Answers from Athletic Director Paul Dee
May 29, 2003
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – – From John W. Tanner: Orlando, FL
Q: Paul – With arguably the premier football program in the country, when will UM and its sponsors finally commit to adding a full screen replay screen to the Orange Bowl? I know we’ve recently renewed our lease, so we know where we’re going to play. I’ve heard putting it where the existing scoreboard is doesn’t work due to sun/glare, and that putting it in the other end zone would eliminate up to 15,000 seats. Please tell me there is a legitimate solution.
A: We are working with the City on this issue at the present time. If we renovate we’ll no doubt add replay.
From Mark Lambert: Father Mountain, North Carolina
Q: Everybody tells me that the Orange Bowl is falling apart. So are you making renovations right now?
A: The City of Miami keeps up the Orange Bowl. Each year a study is done of needed repairs which are then completed by the City. The City is also looking at long-term solutions to the renovation of the Orange Bowl.
From Steve Martins: Fort Worth, Texas
Q: When will the city of Coral Gables approve the parking plan so you guys can fill in the empty seats in the Convocation Center?
A: This will take some time. The City and the University want to know the impact Convocation Center traffic has on our neighbors. We will proceed at the appropriate time.
From John W. Tanner: Orlando, FL
Q : Paul – When the Big East vs. ACC decision is finally made, what is the first year we would participate in ACC conference play for both football and basketball….2004 or 2005?
From Jarrod Oliver,: Cullman, AL
Q: I just wanted to know if moving to the ACC would benefit the University of Miami more than staying in the Big East. And if so, roughly how much more revenue would the university make. Thanks and as always, GO CANES!!
From RUSS KANEY: SUN PRAIRIE, WI
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of either staying with the Big East conference or joining the ACC?Lots of speculation in the paper.
From Robert Colarusso: Washington, DC
Q: Think long-term and make the switch to the ACC. No matter how attractive the immediate offer from the Big East may be, the ACC has a more viable long-term future that will increase basketball exposure dramatically for Miami while not diminshing football competition or national exposure. The ACC has a much more geographically southern presence unlike the Big East and also is a solid baseball conference so, why not do it?
From Jim McAlister: Midlothian, Va
Q: Mr. Dee, I hope that you and the officials at the University of Miami will decide to stay in the Big East Conference. I am a Virginia Tech fan and have really enjoyed competing with the HUrricanes. I feel the move to the ACC would not be in the best interest of many east coast players , coaches, and fans in the long run.
Thank you for your consideration.
