Practice facility back and forth

KMKAT

All-Conference
Sep 17, 2003
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Let me say this:

$30M is a good starting point.

By time this facility is on paper, it's going to be $55 Million.

Texas Tech just opened up one for $32M and Kentucky is going to have something similar?

I don't think so.
 

cat_in_the_hat

All-Conference
Jan 28, 2004
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I think the bigger issue is Barnhart promised Stoops a new practice facility and he's going to look bad if he lets Cal start ground breaking on one when he can't get the football team started.
I don't live in Lexington so I only get over to that area when I go to Football games and the occasional baseball game. I had heard they have pretty much demolished the old baseball stadium and should be close to breaking ground on the new track facility. Does anyone know if that is true or not? I looked on the UK facilities site and it shows the track facility is in the design stage. That doesn't seem like it's really close to breaking ground if that's the case.
 

Raducanu

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2023
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I think the bigger issue is Barnhart promised Stoops a new practice facility and he's going to look bad if he lets Cal start ground breaking on one when he can't get the football team started.
But Cal raised the money for his himself. Barnhart is footing the bill for Stoops's project out of the atheltics budget. If Cal is essentially offering up a free facility that benefits UK long-term, why the hell isn't Mitch jumping at that? In reality, they would both be completed about the same time. This just makes Mitch look pathetic and like a giant dumbass.
 

cat_in_the_hat

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But Cal raised the money for his himself. Barnhart is footing the bill for Stoops's project out of the atheltics budget. If Cal is essentially offering up a free facility that benefits UK long-term, why the hell isn't Mitch jumping at that? In reality, they would both be completed about the same time. This just makes Mitch look pathetic and like a giant dumbass.
I don't think that's true. On the UK facilities website it says the track facility, upgrade to Nutter, and the stadium scoreboard will be paid for with private funds. Maybe that's not correct but that is what it said.
 

TankedCat

Heisman
Nov 8, 2006
22,792
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But Cal raised the money for his himself. Barnhart is footing the bill for Stoops's project out of the atheltics budget. If Cal is essentially offering up a free facility that benefits UK long-term, why the hell isn't Mitch jumping at that? In reality, they would both be completed about the same time. This just makes Mitch look pathetic and like a giant dumbass.
I'm not sure that matters and as stated, $30m, while free money still will require significant investment from other sources to get it completed.

Barnhart has made it clear (at least until he is told otherwise) that the football practice facility takes priority over basketball.

Not sure why we can't do both if we have seed funding but that is Barnharts world, he is the one that has to stay employed as the AD
 
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sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
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I think the bigger issue is Barnhart promised Stoops a new practice facility and he's going to look bad if he lets Cal start ground breaking on one when he can't get the football team started.
Stoops has not asked for a new practice facility. It's making the Nutter a full fb indoor. Something that is greatly needed. That will require a new indoor track facility.. Kraft center is 15yrs old. Correct? Why would you need a new one? Sounds like a power play by CCC, if he's got "guarantees " on $30 million then he and Barnhart should talk. Sounds like Dr. Capilano needs to sit the two little ones down and have a come to Jesus moment with the both of them.
 

TankedCat

Heisman
Nov 8, 2006
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Stoops has not asked for a new practice facility. It's making the Nutter a full fb indoor. Something that is greatly needed. That will require a new indoor track facility.. Kraft center is 15yrs old. Correct? Why would you need a new one? Sounds like a power play by CCC, if he's got "guarantees " on $30 million then he and Barnhart should talk. Sounds like Dr. Capilano needs to sit the two little ones down and have a come to Jesus moment with the both of them.
refurbished - whatever, I know they want to get the track out of there right?
 
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Raducanu

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Jan 6, 2023
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I don't think that's true. On the UK facilities website it says the track facility, upgrade to Nutter, and the stadium scoreboard will be paid for with private funds. Maybe that's not correct but that is what it said.
Even if it is the case, Mitch is still the one coming up with the funds for it. Cal came up with the funds for his project. So why can't they both move forward?

I'm not sure that matters and as stated, $30m, while free money still will require significant investment from other sources to get it completed.

Barnhart has made it clear (at least until he is told otherwise) that the football practice facility takes priority over basketball.

Not sure why we can't do both if we have seed funding but that is Barnharts world, he is the one that has to stay employed as the AD
I doubt it would require that much more, and Cal raised 30 million in a matter of weeks, so is it really out of the question he could raise the rest pretty easily?

But he can still make it his priority while letting Cal make the basketball facility his priority. They can both happen simultaneously and Fball still be Mitch's priority.

Why does Barnhart have to stay employed as AD? The sooner he is out of UK, the better off UK atheltics will be.
 

ukjenning44

All-American
Nov 21, 2022
3,317
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This is all a distraction from Cal’s terrible performance
Exactly! Cal fed Tucker a lie about having 30m to try distracting from his $hitty coaching. Man is full of excuses! All smoke and mirrors.

Good thing is that I think this was the final straw to seal cow’s fate. He is finished at UK!

Why are we hearing about this now?
Because we’re sucking on the court!
 
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cat_in_the_hat

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Even if it is the case, Mitch is still the one coming up with the funds for it. Cal came up with the funds for his project. So why can't they both move forward?


I doubt it would require that much more, and Cal raised 30 million in a matter of weeks, so is it really out of the question he could raise the rest pretty easily?

But he can still make it his priority while letting Cal make the basketball facility his priority. They can both happen simultaneously and Fball still be Mitch's priority.

Why does Barnhart have to stay employed as AD? The sooner he is out of UK, the better off UK atheltics will be.
I don't completely buy the story that Cal has $30 million lined up and Mitch won't build the new basketball practice facility. What athletic department would turn down $30 million? If that is happening then someone needs to have a conversation with Mitch. I suspect there is more to the story than what we are being told. That being said, they absolutely could be built at the same time. No reason not to if both are funded.
 
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Raducanu

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2023
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I don't completely buy the story that Cal has $30 million lined up and Mitch won't build the new basketball practice facility. What athletic department would turn down $30 million? If that is happening then someone needs to have a conversation with Mitch. I suspect there is more to the story than what we are being told. That being said, they absolutely could be built at the same time. No reason not to if both are funded.
I think it's very plausible because we have seen Cal's ability to raise funds for a multitude of things (mostly disaster related). And he obviously has an abundance of very wealthy former UK players to hit up. Aren't his former players at like 2 billion in earnings at this point?

Not to mention, it puts Cal in a position where Mitch could call his bluff very easily by just giving him the green light. If Cal didn’t actually have the funds, it would be proven pretty quickly.

I think Mitch is just trying to be petty and his hope is it will cause Cal to walk and get Mitch out of that God awful contract he is responsible for. But I think Cal is going to make sure Mitch goes down with him if he goes.
 
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STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
64,878
57,614
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I think it's very plausible because we have seen Cal's ability to raise funds for a multitude of things (mostly disaster related). And he obviously has an abundance of very wealthy former UK players to hit up. Aren't his former players at like 2 billion in earnings at this point?

Not to mention, it puts Cal in a position where Mitch could call his bluff very easily by just giving him the green light. If Cal didn’t actually have the funds, it would be proven pretty quickly.

I think Mitch is just trying to be petty and his hope is it will cause Cal to walk and get Mitch out of that God awful contract he is responsible for. But I think Cal is going to make sure Mitch goes down with him if he goes.
I hope you are listening to Mitch on KSR right now.
 

Raducanu

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2023
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Well, if you are going to have issues with Mitch Barnhart and this specific scenario, it might make sense to at least tune in and hear his side of the story on this. Or you can just live in your echo chamber.

I don't listen to KSR either, generally. I tuned in to hear Mitch today.
Why would you trust what Barnhart it telling you? Wouldn't he just be saying the version that puts himself in the best light?

I don’t listen to either Cal or Barnhart. I look in-between what they are saying, which is where
the truth is.
 

STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
64,878
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Why would you trust what Barnhart it telling you? Wouldn't he just be saying the version that puts himself in the best light?

I don’t listen to either Cal or Barnhart. I look in-between what they are saying, which is where
the truth is.
Again, just listen for yourself and formulate your own take on it. You have to be pretty simple minded to ever think a long term project like this is as simple as "hey Mitch, here's 30 million, let me build a facility." There are so many considerations to make when funding a giant, long term project such as this.
 

Raducanu

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2023
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Again, just listen for yourself and formulate your own take on it. You have to be pretty simple minded to ever think a long term project like this is as simple as "hey Mitch, here's 30 million, let me build a facility." There are so many considerations to make when funding a giant, long term project such as this.
It's really not that hard though. You already have the property and a facility on it. You're essentially just doing a very large renovation. Is there going to have to be planning, budgeting, permits and so forth? Sure! But UK deals with that stuff constantly, it's nothing new or difficult.

If Cal can get the money, it should be a pretty straightforward process. If someone is saying otherwise, they're probably lying.
 
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STL_Cat

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It's really not that hard though. You already have the property and a facility on it. You're essentially just doing a very large renovation. Is there going to have to be planning, budgeting, permits and so forth? Sure! But UK deals with that stuff constantly, it's nothing new or difficult.

If Cal can get the money, it should be a pretty straightforward process. If someone is saying otherwise, they're probably lying.
Again, this conversation would be a lot more productive had you listened to the interview and at least tried to understand the logistics and all the moving parts that would be required. And how long term this project actually would be. It's not nearly as simple as "implode one building and build another one."
 
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cat_in_the_hat

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Jan 28, 2004
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It's really not that hard though. You already have the property and a facility on it. You're essentially just doing a very large renovation. Is there going to have to be planning, budgeting, permits and so forth? Sure! But UK deals with that stuff constantly, it's nothing new or difficult.

If Cal can get the money, it should be a pretty straightforward process. If someone is saying otherwise, they're probably lying.
Mitch explained the situation pretty well. Cal said he thinks he can get $30 million. He doesn't have it currently. The facility he wants to build will cost an estimated $70 million. He didn't tell Cal no. He explained to Cal the process that they would have to go through in terms of design, approval, siting it within the University's oval land management plan, etc. He said it's an 18 - 24 month process from start until a shovel will go into the ground. He said Cal has helped in the past to raise money and Cal believes he can raise at least $30 million for this.

Memorial gymnasium is about to undergo a renovation that has already been through the design and approval process. Construction will start in the next few months. They are not going to scrap that right before construction begins and redesign it, wait another 2 years, because Cal thinks he can raise money he hasn't raised yet. Mitch said he did not tell Cal no. He told him the process they would have to go through to get it accomplished.
 

Raducanu

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Jan 6, 2023
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Again, this conversation would be a lot more productive had you listened to the interview and at least tried to understand the logistics and all the moving parts that would be required. And how long term this project actually would be. It's not nearly as simple as "implode one building and build another one."
Why do I need to hear his lies to know the truth?

Who said it was that simple? Why the need for hyperbole?

Mitch explained the situation pretty well. Cal said he thinks he can get $30 million. He doesn't have it currently. The facility he wants to build will cost an estimated $70 million. He didn't tell Cal no. He explained to Cal the process that they would have to go through in terms of design, approval, siting it within the University's oval land management plan, etc. He said it's an 18 - 24 month process from start until a shovel will go into the ground. He said Cal has helped in the past to raise money and Cal believes he can raise at least $30 million for this.

Memorial gymnasium is about to undergo a renovation that has already been through the design and approval process. Construction will start in the next few months. They are not going to scrap that right before construction begins and redesign it, wait another 2 years, because Cal thinks he can raise money he hasn't raised yet. Mitch said he did not tell Cal no. He told him the process they would have to go through to get it accomplished.
If done right, the process wouldn't take anywhere near that long. They could have it going by season's end if they got on it now.

I can completely understand telling Cal he has to have the money first, and would make him come up with half, but as soon as he could secure that, we should be balls to the wall on making it happen.

Is UK only capable of handling construction on 1 thing at a time or something?
 
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Raducanu

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2023
150
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F a new practice facility...brand new upgraded Rupp...practice where you fricking play!

Use $ for NIL
UK doesn't own Rupp. They don't just get in it anytime they want. Nor is it on campus or easily accessible to players.
 

cat_in_the_hat

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Jan 28, 2004
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Why do I need to hear his lies to know the truth?

Who said it was that simple? Why the need for hyperbole?


If done right, the process wouldn't take anywhere near that long. They could have it going by season's end if they got on it now.

I can completely understand telling Cal he has to have the money first, and would make him come up with half, but as soon as he could secure that, we should be balls to the wall on making it happen.

Is UK only capable of handling construction on 1 thing at a time or something?
You will have to prove to me it can be done in a much shorter amount of time "if done right". How do you know the process the athletic department has to go through to build a project? He laid out multiple steps each project goes through. He said it takes 18 - 24 months with each university project. He said it has to gain funding, approval from the university, approval from the state, design which incorporates title 9 considerations, the site has to fit in with the university's land use plan, etc. Sounds like a long process to me. What information do you have to dispute that?
 

BGCATFAN2012

All-American
Aug 19, 2020
3,765
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F a new practice facility...brand new upgraded Rupp...practice where you fricking play!

Use $ for NIL
Exactly our team shooting is horrible and never practicing in rupp might be more of a problem then we believe. Free Throw shooting is atrocious. Forget the new facilities until we can beat a team with a peacock 🦚
 

Big10Cat

All-Conference
Jan 3, 2003
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It’s pathetic that all of the Title IX garbage has to be pacified to complete a project like this.
 

Raducanu

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2023
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You will have to prove to me it can be done in a much shorter amount of time "if done right". How do you know the process the athletic department has to go through to build a project? He laid out multiple steps each project goes through. He said it takes 18 - 24 months with each university project. He said it has to gain funding, approval from the university, approval from the state, design which incorporates title 9 considerations, the site has to fit in with the university's land use plan, etc. Sounds like a long process to me. What information do you have to dispute that?
You do realize just because someone tells you their version doesn't mean it's always accurate, right?

Have you ever had to go through the process of having a commercial building built from start to scratch? It's a headache and redundant/tedious process, but it can be accomplished pretty quickly if you want it to be. Particularly today. The worst holdup would be on building materials.

The facility is already there, so acquiring the licenses and permits is much easier. That is another huge hold-up, typically.
 

know1

Heisman
Dec 8, 2002
12,855
14,925
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While a brand, spanking new facility would be great, it's not the issue with the performance of his teams in recent years.
 

bnewt

Heisman
May 29, 2001
8,853
11,022
113
But Cal raised the money for his himself. Barnhart is footing the bill for Stoops's project out of the atheltics budget. If Cal is essentially offering up a free facility that benefits UK long-term, why the hell isn't Mitch jumping at that? In reality, they would both be completed about the same time. This just makes Mitch look pathetic and like a giant dumbass.
if the money is going to be donated by former players, why would there be any hesitation
why look a gift horse in the mouth
take the money and run
 
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cat_in_the_hat

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You do realize just because someone tells you their version doesn't mean it's always accurate, right?

Have you ever had to go through the process of having a commercial building built from start to scratch? It's a headache and redundant and tedious process, but it can be accomplished pretty quickly if you want it to. Particularly today. The worst holdup would be on building materials.
This isn't the same as building a commercial building. Not even close. And yes, when you listen to a person he/she can slant what they are saying but you said you don't even listen to Mitch, and yet you know the truth about the situation. You can't really believe that. I know this, the new track facility should be about as straight forward as any project they have. The site was easy to select, the building is not complicated. It's still in the design phase and we are almost 12 months into the process. This project would be far more complicated than that one.
 

STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
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This isn't the same as building a commercial building. Not even close. And yes, when you listen to a person he/she can slant what they are saying but you said you don't even listen to Mitch, and yet you know the truth about the situation. You can't really believe that. I know this, the new track facility should be about as straight forward as any project they have. The site was easy to select, the building is not complicated. It's still in the design phase and we are almost 12 months into the process. This project would be far more complicated than that one.
Guy you're talking to is just sticking his fingers in his ears and saying "LALALALALALALA" while you are talking. Not worth your time, but glad you made it anyway.
 

Raducanu

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Jan 6, 2023
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This isn't the same as building a commercial building. Not even close. And yes, when you listen to a person he/she can slant what they are saying but you said you don't even listen to Mitch, and yet you know the truth about the situation. You can't really believe that. I know this, the new track facility should be about as straight forward as any project they have. The site was easy to select, the building is not complicated. It's still in the design phase and we are almost 12 months into the process. This project would be far more complicated than that one.
How is it not the same or not even close?

Why do you need to listen to that person when I know unbiased people within the atheltics program who will tell me the truth?

The track facility is brand new and isn't essentially just a renovation of an existing facility. They have also taken their sweet *** time with it.
 

yoshukai

Heisman
Dec 21, 2002
29,649
41,901
102
Let me say this:

$30M is a good starting point.

By time this facility is on paper, it's going to be $55 Million.

Texas Tech just opened up one for $32M and Kentucky is going to have something similar?

I don't think so.
It is a distraction put out by Calipari to try and take away attention from the ****** job he is doing. Anyone with an ounce of common sense can see it . I’m sure that practice facility would have made all the difference this year. Give me a break!
 
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STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
64,878
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Some of our fans have bought Tucker's article hook, line, and sinker though. So I guess from that perspective the strategy was a success.
 

cat_in_the_hat

All-Conference
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How is it not the same or not even close?

Why do you need to listen to that person when I know unbiased people within the atheltics program who will tell me the truth?

The track facility is brand new and isn't essentially just a renovation of an existing facility. They have also taken their sweet *** time with it.
I explained why it's different. Maybe you don't understand. The process to get a building built at a university requires university approval and state approval. I don't think you are doing that with a commercial building. Aside from the construction laws you must comply with in both cases, the university project has to comply with title 9 laws. Siting a commercial building is pretty straightforward. Siting a university project is not. It has to fit with the university's land management plan.

You keep talking about renovating. Cal has said nothing about renovating Memorial. He said he wants to build a new practice facility. That's a from scratch, different site, ground up building that will cost more than $30 million, which Cal hasn't raised yet. He said he thinks he can raise that much.

So far you haven't provided any evidence you know what you are talking about. Saying you know someone doesn't mean squat. I can say the same. It doesn't mean anything. Show us specific information that contradicts those time lines and steps that must be completed.