I don’t see UT being able to keep Vitello much longer without giving him a new stadium. And the only way that happens IMO is if UT collaborates with the Smokies to build one in or near downtown that the teams share. I don’t see a new stadium being built for UT only, when fans don’t even fill LNS now.
From what I've been told, the joint stadium has been the plan for a bit, but one side has previously been difficult to work with on the project. Not sure if it has changed given recent changes within the last year or two.
He was on the short list for Florida State. And the more he wins, the more he will keep showing up on short lists at good programs when they have an opening.
They ended up paying the guy they hired 700k. We are paying Vitello 400 and change. I think we would match 700k if he continues on this trajectory. Only 9 guys in college baseball making 1 million. If we were willing to pay that for Holly Warlick, surely we'd fork it over for Tony if he really is elite.
Person 1: I'll foot the majority of the bill and we can use it as a joint stadium. Group of people/institution: Sounds great, but it's going to be done this way. Person 1: lol no
My friend with a close connection to Phil assured me that he’s aware the baseball facilities need an upgrade. When I pressed him for some specifics, he didn’t really know. So there’s my helpful not helpful contribution.
I'm assuming now that Phil has football pretty well sorted out, the baseball stadium issue will be figured out pretty quick. If Boyd is named President, I can't imagine that would hurt the issue either.