Northwestern home games

[dpodoll68]

According to this writer only a small portion of the endowment holdings are unrestricted and yearly payouts as a whole are limited to 5-6%, with unrestricted holdings typically used for scholarships, faculty support. It appears a large majority of their holdings are locked up in illiquid investments (ie private equity) with their smoke and mirrors projected returns. Could be…problematic for actual future income. I doubt the students and faculty at Northwestern will appreciate a potential chunk of endowment income going towards a legal fiasco and multiple outside investigations (pending legal wrangling).

What is an endowment, anyway? And how can it be spent?

At its founding in 1851, Northwestern’s Charter created a corporation and a Board of Trustees authorized to “acquire, hold and convey property” so that Trustees, guided by prudence and a desire to bolster the University’s educational capacity, can “place out at interest, or otherwise depose of...

dailynorthwestern.com

Yes, I'm well aware of how endowments work, as I have been working in philanthropy for almost 20 years, and specifically in higher ed philanthropy for 13 years. The typical payout is actually more like 4-4.5% for most endowments, more conservative because it allows them to fund ongoing projects while ensuring that they can still grow their endowment in the average year.

Nobody responsible for the endowment likes to pay anything out of it, even for actual core obligations, let alone lawsuits. That being said, a 4% annual return on a $16B endowment is $640M. As I said above, they would recoup a $100M loss in the span of 2-3 months. If they paid Pat Fitzgerald a $100M settlement today, they would be whole again by the 4th of July.

 

[dpodoll68]

I think your understanding of how endowments work and ... this elementary math is just not relevant to real life.

It's not a rounding error to anyone ...

The relevant math is elementary - it's calculating interest, it's not rocket science. Do you think endowment managers use calculus?

Yes, for people managing multi-billion dollar endowments, $100M is a rounding error. You saying that I don't understand endowments, while advancing no argument other than to say I'm wrong, is not convincing. If you want to get in the game, actually make a case, or continue sitting on the sidelines.

 

[howeda7]

I don't to think the Cubs were willing to work with Northwestern from Labor Day weekend though potentially the first week of November.

Have to keep the World Series clear.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Katie! Bar the door!

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

The relevant math is elementary - it's calculating interest, it's not rocket science. Do you think endowment managers use calculus?

Yes, for people managing multi-billion dollar endowments, $100M is a rounding error. You saying that I don't understand endowments, while advancing no argument other than to say I'm wrong, is not convincing. If you want to get in the game, actually make a case, or continue sitting on the sidelines.

Nobody making decisions is doing that math the way you did it. Nobody cares about average joe's income being whatever and the factions of that. That's not how endowments work.

That's not how anything works, not everything is magically relative to some guy's car payment.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

The relevant math is elementary - it's calculating interest, it's not rocket science. Do you think endowment managers use calculus?

Yes, for people managing multi-billion dollar endowments, $100M is a rounding error. You saying that I don't understand endowments, while advancing no argument other than to say I'm wrong, is not convincing. If you want to get in the game, actually make a case, or continue sitting on the sidelines.

Nobody making decisions is doing that math the way you did it. Nobody cares about average joe's income being whatever and the factions of that. That's not how endowments work.

That's not how anything works, not everything is magically relative to some guy's car payment.

 

[Ski-U-Ham]

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Yes, I'm well aware of how endowments work, as I have been working in philanthropy for almost 20 years, and specifically in higher ed philanthropy for 13 years. The typical payout is actually more like 4-4.5% for most endowments, more conservative because it allows them to fund ongoing projects while ensuring that they can still grow their endowment in the average year.

Nobody responsible for the endowment likes to pay anything out of it, even for actual core obligations, let alone lawsuits. That being said, a 4% annual return on a $16B endowment is $640M. As I said above, they would recoup a $100M loss in the span of 2-3 months. If they paid Pat Fitzgerald a $100M settlement today, they would be whole again by the 4th of July.

I understand your point, and most people don’t care about or think about dollar issues until it hits them in the pocketbook. To activists who watch the machinations though, they may care about a significant chunk of yearly income going towards *nothing* rather than funding faculty or student-related costs. Furthermore, the crazy investment return growth over the past 5-10+ years since the GFC cannot be assumed to continue. Knowing nothing how Northwestern is invested except they are very possibly trusting individuals reaching for yield via illiquid leverage, that can turn rather quickly when unpredictable disruptions occur as we have right now.

 

[Some guy]

I understand your point, and most people don’t care about or think about dollar issues until it hits them in the pocketbook. To activists who watch the machinations though, they may care about a significant chunk of yearly income going towards *nothing* rather than funding faculty or student-related costs. Furthermore, the crazy investment return growth over the past 5-10+ years since the GFC cannot be assumed to continue. Knowing nothing how Northwestern is invested except they are very possibly trusting individuals reaching for yield via illiquid leverage, that can turn rather quickly when unpredictable disruptions occur as we have right now.

Let’s say they have to pay Fitzgerald 100 million.

If they budget the big ten media rights deal to pay for it over 3 years, it’s like Northwestetn has a big 12 deal for 3 years to pay for it.

I personally have a hard time seeing Fitzgerald getting much more than 68 million.

They could’ve bought him out for 68 million with no questions asked. They never alleged he did anything wrong, they never alleged he ignored anything wrong.

 

[swede2]

Let’s say they have to pay Fitzgerald 100 million.

If they budget the big ten media rights deal to pay for it over 3 years, it’s like Northwestetn has a big 12 deal for 3 years to pay for it.

I personally have a hard time seeing Fitzgerald getting much more than 68 million.

They could’ve bought him out for 68 million with no questions asked. They never alleged he did anything wrong, they never alleged he ignored anything wrong.

Northwestern likely has insurance defending the claim that will likely pay at least part of any payout.

 

[GopherJack]

Speaking of new stadiums - were any of you Gopher Holers a part of the ground breaking ceremony of TCF Bank Stadium back in 2006, and did you participate in the football carry from the Metrodome to campus and the site of our new stadium? My location was right by Bullwinkles on the West Bank. Great for me as I waited inside the bar, chugged a beer, and when my time was close I came outside and carried the football about 10 yards and followed the procession to the ceremony.

Ground Broken for TCF Bank Stadium - University of Minnesota Athletics

The ceremonial groundbreaking for the new on-campus football stadium, set to open in the fall of 2009, was held this afternoon at the stadium site on the cor...

gophersports.com

 

[Some guy]

Northwestern likely has insurance defending the claim that will likely pay at least part of any payout.

Yes. They have insurance, they have the money even if they didnt


If northwestern pretends they have a big 12 media deal for 3 years instead of a big ten media deal…they’ll have an extra 100 million

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Northwestern likely has insurance defending the claim that will likely pay at least part of any payout.

Yep, but insurers/reinsurers are good at taking in premiums, less good at paying out if there is some sort of contractual weasel room. Ultimately, maybe the attorneys fare best.

 

[MaxyJR1]

All home games on campus in makeshift stadium except tOSU and Illinois will be at Wrigley Field.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

the temporary stadium discussion reminded me of this gem - in 2000, then-MN Twins executive Chris Clouser came up with an idea to play 3 games at a temporary stadium to be set up near the Mall of America in Bloomington. It was supposed to be some kind of a dry run to see if there was interest in a new outdoor stadium. the idea was scrapped due to various objections.

what I remember is Reusse calling the plan "Porta-Potty Stadium"

 

[Word]

what I remember is Reusse calling the plan "Porta-Potty Stadium"

Isn't that name already taken by Camp Randall?

 

[RoseGoldy]

I see we go there next season. I’m guessing they will repeat the on campus makeshift stadium until November when wrigley is available. Wonder which stadium we will play in

 

[60's Guy]

They have a temporary stadium on campus because it is their preference to play the games on campus.
One would figure Northwestern has competent lawyers. My guess is Fitzgerald does not get $60 or $100 million. Fitzgerald's biggest concern is his reputation. He gets a settlement with a no wrong doing certificate compromise from Northwestern is my guess.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

They have a temporary stadium on campus because it is their preference to play the games on campus.
One would figure Northwestern has competent lawyers. My guess is Fitzgerald does not get $60 or $100 million. Fitzgerald's biggest concern is his reputation. He gets a settlement with a no wrong doing certificate compromise from Northwestern is my guess.

Maybe. Even OJ’’s dream team had to rely on Mark Furman compromising the case, a slanted and biased jury to get him off. They had nothing else.

Fitz isn’t acting like a guilty man although sure, he could be bluffing and playing the game. Northwestern, like OJ, has acted like a guilty party throughout.

Northwestern hasn’t shown their cards. They haven’t released the details of their internal report. Either it supports Fitz, or it doesn’t. Does it implicate Northwestern administrators. Why hadn’t/haven’t the police been involved in investigating allegations of sexual abuse. Why were zero players subjected to disciplinary action. Why was every staff member retained except Fitzgerald. Many questions with answers that should point in one direction.

 

[60's Guy]

Maybe. Even OJ’’s dream team had to rely on Mark Furman compromising the case, a slanted and biased jury to get him off. They had nothing else.

Fitz isn’t acting like a guilty man although sure, he could be bluffing and playing the game. Northwestern, like OJ, has acted like a guilty party throughout.

Northwestern hasn’t shown their cards. They haven’t released the details of their internal report. Either it supports Fitz, or it doesn’t. Does it implicate Northwestern administrators. Why hadn’t/haven’t the police been involved in investigating allegations of sexual abuse. Why were zero players subjected to disciplinary action. Why was every staff member retained except Fitzgerald. Many questions with answers that should point in one direction.

No doubt administration bumbled and stumbled....I would just think the attorneys representing them will be A+ and there is enough "How the heck could Fitz not know what was going on for a decade plus." It's his program. (was). Seems impossible to explain it all away with I'm shocked what was going on.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

No doubt administration bumbled and stumbled....I would just think the attorneys representing them will be A+ and there is enough "How the heck could Fitz not know what was going on for a decade plus." It's his program. (was). Seems impossible to explain it all away with I'm shocked what was going on.

There have to be legitimate or credible witnesses in a he said/she said. If you’re starting with assumption Fitz regularly ordered or tolerated sexual assaults, there was a team whiteboard specifying such for years/decade plus then that will color an opinion.

The “hostile work environment” allegations, specifying cultural items like haircuts or behavior well, that’s probably something for the off topic board but my personal opinion is a coach has a right to try to mold a team out of individuals. It’s easy to see how some people will twist that into ugly discriminatory policy.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Yep, but insurers/reinsurers are good at taking in premiums, less good at paying out if there is some sort of contractual weasel room. Ultimately, maybe the attorneys fare best.

They also have insurance and reinsurance for potential legal claims. So there are layers and layers of lawyers and insurers. It's really an Orwellian hellscape.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

They also have insurance and reinsurance for potential legal claims. So there are layers and layers of lawyers and insurers. It's really an Orwellian hellscape.

Truly more bonkers than I’d ever have believed, but that goes for a lot of things I wasn’t fully aware of.

Does homeowners pay out if you burn your own house down, grilling in the living room? I don’t know. Maybe.

 

[MaxyJR1]

 

[MaxyJR1]

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

35k seats.

Video does not look like 35k.

Interesting too that they're selling this on an "NFL" like experience. IMO that might be a mistake, if you want an NFL experience you got that in Chicago ... no need to go out to Northwestern for that.

 

[CWCWCW]

Are there heating coyles?

 

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

I watched a couple of videos from a videographer from Ohio St. from Saturday's gamwe at Wrigley.

He had some pregame field view and field orientation stuff.

He also had a tour of the scoreboard.

 

[MaxyJR1]

We won't see it until at least 2029

 

[MaxyJR1]

Based on 2026 schedule, Labor Day weekend is open so B1G could schedule conference game as the opener. However, with only 4 home B1G games, SDSU could go on the 12th of September as the opener.