UTSA joins Conference-USA (Arlington: moving to, eat, oil)

[Bo]

The Big XII did just lose one of its doormats, when the U of Missouri moved on, so there should be an opening for an uncompetitive newcomer.

[vankai]

Originally Posted by Bo

they'll want hundreds of millions in taxpayer money to build a new stadium along 1604 that offers as much seating.

The only plans I've seen are for a football practice facility at the new sports complex on 1604, with home games to remain downtown.

[JJG]

Originally Posted by Bo

The Big XII did just lose one of its doormats, when the U of Missouri moved on, so there should be an opening for an uncompetitive newcomer.

Yeah, but then you're gonna get that "Big X(II) doesn't want any more Texas schools" line...

[Bo]

Originally Posted by vankai

The only plans I've seen are for a football practice facility at the new sports complex on 1604, with home games to remain downtown.

A new stadium was in the master plan for that area, but apparently plans changed "last year," according to this article in the UTSA student newspaper from a couple of weeks ago.

UTSA breaks ground on sports complex - News - The Paisano - UTSA

Last year, UTSA officials distanced the university from the idea of a Park West stadium, citing a lack of space and the first-class fan and athlete experience at the Alamodome. Hickey solidified this position, saying, “We have a great place to play in the Alamodome, and we do not have enough land at Park West to accommodate a football stadium and the necessary parking. We have a great situation with the City of San Antonio in utilizing the Alamodome and are currently working on finalizing a long term contract for UTSA Football in the Alamodome.”

This is the first I've heard that UTSA might stay in the Alamodome for a long time. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's connected to this new conference move.

[bsofa04]

This is fantastic news for UTSA! This will provide them with a stable conference and higher athletic revenue than they would have received should the WAC. Even with Houston and SMU bolting for the Big East, there's still plenty of regional schools for future rivalries.

But most importantly, Conference USA is a far superior conference to the WAC and Sunbelt both academically and athletically. UTSA should benefit by attracting better recruits and expanding their athletic budget.

[bsofa04]

Originally Posted by Bo

A new stadium was in the master plan for that area, but apparently plans changed "last year," according to this article in the UTSA student newspaper from a couple of weeks ago.

UTSA breaks ground on sports complex - News - The Paisano - UTSA



This is the first I've heard that UTSA might stay in the Alamodome for a long time. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's connected to this new conference move.

My understanding is that the Alamodome is the long term option, with practice facilities as being priority along with a new basketball arena, baseball and softball stadium.

UTSA officials and San Antonio business leaders met a few weeks back to discuss "options" for expediting the building of newer facilities. IMO, UTSA was asking for financial backing to begin Phase 2 and 3 of Park West ahead of schedule. I'm having trouble locating the article, and I will post when I find it, but if you read between the lines it sounds like UTSA was telling them that they are basically leaving the WAC for a better conference and need the financial backing to update our athletic facilities.

Don't be surprised if you hear more of this in the coming months.

Can you say "H-E-B Field....home of Roadrunners baseball"!

[ktulu7]

You guys will get a preview of the "growing pains" still to come for the football program this year, when UTSA travels up to play my Louisiana Tech Bulldogs for homecoming up in Ruston, LA. You can scout us by watching us whip Texas A&M in Shreveport on opening week.

HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS!!!!

[badhornet]

I will surprised if UTSA wins one game this year, but hey you got to start somewhere

[bsofa04]

Originally Posted by badhornet

I will surprised if UTSA wins one game this year, but hey you got to start somewhere

They won four games last season with a bunch of underclassmen. Why wouldn't they win one game this year with an experienced group?

[ktulu7]

UTSA's still playing just "what's left of the WAC" and some FCS teams this year anyway, right? I don't see why they wouldn't win some of those, at least a couple FCS games.