Computer Science prepares for stadium move

Computer science and engineering is one world – athletics is another.

And the largest thing they have in common is a stadium.

In 2007, many computer science students could be calling Memorial Stadium their academic home.

But a football field between them will probably keep the two somewhat different groups from mingling – destroying the possibility for any sitcom-like situations.

Upon completion of the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex in 2006, the former South Stadium office building will be converted into a computer science and engineering research facility.

The only remnant of athletics will be a visitors' locker room – which will be separate from the facility, said Chris Anderson, Athletic Department spokeswoman.

"A wall will be put up between the two," she said.

After all the framed photos of past players have been stripped from the walls and footballs packed into boxes, the computer science and engineering department will begin remodeling.

Although exact plans are still in the works, Department Chairman Richard Sincovec said a highlight of the facility will be a new home for PrairieFire, the department's supercomputer which currently is stored in the Miller and Paine building at 13th and O streets.

Although athletes and computer enthusiasts will be sharing an address, some computer majors think that's all they'll have in common – they don't plan on watching football practice as they write computer code, or discussing Madden Football 2004's new graphics with Coach Bill Callahan.

"It's not like athletes are going to be taking the elevator up with us," said Stephen Anthony, a freshman computer science and math major.

But on home football games, when the sounds of fans bombard the stadium, students quickly will remember the building is part of the stadium, he said.

Both departments said they don't expect the two groups of students to clash.

Andrew Brinkman, a freshman computer engineering major, said Memorial Stadium was an odd choice for a computer facility, but he thinks it could be an interesting setup.

"With all of the stereotypes, this could work on both sides at once," he said. "But the athletes probably won't even notice we are there."