going to be more than one date and time I imagine.

I wonder if they would have this type of call if the football team was coming off of a winning season? Maybe Barta has gotten a lot of feedback, and I'm sure it's not positive.

[Gushawk]

I'm not sure what to think of it. Probably an empty gesture prompted by some level of concern over early identification of a possible adverse financial trend, as is true of most "listening tours" of this sort. If so, at least they're worried, I suppose, even if the current appetite for action and ultimatums is limited.

Kirk's on the side comments about Davis' retention being "last stand type stuff" give me some hope that there are some real expectations coming from somewhere that ultimately would be enforced, although perhaps not as soon as would be ideal for the program and athletic department's future.

[Hawkstrat]

I'm almost positive they did one for the basketball team. It's nothing, it's basically a live call in show, I wouldn't read into it.

[atemp]

I don't recall ever getting an email like this in the past. When was the last time they did it?

[douglasbader]

This is the exact same thing they did for Basketball. You call the number and listen as Gary Dolphin asks some pre-selected questions.

[Gushawk]

Originally Posted by douglasbader

This is the exact same thing they did for Basketball. You call the number and listen as Gary Dolphin asks some pre-selected questions.

So this is just general athletic program direction, as opposed to sport specific?

[douglasbader]

Originally Posted by Gushawk

So this is just general athletic program direction?

Yes. I am sure he will give updates on Phase 2 construction, the new scoreboard, future expansion plans and will answer some select softball questions.

Not going to be Football specific.

[Gushawk]

I'd rather time Monstar run a mile than dial into that.

[AZmess]

Damn Gus, you were so close!!

[Gushawk]

The wording did have a very "we're listening; we care about your opinion" vibe to it, IMO.

[atemp]

I listened to this for about 20 to 30 minutes. Observation is that you have two groups:

The yucksters - some guy (Muscatine) asked Barta if he was related to Father Barta in Dubuque. Lady (West Des Moines) asks Gary about reseating and how it is already hard to get in and out because of her hip. Guy III (Atlantic) asks Gary about why Iowa has small crowds for women's bball - everyone yucks it up about Ed Podalak.

The TCB'ers - Girl (Kansas City) why do you guys do a poor job of communicating coaching changes, etc. Lady (Virginia) Iowa's brand sucks outside of the midwest, need to make it national. Some other guy from Chicago asks about performance, etc.

[Kerky]

Originally Posted by atemp

I listened to this for about 20 to 30 minutes. Observation is that you have two groups:

The yucksters - some guy (Muscatine) asked Barta if he was related to Father Barta in Dubuque. Lady (West Des Moines) asks Gary about reseating and how it is already hard to get in and out because of her hip. Guy III (Atlantic) asks Gary about why Iowa has small crowds for women's bball - everyone yucks it up about Ed Podalak.

The TCB'ers - Girl (Kansas City) why do you guys do a poor job of communicating coaching changes, etc. Lady (Virginia) Iowa's brand sucks outside of the midwest, need to make it national. Some other guy from Chicago asks about performance, etc.

I didn't even try and get a question in. Maybe I should have tried, but they announced up front that there were thousands of listeners and there were going to be screening or filtering the questions. I didn't listen for much more than half. I doubt there was anything approaching a tough question for Barta to deal with.

[Jimmie Dimmick]

I listened for less than 2 minutes and hung up.

[L. Wade Childress]

there was quite a bit of good info, most interesting was re: the new massive HD screens and such. they should be ready by this year.

[Gushawk]

Originally Posted by Jimmie Dimmick

I listened for less than 2 minutes and hung up.

+1 ... I only heard Dolph. It sounded like it was going to really suck.

Anyone know if any new substantive information came out of it?

[L. Wade Childress]

ill just steal this from TOS, its easier:

Barta said it will happen this year unless something unforeseen happens. In the South End Zone, they are going to keep the silver support structure which has the Tiger Hawk facing Melrose. However, the entire inside of that structure will be a video board end to end. So, no more tacky advertising or the dual screen approach they have today.

The North End Zone will have two video boards (one on each side) although I'm guessing somewhat smaller than the South. In addition, a "ribbon" will run a vast majority of the North End Zone. I believe that "ribbon" will alternate between scores, stats, and advertising. I went to the Iowa @ Mich State game this year and they had a similar "ribbon" which was impressive.

In addition, there will be a much improved PA system.

They also talked about trying to look at things like wifi in the stadium and increasing cell coverage.

In short, sounds like the UI is putting a lot more money into the 'fan experience' at Kinnick. Barta also has previously mentioned they will be laying new carpet in the press box in the next year or 2 given that it is over 7-8 years old. I can't believe it's been that long since the renovation.

Barta did say tonight that Greg Davis has commented that Kinnick is a very special place compared to stadiums he's coached in. It just validated what all of us know....we just need to get back to having almost guaranteed W's every Saturday at home in the years to come. Go Hawks!

[Gushawk]

Davis is treating Kinnick like his own special toilet.

[valp0guy]

Originally Posted by L. Wade Childress

So, no more tacky advertising or the dual screen approach they have today.

The tacky advertising won't be going anywhere.

[RiotFan]

Its great that they're spending money on video and sound equipment. Maybe now they'll also spend more money on someone with the ability to actually coordinate/produce the "show" appropriately.

[Southsidehawk]

Originally Posted by Gushawk

Davis is treating Kinnick like his own special toilet.

You know Gus, I agree with you. I suppose this will cause to slash your wrists. Anyway, I do not like Ferentz's choice for OC. I suspect we may actually be worse this coming year. However, there isn't much I can do about it. I will be getting season tickets this year. But, I anticipate more 3 yard passes again.

[Kotz]

Originally Posted by Gushawk

Davis is treating Kinnick like his own special toilet.

Usually just before the second half begins until the 3rd quarter is mostly over.

[L. Wade Childress]

do you guys really think that KF hired a dude thats older than him to install and run long term an offense meant for another program?

i just dont think hes that retarded.

[Southsidehawk]

Originally Posted by L. Wade Childress

do you guys really think that KF hired a dude thats older than him to install and run long term an offense meant for another program?

i just dont think hes that retarded.

It certainly appears that he is.

[L. Wade Childress]

if this year looks like last year, ill agree, but i think last year was more the result of a horrific combination of mismatched parts.

[lilzaphod]

I have not recieved a response from my asking for reimbursment for my kidney surgery.

I asked for $80k, but I'll settle for last year's seat donations back.

[Gushawk]

Originally Posted by Southsidehawk

You know Gus, I agree with you. I suppose this will cause to slash your wrists. Anyway, I do not like Ferentz's choice for OC. I suspect we may actually be worse this coming year. However, there isn't much I can do about it. I will be getting season tickets this year. But, I anticipate more 3 yard passes again.

Not slitting my wrists, but maybe a paper bag over my head with anti-Davis artwork (i.e. pictures of the "Davis 3rd and 9" or whatever it is glued to each side) for games next year.

[Uff Da]

Originally Posted by L. Wade Childress

if this year looks like last year, ill agree, but i think last year was more the result of a horrific combination of mismatched parts.

Horrible is a good description of last year.

No reason to think it will be better next season.

[Jimmie Dimmick]

Originally Posted by lilzaphod

I have not recieved a response from my asking for reimbursment for my kidney surgery.

I asked for $80k, but I'll settle for last year's seat donations back.

Greg Davis gave you cancer?

[AZmess]

Poor Gus.

Will you be my valentine?

[Gushawk]

GFGD.

[BuffettHawk]

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/tickets...ts-footbl.html

[Gushawk]

Originally Posted by BuffettHawk

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/tickets...ts-footbl.html

I've got an April 1 calendar reminder set.

[Hawk4Life25]

On the call Barta mentioned something about updating the video boards at Kinnick...not sure if its happening this off-season but its needed.

Someone asked a question about wifi at the Kinnick....danced around it and didn't really give a specific answer.

[CamelTones]

Originally Posted by Hawk4Life25

On the call Barta mentioned something about updating the video boards at Kinnick...not sure if its happening this off-season but its needed.

Someone asked a question about wifi at the Kinnick....danced around it and didn't really give a specific answer.

Im not leaving that up.

[AZmess]

pussy

[lilzaphod]

Originally Posted by Jimmie Dimmick

Greg Davis gave you cancer?

Where the fuck have you been?

[Jimmie Dimmick]

Originally Posted by lilzaphod

Where the fuck have you been?

Knew you had cancer but not that the sumbich GD gave it to you.

We need to avenge Zaph!