The Cost To "Free UAB"

So the Students at UAB have started a "Free UAB" campaign and as proof that the Birmingham Alabama campus is free from their perception of the tyrannical grip of the University of Alabama Board of Trustees, they want a new on campus football stadium. Here is their pitch:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMqjHtq8OTg&feature=player_embedded

Now lets examine the current state of finances in the athletic department as it relates to football. Donations to UAB football dropped 26 percent from 2005 to 20010, according to UAB's most recent NCAA financial reports. In 2009 the football program received double ($2 million) what was projected it would need ($935,552) and still lost $1.7 million.

Does everyone understand why UAB wants a new place to play? Absolutely, yes we do. Are we willing to foot the bill for a 27,500 seat $75 million stadium? I for one say get out of the cellar in attendance in the "Sun Belt Conference" before you expect anyone to take you seriously. In 2011 the Blazers averaged 16,579 in home attendance and everybody is well aware of the routine give away program that is offered at each UAB home game that it took to even reach those abysmal numbers.

It's time to breakout one of the most appropriate if also most overused cliches in the book and remind the Free UAB crowd:  If you can't run with the big dogs, then stay on the Legion Field porch.