I try to keep the negativity to a minimum
But I’m increasingly concerned that even if softball qualifies for a hosting gig in the postseason, that we won’t be able to fulfill the obligation (it’d be an honor, really, for a very successful season. Should not be seen as an obligation).
I’m hardly the first to bring this up, and the fact that a TSL employee pointed this out weeks ago has me extra concerned. Again, sorry for being downer, but this is the sort of thing (in my eyes at least) that could cause Pete to leave. If it happens, it shows a complete lack of effort or interest in the program by those at the top.
Hopefully I’m worrying over nothing, but given the way Whit has treated the program thus far, I would not be surprised one bit.
I haven’t seen this brought up before, but why was it determined that baseball deserved a brand new stadium (a palace when compared to what the softball team has)? It certainly wasn’t because of program success. I know Whit was a baseball guy, so perhaps that’s why? If so, that’s really stupid.
I used to think the Whit hate was over the top, but the overall ****ty results speak for themselves. The softball team is successful IN SPITE OF WHIT BABCOCK. In fact, I'd say the team is WILDLY SUCCESSFUL despite its toughest opponent masquerading as its biggest fan.
It's pathetic.
** Edited by RVAHokie05 at 3/30/2026, 2:43:26 PM
** Edited by RVAHokie05 at 3/30/2026, 2:51:53 PM
** Edited by RVAHokie05 at 3/30/2026, 5:14:59 PM
53 Replies
T
TheFacts
4mo
I'm not sure what you expect the AD dept to do. It's a tough deal that graduation is the same weekend.
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
4mo
a year in advance, and then cancel them if the SB hosting doesn't happen.
It's not that hard.
(In response to this post by TheFacts)
4mo
Our ingrained culture of "can't do" is so pathetic.
(In response to this post by TheFacts)
4mo
I’m pretty sure Tech won’t be the only school in the US with grad ceremonies that weekend. Tech’s also not the only school in a relatively rural locale, so this isn’t a unique issue. Isn’t this part of the reason we have an on-campus hotel?
This also was a predictable issue, so I’d hope arrangements were being made back in the Fall at least. That’s probably a silly suggestion though.
(In response to this post by TheFacts)
4mo
that now makes us unable to host, that wasn't a problem before?
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
4mo
NCAA requires 25 hotel rooms per visiting team
Plus rooms for NCAA Officials. That’s at least 80 hotel rooms within 30 min of the stadium
Many of us don’t believe the athletic department would have the foresight to reserve rooms for potential hosting
** Edited by hokiepro at 3/30/2026, 6:32:09 PM
(In response to this post by vatechcowpatty)
R
RJHokie
4mo
by folks intending to attend graduation ceremonies.
The athletic department is very aware of the issues. It’s unfortunate that the softball regionals are scheduled for the graduation weekend. Clemson turned down hosting the ACC softball tourney this year because it fell on graduation week.
I don’t know if there’s a work around. Not sure if there are hotels in the Roanoke/Salem area with available rooms and meet other NCAA criteria for that weekend.
(In response to this post by hokiepro)
4mo
I’d propose to the NCAA we have dedicated dorms which meet the criteria (rooms plus provide some type of team meeting conference space (classrooms?) adjacent. work with our Hospitality/Tourism management dept to provide a “lab” or experiential learning Summer 1 course in managing an event to its students who’d serve as concierge/hosts. We could provide meals delivered to the dorms via this program and/or Preston’s/Inn at VT or the SAPC.
In other words be creative and have a contingency plan in place. But you know…I’m not qualified to work in logistics or athletics I guess 🤷🏻♂️
** Edited by hokiepro at 3/30/2026, 7:45:45 PM
(In response to this post by RJHokie)
T
TheFacts
4mo
Campus does not bend over for Athletics.
(In response to this post by hokiepro)
2
2hhoop3
4mo
but, that raises a question. Aside from the Metallica concert when has the current VTAD ever thought outside of the box or gone above and beyond for anything?
(In response to this post by hokiepro)
4mo
Had the foresight to pre-reserve enough hotel rooms or if they have the sway to do that with enough local hotels on graduation week
I’m guessing the answer to “is our athletic department proactive enough to take care of this contingency”? Is a resounding “no”
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
T
TheFacts
4mo
That would be a huge financial move just on the hope that VT would be in a position to host.
(In response to this post by hokiepro)
4mo
(In response to this post by hokiepro)
4mo
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
4mo
individual teams etc.
If the HC did that, then I would reallocate some of my meager donations to TSP.
** Edited by IB4TECH at 3/30/2026, 5:45:49 PM
(In response to this post by carhokies)
4mo
And it wouldn’t have to be the biggest or the most fancy.
How about practical? When you view TSP from a network’s center field camera, one of the first things that jumps out is the three trailers that serve as press boxes. A Top 15 program with a trailer park appearance?????
What if you closed in the open areas between the trailers and then covered it with HokieStone?
It wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg and it would totally change the appearance.
And if you wanted to go crazy, add bleachers down the third base line or in left field.
IMHO, that would totally change the appyand perception.
And I bet we could raise money to get it done.
(In response to this post by carhokies)
4mo
What an embarrassment, especially if we are hosting. Why don't we get a bunch of fans to sign a petition to renovate the stadium and send it to our sorry AD. Tell him the fans will pay for it and tell him to stay out of it.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
4mo
There is NO shade for afternoon games. Just extending bleachers to be on top of/behjnd bullpens would be fine for seating capacity
(In response to this post by VTChip)
R
RJHokie
4mo
if some enlightened administrator/executive decides to charge admission we’re gonna need them……😂
(In response to this post by VTChip)
4mo
Just some targeted renovations that improve the overall look while upping capacity a bit and improving the overall fan experience a bit. The key word, as Chip said, is "practical." Most of us would be onboard with donating to something like that.
** Edited by RVAHokie05 at 3/30/2026, 7:05:52 PM
(In response to this post by VTChip)
4mo
made. I say this here because maybe we have one of our own that can handle this.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
R
RJHokie
4mo
the bed on moving forward.
(In response to this post by IB4TECH)
4mo
(In response to this post by RJHokie)
4mo
biggest but would want it seen as one of the nicest in the country. I believe in the past that Pete has said he does not need a big fancy stadium to get results so there's that. This also goes back to what coach said about letting Franklin cook. We need that man to win on the football field because it will greatly help the whole department. If we get a chance to host though there is no way Whit will not make it happen though. I am far from his biggest fan but no way he lets that happen.
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
4mo
(In response to this post by Atlee Hokie)
N
nkhooch
4mo
I think there is a lot more money in baseball, regardless of success. (Popularity of pro baseball game impacts that). Baseball stadiums are bigger and nicer than softball stadiums, most everywhere. Attendance is much higher on average in baseball (probably not this year at VT).
Softball, because of different field dimensions, has to have its own facility while other women's sports can share the facilities with men. So, when you have to build a separate facility, you design it to meet the crowds you expect. TSP will only be full a few games a year. I think the NCState Saturday game was full. Don't think that was the case with the Friday and Sunday games. So, even with our success and no charge for attendance, we still don't pack it out every home game. I know we talk about charging for tickets, but that would likely decrease attendance some and probably not make a dent in funding a new facility.
My understanding is that, when Pete first got here, there was little attendance at home games. So, probably what we had was good enough. Pete has now proven that he will field a top team every year. If facility is a major issue with Pete, then he should put that forth when presented with an offer at another school or discussing a contract with the school to stay. And the university will have to decide how much money it is worth spending to keep a top program vs. just an above average one. We have been able to attract top talent with the current stadium and support facilities. So, it's hard to say our facilities are keeping us from having a really good team. And I am sure there are lots of other good coaches that would come here if Pete leaves.
** Edited by nkhooch at 3/30/2026, 5:20:15 PM
** Edited by nkhooch at 3/30/2026, 5:25:05 PM
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
4mo
(In response to this post by nkhooch)
4mo
The indoor practice facility is outstanding and thanks to many posters on this board, the team has some of the best technology available.
"Come to VT and you WILL get better." That is the Coaches' recruiting pitch and it has landed us some outstanding players.
I feel like we are very close to taking that next step.
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
4mo
important than the stadium itself.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
4mo
I would have attempted to fix the stadium problem. Would have done at least the minimun @VTChip outlined.
All I would have wanted was permanent naming rights, and no, it wouldn't be Atlee Hokie.
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
N
nkhooch
4mo
the stadium next to the indoor track. I am pretty sure we have spent money there. That attracts players and helps development so it's a good investment.
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
H
Hokie-2x
4mo
VA TECH or UVA? They even picked Scott Stadium over Lane. They only picked Techs Tennis Facility.
(In response to this post by nkhooch)
2
2hhoop3
4mo
the criteria? Need more info to understand both Scott/Lane and Tennis rankings.
(In response to this post by Hokie-2x)
H
Hokie-2x
4mo
Take it with a grain of salt but many of them you'd have to agree such as their Baseball, basketball.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
4mo
of them would be all that contentious given what I know, or shall we say think I know, about the facilities at both schools. However, the football stadiums and tennis facilities caught my eye, borrowing a phrase from CFB, as being out of whack.
(In response to this post by Hokie-2x)
4mo
that they dont have better facilities for the most part but Scott is not better than Lane.
(In response to this post by Hokie-2x)
4mo
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
4mo
And Carl Smith with the longest in-game interview in the annals of ESPN.
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
4mo
Why else to Hokies turn out big to Scott and the wahoos don't reciprocate at Lane?
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
4mo
. . . the country. Can't speak to 'amenities' because that's not why I'm there. Most games I arrive to my seat 45 minutes prior to KO and don't leave until the games over.
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
4mo
Stop the ones who can’t sit for 5 minutes from climbing all over me.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
4mo
(In response to this post by IB4TECH)