EDT: Fargodome Expansion Vote vs Old Man Yells at Cloud (12-5-23)

[MyOhMy]

Yep, I know. I intentionally did not mention that is its just not very nice way to watch an concert compared to a more intimate arrangement. If I was an artist choosing between Sioux Falls and Fargo who doesn't need a massive venue, Sioux Falls wins hands down. I would also argue Grad Forks is probably a little better, too, but admit that is not nearly as nice as Sioux Falls.

With all that said, the other piece is how much risk on the guarantee side is the venue willing to make. That the part were it may be true the FFD management could not be stepping up enough. Who knows though.

If you're looking for "right sized" and hockey why ignore Scheels Arena?

[LefseBison]

Because I thrive on worry, I worry that the FARGODOME maybe will or maybe has already seen a drop-off in concerts and events due to the vote failing which, of course, would have helped with more bathrooms and opening up corners for better flow and better concessions. These may seem like seemingly "little" things but they are not, and anything that adds (or detracts) from the guest experience can affect booking of events/concerts.

[southcliffbison]

Duel purpose. Basketball the obvious reason plus concerts. The hocoey portion could put bids in for many events. And ues, NDSU would be perfect for hockey

You betcha !!!! Add hockey, hell, add women's hockey while you're at it
so as to not half-ass tank our athletic department. No siree !!!! Let's tank it completely.....really fuck it up !!!! You hockey pucks, Good Lord !!!! If you've got a big, fat checkbook, start writing.

[56BISON73]

Because I thrive on worry, I worry that the FARGODOME maybe will or maybe has already seen a drop-off in concerts and events due to the vote failing which, of course, would have helped with more bathrooms and opening up corners for better flow and better concessions. These may seem like seemingly "little" things but they are not, and anything that adds (or detracts) from the guest experience can affect booking of events/concerts.

Seems as though the FD is pretty busy. I think somebody posted that the FD didnt have a lot of open dates.

[LefseBison]

Seems as though the FD is pretty busy. I think somebody posted that the FD didnt have a lot of open dates.

Well,, this morning, HerdBot said that there were few concerts scheduled and hardly any blockbusters. Post #375.

[HerdBot]

Seems as though the FD is pretty busy. I think somebody posted that the FD didnt have a lot of open dates.

Only 2 concerts + Disney On Ice ,but between the annual events it's certainly busy. You know, Monster Jam, Circus, Pancake Carnival, Rodeo, Rib Fest, State Wrestling, Marathon, Home Show, Boat Show, Sportsmans show, USA Wrestling, Rumble on the Red, High School Graduations etc. Lots of no revenue stuff filling dates

Sioux Falls seems to book a ton of concerts despite having to schedule around USHL Hockey and an Arena Football team. Those teams eat up weekends

The dome really need the addition even more than upgrades. But it needs both

The Red River Valley Fair already has more good shows than the Fargodome and they've only announced half the bands

[Hammerhead]

Because I thrive on worry, I worry that the FARGODOME maybe will or maybe has already seen a drop-off in concerts and events due to the vote failing which, of course, would have helped with more bathrooms and opening up corners for better flow and better concessions. These may seem like seemingly "little" things but they are not, and anything that adds (or detracts) from the guest experience can affect booking of events/concerts.

I doubt any concert promoters care about restrooms and concessions or even know much about the arenas they are negotiating with.

[HerdBot]

I doubt any concert promoters care about restrooms and concessions or even know much about the arenas they are negotiating with.

Grand Forks is much worse than Fargo and they still get shows. Alerus had worse parking, vendors and bathroomd but better concourses.

Sioux Falls smokes both Fargo and Grand Forks

More vendors = more sales

[HerdBot]

Because I thrive on worry, I worry that the FARGODOME maybe will or maybe has already seen a drop-off in concerts and events due to the vote failing which, of course, would have helped with more bathrooms and opening up corners for better flow and better concessions. These may seem like seemingly "little" things but they are not, and anything that adds (or detracts) from the guest experience can affect booking of events/concerts.

The dome should be able to fund most everything minus the conference center, without a sales tax or a vote.

How do they pay for it?

Use the surplus fund earnings to pay for a loan or bond.

Earnings on 40-50 million dollar surplus has to be 2-5 million a year.

I don't know much about loans for municipalities, but my amatuer math says that should cover between 50 to 70 million over a 30 year loan, while keeping the principle mostly intact. We probably don't need that much.

Other funding sources? I oppose raise parking rates but for a capital project, it's smart. Price has gone up $2 in 20 years. You got naming rights too

There is a dome rennovation without sales tax. Probably not quote as nice but it would be a big upgrade

[LefseBison]

The dome should be able to fund most everything minus the conference center, without a sales tax or a vote.

How do they pay for it?

Use the surplus fund earnings to pay for a loan or bond.

Earnings on 40-50 million dollar surplus has to be 2-5 million a year.

I don't know much about loans for municipalities, but my amatuer math says that should cover between 50 to 70 million over a 30 year loan, while keeping the principle mostly intact. We probably don't need that much.

Other funding sources? I oppose raise parking rates but for a capital project, it's smart. Price has gone up $2 in 20 years. You got naming rights too

There is a dome rennovation without sales tax. Probably not quote as nice but it would be a big upgrade

This feedback from you will help me sleep better at night. I truly hope that the FARGODOME people can at least do the bare minimum, if not more, without having it go to a vote "just yet." I am worried that if it goes to a vote and fails AGAIN, failure will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.