No new baseball stadium.

[bmoney214]

So the April edition of The Buddie System came out today. One of the things AD Buddie talked about was the feasibility studies for upgrading Lupton, along with a new indoor practice facility in Lot 7, there goes some of y'alls parking spots.

Here's what Buddie had to say....


Feasibility Studies Launching

In previous updates, I have mentioned that we would be launching feasibility studies to understand the costs associated with large-scale construction projects. We’ve now officially started that process on two specific projects. Project one, we’ll call “Lot 7,” as the impacts of this project would have sweeping effects throughout the department.

The Lot 7 project, as the title implies, would create additional indoor practice space in the parking lot (Lot 7) directly adjacent to the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility. As our department continues to grow and our teams find greater success, the need for additional courts and meeting space for basketball and volleyball to practice is necessary. Those moves would create downstream benefits across the entire department.

The second (and often referenced in this newsletter) project is at Charlie and Marie Lupton Stadium. We have a pressing need to enhance Lupton Stadium with new seating options, upgraded concourses, and premium spaces. An entirely new stadium is not within the scope of the study and is not a realistic possibility.

These feasibility studies are only the first step of many to best inform our leadership on the impacts of those projects, so no need to get your shovels and hard hats ready just yet.

You can read the entire newsletter here...

The Buddie System - April 2026 Update - TCU Athletics

Frog Fans,

gofrogs.com

 

[Sweat Equity]

Yeah. This, uh, sucks, but most saw it coming. The "feasibility study" primarily was a "can we raise the money?" study.

Tough year for Frogball and this one especially hurts.

 

[PurpleBlood87]

So the April edition of The Buddie System came out today. One of the things AD Buddie talked about was the feasibility studies for upgrading Lupton, along with a new indoor practice facility in Lot 7, there goes some of y'alls parking spots.

Here's what Buddie had to say....


Feasibility Studies Launching

In previous updates, I have mentioned that we would be launching feasibility studies to understand the costs associated with large-scale construction projects. We’ve now officially started that process on two specific projects. Project one, we’ll call “Lot 7,” as the impacts of this project would have sweeping effects throughout the department.

The Lot 7 project, as the title implies, would create additional indoor practice space in the parking lot (Lot 7) directly adjacent to the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility. As our department continues to grow and our teams find greater success, the need for additional courts and meeting space for basketball and volleyball to practice is necessary. Those moves would create downstream benefits across the entire department.

The second (and often referenced in this newsletter) project is at Charlie and Marie Lupton Stadium. We have a pressing need to enhance Lupton Stadium with new seating options, upgraded concourses, and premium spaces. An entirely new stadium is not within the scope of the study and is not a realistic possibility.

These feasibility studies are only the first step of many to best inform our leadership on the impacts of those projects, so no need to get your shovels and hard hats ready just yet.

You can read the entire newsletter here...

The Buddie System - April 2026 Update - TCU Athletics

Frog Fans,

gofrogs.com

Build stands between the home bullpen and the batters eye for the students. That frees up two and half sections in the upper deck.

Or just make a terraced area where students can stand or bring chairs to sit in.

 

[TopFrog]

 

[Big Frog II]

We don't need a new baseball stadium. We do need to rip out the existing seats, build new stands out of cement with chairback seats, put the suites and the pressbox at the top. Go down the first and third baselines as far as possible. Bring the roof as far over the seats as possible. As mentioned many times by everyone, more restrooms and more concessions. Now we just need someone to write a big check.

 

[FroggleRock]

So we’re keeping the metal bleachers then. Sweet, glad we’re OK with becoming a mediocre baseball program with high school bleachers now. Awesome.

So Buddie has done what exactly since being here?

 

[Sangria Wine]

So Buddie has done what exactly since being here?

Well he did get Sonny Dykes locked down into an extension…

 

[bmoney214]

Yeah. This, uh, sucks, but most saw it coming. The "feasibility study" primarily was a "can we raise the money?" study.

Tough year for Frogball and this one especially hurts.

So this question is open to anyone that knows. Financially, is it worthwhile to give Lupton a face-lift and upgrade it instead of trying to build a new stadium? Like realistically how expensive will it be to try and upgrade Lupton to the point where it doesn't feel like a FWISD or DISD high school stadium?

I read where Arky's stadium cost around $8.5 million at first and then about another million when they added an additional 20 suites. I'm not talking about the $20-25 mil they spent on the baseball development center, just the stadium itself.

 

[Sweat Equity]

So this question is open to anyone that knows. Financially, is it worthwhile to give Lupton a face-lift and upgrade it instead of trying to build a new stadium? Like realistically how expensive will it be to try and upgrade Lupton to the point where it doesn't feel like a FWISD or DISD high school stadium?

I read where Arky's stadium cost around $8.5 million at first and then about another million when they added an additional 20 suites. I'm not talking about the $20-25 mil they spent on the baseball development center, just the stadium itself.

Well, first, the late Mr. Louden made his pledge on condition/expectation of a new stadium even if it meant his/Walsh addition were the sacrifice. (And for those whom know me, know I know what I am talking abt.)

Second, I am not privy to those numbers, only know what recruits, Schloss and Saarloos were promised: A a new stadium. That is not happening.

We have a top-five stadium in the Big 12, but nothing to be proud of. Sure, we can dress it up, but the broader ambitions tied to S&S (and recruits) will have proven ill-fated promises. The exterior alone would be more than Arky's, to your point.

We need a new stadium. We have few donors left to support such an effort. No blame to be dealt, just facts.

 

[FroggleRock]

I refuse to believe we could fundraise $400 million to tear down and renovate Amon Carter Stadium at the drop of a hat, but can’t fundraise $10-20 million for a brand new baseball stadium. I would rather they wait 10 years and invest whatever money they can get, rather than putting a third application of lipstick on a pig again.

 

[Sweat Equity]

I refuse to believe we could fundraise $400 million to tear down and renovate Amon Carter Stadium at the drop of a hat, but can’t fundraise $10-20 million for a brand new baseball stadium. I would rather they wait 10 years and invest whatever money they can get, rather than putting a third application of lipstick on a pig again.

AGCS effort started 17 year ago. Time changes.

The $10-20mm stadium is off by at least $50-60mm, likely more.

 

[Wexahu]

AGCS effort started 17 year ago. Time changes.

The $10-20mm stadium is off by at least $50-60mm, likely more.

Plus they have annual “NIL” donations to make now as well. Every year. Those aren’t gonna stop if they want competitive teams. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

 

[bmoney214]

AGCS effort started 17 year ago. Time changes.

The $10-20mm stadium is off by at least $50-60mm, likely more.

Do you really think it's off by that much? Most of these new stadiums that are $50-60mil include brand new player development centers also. We already have a pretty good one. I'm talking about strictly just a new baseball stadium.

 

[TopFrog]

I look forward to some upgrades at Lupton which I really hope means additional seating down the first base line.

Let's get more fans in the main grandstand seats. That would be a nice upgrade IMO.

Lupton's a decent facility. Make some improvements now and look at and plan for a new facility down the road.

There are only so many dollars to go around. And a lot of dollars are having to go to new budget lines.

 

[Froggy Style]

I've got no problem with the current stadium. Looks decent, seats the right amount, and unique natural seating that looks pretty fun for families/kids.

 

[FroggleRock]

Do you really think it's off by that much? Most of these new stadiums that are $50-60mil include brand new player development centers also. We already have a pretty good one. I'm talking about strictly just a new baseball stadium.

This too is what I mean. Keep the existing layout of the field, player development area, etc., but tear down the metal bleachers and then build new concrete seating with boxes/suites/club. How is that is that not feasible? There’s no way that costs $60M. Keeping the same metal bleachers and adding to it makes zero sense. It’s incredibly outdated, way too tight in the concourses, and just looks/feels tacky. Totally unacceptable facility for a P4 program that supposedly prides itself on having a top-tier program.

 

[FroggleRock]

I've got no problem with the current stadium. Looks decent, seats the right amount, and unique natural seating that looks pretty fun for families/kids.

Have you been to any other college baseball stadium? Off the top of my head, Baylor, OSU, BYU, Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss, ECU, Wichita State, and SDSU all have significantly nicer stadiums than Lupton.

 

[Froggy Style]

Have you been to any other college baseball stadium? Off the top of my head, Baylor, OSU, BYU, Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss, ECU, Wichita State, and SDSU all have significantly nicer stadiums than Lupton.

So, every time my eyes see something better, I need to stomp my feet, get mad at the AD, and cry that we need to build something better?

Like I said, we have something that is perfectly fine to have a nice time outdoors watching an outdoor game. Who gives a crap if the outside of a stadium that almost nobody sees is more metal than stone...or whatever. Save the money for players...or feel free to donate some money to build something new. Otherwise, just enjoy the ride.

 

[FroggleRock]

So, every time my eyes see something better, I need to stomp my feet, get mad at the AD, and cry that we need to build something better?

Like I said, we have something that is perfectly fine to have a nice time outdoors watching an outdoor game. Who gives a crap if the outside of a stadium that almost nobody sees is more metal than stone...or whatever. Save the money for players...or feel free to donate some money to build something new. Otherwise, just enjoy the ride.

When it’s something that’s been promised to the coaches, players, and fans for the last 10+ years, and the brand new AD says “nah we’re good”. Yeah, I’ve got beef with that. When all these schools who don’t care all that much about baseball and have less money than we do have nicer facilities than a program we supposedly take pride in, yeah I don’t find that acceptable.

Not trying to bite your head off. Just frustrated after broken promises and watching our program slide into mediocrity in the last few years.

 

[Froggy Style]

When it’s something that’s been promised to the coaches, players, and fans for the last 10+ years, and the brand new AD says “nah we’re good”. Yeah, I’ve got beef with that. When all these schools who don’t care all that much about baseball and have less money than we do have nicer facilities than a program we supposedly take pride in, yeah I don’t find that acceptable.

Not trying to bite your head off. Just frustrated after broken promises and watching our program slide into mediocrity in the last few years.

AD doesn't make the decision, the people who hand over their own hard earned money do. Apparently, they aren't ready to fork over the money...perhaps for the same reasons you are frustrated. Perhaps they'll hold it back until they see success come back, or as a carrot for the next coach if it comes to that.