NDSU to the MW.....

[Stanger86]

Any chance St Thomas would move up from the Pioneer?

[Peacockfan]

Grand Valley State is in the footprint of MVFC. Not saying they want to, but it would make sense if they did.

[vikingfaithful]

Any chance St Thomas would move up from the Pioneer?

One would think, the Tommies have a master plan well above the Pioneer and Summit leagues.

[laker]

One would think, the Tommies have a master plan well above the Pioneer and Summit leagues.

The Tommies were talking about going to the big time back in the early 80s. Somehow they got to jump from D3 to D1 which I disagreed with, now they want to get into the Big East. Either they have a lot of pull with the Man Upstairs or a lot of dirty pictures on someone.

[Millsy]

The Tommies were talking about going to the big time back in the early 80s. Somehow they got to jump from D3 to D1 which I disagreed with, now they want to get into the Big East. Either they have a lot of pull with the Man Upstairs or a lot of dirty pictures on someone.

There are a lot of Catholic Schools in the Big East, so like minded stick together.

[laker]

There are a lot of Catholic Schools in the Big East, so like minded stick together.

The first time I heard it referred to as The Big Priest I couldn't stop laughing.

[Stanger86]

One would think, the Tommies have a master plan well above the Pioneer and Summit leagues.

Of course, but is it a natural next step?

I agree that the Big East is a natural goal for them, saw that since the day they stepped into Division I. Are Big East programs entirely Pioneer for football if they have one?

[WSUWarriorFan]

Of course, but is it a natural next step?

I agree that the Big East is a natural goal for them, saw that since the day they stepped into Division I. Are Big East programs entirely Pioneer for football if they have one?

Drake is in the Pioneer.
UCONN is FBS.
Villanova is in the FCS, I know they aren't in the Pioneer but don't recall which conference they are in.
I don't believe any of the other schools have football.

[Purple Mav Man]

Are Big East programs entirely Pioneer for football if they have one?

Villanova, UCONN and Georgetown all have teams. UCONN is FBS, other two are Patriot League

[SW_Mustang]

I don't necessarily think the Future State project is a commitment to D2 as much as it is how capital projects are done with the current political and financial environment.

When the time comes (if ever), having championships should not be a consideration.

I only say it's a commitment to D2 because what they are building would be drastically undersized for the MVFC.

I know they're limited based on how much money was provided, but I think if D1 was a real goal, they'd have figured out other arrangements.

Just my opinion though.

I disagree on your point about championships - it should be a major point of consideration, like it was for NDSU. Those 10 FCS titles made this possible. There's a reason the MWC wanted them and not Northern Iowa or something.

[SW_Mustang]

Any chance St Thomas would move up from the Pioneer?

Eventually, yes - I honestly see them as a major player in the FCS once they get around to making football a priority.

I don't think they are ready for this opportunity though.

[vikingfaithful]

Drake is in the Pioneer.
UCONN is FBS.
Villanova is in the FCS, I know they aren't in the Pioneer but don't recall which conference they are in.
I don't believe any of the other schools have football.

Butler is Big East in BB, Pioneer in FB. Private Christian school. Indianapolis, IN.

[njmav1]

I only say it's a commitment to D2 because what they are building would be drastically undersized for the MVFC.

I know they're limited based on how much money was provided, but I think if D1 was a real goal, they'd have figured out other arrangements.

Just my opinion though.

I disagree on your point about championships - it should be a major point of consideration, like it was for NDSU. Those 10 FCS titles made this possible. There's a reason the MWC wanted them and not Northern Iowa or something.

You can always expand seating capacity. Even if it's just to 8000 or 8500, it wouldn't be drastically smaller than the DakotaDome as far as football stadiums in the MVFC. The NCAA doesn't have a seating capacity requirement afaik. Would you rather have 90% of the stadium filled for games or just 30%?

As far as championships- yeah those are nice. But besides football, is NDSU athletics really known for anything else? Mankato at the D2 level has spoiled a lot of fans and alumni because we have so many competitive programs fall, winter, and spring. If you want to make an argument about the administration committing to D2, use that and not the size of the stadium they want to build.

[laker]

You can always expand seating capacity. Even if it's just to 8000 or 8500, it wouldn't be drastically smaller than the DakotaDome

One of the first questions that i asked was if it could be expanded if needed. The answer was yes. There are a number of FCS stadiums that wish they had the crowds that MSU gets.

[njmav1]

One of the first questions that i asked was if it could be expanded if needed. The answer was yes. There are a number of FCS stadiums that wish they had the crowds that MSU gets.

I do think the new stadium would boost attendance even after the "shiny new" factor wears off. It will be a nicer facility with better amenities. Plus the space around the stadium makes pairing game day with other activities possible and attract more people. I don't know if you're going to see 10k football attendance, but it's certainly better than what the Jimmies draw.

And yeah I snuck in a Jamestown reference, so sue me.