Good stuff, although they should be careful about incorporating the current logo and typeface into the actual structure of that baseball press box. There's simply no telling if/when the department opts to rebrand. Changing signage is easy. Changing the actual concrete that forms the structure of a building will not be.
The university has already gone through this. The campus used Futura as its official sans serif font for decades before switching to Proxima Nova a few years ago. Any building that came up in the 1980s into the 2010s has the Futura typeface to identify it, with the ARC and the Memorial Union being among the most prominent. When Chemistry 194 was renamed in memory of Dr. Rock in 2012, the signage across the top is in Futura. Swapping out all of that lettering around the campus would be cost-prohibitive, so StratComm simply allowed for an exception in the use of Futura in the brand guide.
Oddly, the main UC Davis campus logo used two fonts that have been discontinued per the brand guide: the UC is in a stylized Berkeley Black, even though the university switched to Freight Text; while the DAVIS is in modified Futura Black (rather than Proxima Nova). And for all the work Jan Conroy and his staff did to get people out of the habit of calling us UCD rather than UC Davis (since UCD is University College Dublin), the main campus website now has "UCD" in its favicon.
Bottom line: this stuff changes and evolves relatively quickly, often across periods that are much shorter than the lifespan of a building, so the athletics department should tread carefully with this part of its facilities plan.
Bob, Thank you for sharing this industrious effort to provide the student-athletes the best facilities in which to not only to practice, train and perform, but to provide enhanced facilities for fan comfort as they enjoy the talents and support the student-athletes continuing the legacy of AGGIE PRIDE.
I do like seeing UCD keeping themselves “in the game” with updated and new facilities - this is exciting! But I also really do miss the days of Toomey Field, with the antiquated bathrooms under the bleachers (and outhouses!). So many memories there! And so many great games, and fans filling the stadium (I was there when the north end zone bleachers had to be evacuated as the bleachers were sinking into the mud due to a ton of rain and a ton of fans!).
Funny, you're probably among the few fans who both have Aggie track & field interests but also carry nostalgia for football at the Toom. The end zone bleachers spilled onto the track, which not only damaged the surface but also closed down Lanes 1 and 2 during fall practice. It also took out the shot and discus rings on the north end, and the high jump apron and javelin runway on the south end. This probably wasn't a huge deal during Pappa's era and earlier, but by the late 1990s and early 2000s, all sports had become year-round commitments.
When football moved to the new stadium and the end zone grandstands moved to tennis, I can only imagine the Vochatzers and Coach Dewar et al hoisting a celebratory drink for finally getting their facility to themselves.
I also have fond memories of going to football games at Toomey as a kid, but being a bigger fan of track & field than I am of football – and being someone who had to work in the Toomey press box – I was only too happy to see football move to Aggie Stadium.
This is amazing. I’m a bit sad as we may not be around to see this at our age. My husband and I graduated in the 1970’s. I definitely can’t march any more. I have to use a cane now. I am currently hosting I Am Family Children’s Choir from Uganda. They are performing every day and are a hit!
Good stuff, although they should be careful about incorporating the current logo and typeface into the actual structure of that baseball press box. There's simply no telling if/when the department opts to rebrand. Changing signage is easy. Changing the actual concrete that forms the structure of a building will not be.
The university has already gone through this. The campus used Futura as its official sans serif font for decades before switching to Proxima Nova a few years ago. Any building that came up in the 1980s into the 2010s has the Futura typeface to identify it, with the ARC and the Memorial Union being among the most prominent. When Chemistry 194 was renamed in memory of Dr. Rock in 2012, the signage across the top is in Futura. Swapping out all of that lettering around the campus would be cost-prohibitive, so StratComm simply allowed for an exception in the use of Futura in the brand guide.
Oddly, the main UC Davis campus logo used two fonts that have been discontinued per the brand guide: the UC is in a stylized Berkeley Black, even though the university switched to Freight Text; while the DAVIS is in modified Futura Black (rather than Proxima Nova). And for all the work Jan Conroy and his staff did to get people out of the habit of calling us UCD rather than UC Davis (since UCD is University College Dublin), the main campus website now has "UCD" in its favicon.
Bottom line: this stuff changes and evolves relatively quickly, often across periods that are much shorter than the lifespan of a building, so the athletics department should tread carefully with this part of its facilities plan.
I'm sure they will hire you as a consultant and expert witness, Mark.
We miss your skills on the UC Davis campus.
Shade for the fans in the stands is most appreciated.
Ah yes.
Bob, Thank you for sharing this industrious effort to provide the student-athletes the best facilities in which to not only to practice, train and perform, but to provide enhanced facilities for fan comfort as they enjoy the talents and support the student-athletes continuing the legacy of AGGIE PRIDE.
Yes, it's pretty spectacular stuff an a bold and comprehensive plan.
I hope donors step up.
I do like seeing UCD keeping themselves “in the game” with updated and new facilities - this is exciting! But I also really do miss the days of Toomey Field, with the antiquated bathrooms under the bleachers (and outhouses!). So many memories there! And so many great games, and fans filling the stadium (I was there when the north end zone bleachers had to be evacuated as the bleachers were sinking into the mud due to a ton of rain and a ton of fans!).
We all miss Toomey Field, Carolee. And Hickey Gym.
Still remember that November 1977 game when 12,800 fans watched us crush Nevada.
Also the 1969 Hickey Gym game when Bob Hamilton's fast-breaking squad beat Nevada, 122-71. Wow. Just look at that score. Was a thrill to be there.
Funny, you're probably among the few fans who both have Aggie track & field interests but also carry nostalgia for football at the Toom. The end zone bleachers spilled onto the track, which not only damaged the surface but also closed down Lanes 1 and 2 during fall practice. It also took out the shot and discus rings on the north end, and the high jump apron and javelin runway on the south end. This probably wasn't a huge deal during Pappa's era and earlier, but by the late 1990s and early 2000s, all sports had become year-round commitments.
When football moved to the new stadium and the end zone grandstands moved to tennis, I can only imagine the Vochatzers and Coach Dewar et al hoisting a celebratory drink for finally getting their facility to themselves.
I also have fond memories of going to football games at Toomey as a kid, but being a bigger fan of track & field than I am of football – and being someone who had to work in the Toomey press box – I was only too happy to see football move to Aggie Stadium.
Oh yes, Bill was coaching with Sue Williams back in the days the track was a second thought. 😊
This is amazing. I’m a bit sad as we may not be around to see this at our age. My husband and I graduated in the 1970’s. I definitely can’t march any more. I have to use a cane now. I am currently hosting I Am Family Children’s Choir from Uganda. They are performing every day and are a hit!
That's great, Brenda. I'm sure UC Davis will save you a seat at all these sparkling venues
I’m still promoting artists!