Combo Basketball/Hockey Arena?

[Salsa]

Does anyone know how Ohio State's combination basketball/hockey arena is working out? Am I right? They do have a combo arena don't they?

I noticed that AD Krebs was at one of the recent BG-Ohio St hockey games. Checking the arena out?

Would a combo arena work out at BG? How reasonable is it to have a multi purpose building for basketball, hockey, concerts, convocations, etc.?

[TG1996]

Does anyone know how Ohio State's combination basketball/hockey arena is working out? Am I right? They do have a combo arena don't they?

I noticed that AD Krebs was at one of the recent BG-Ohio St hockey games. Checking the arena out?

Would a combo arena work out at BG? How reasonable is it to have a multi purpose building for basketball, hockey, concerts, convocations, etc.?

If they DO do it, I hope they don't use Ohio State's as a model. Maybe if they scaled it down, okay, but BG has no need for 19,000 seats. Even when we get the crowds of only around 2,000 at AA or the ice arena, it can still get loud. Get that crowd in something as big as Value City Arena, and you're listening to pins drop. Even 10,000 at the BG-OSU hockey game was quiet. And I'd think there would be a list of a few thousand reasons Krebs went to the BG-OSU hockey game, and none of them involved the arena.

[Schadenfreude]

One of the most common kvetches heard around here is that basketball games haven't been the same since the team moved into Value City Arena. The place is just too darned big.

I worry we would be making the same mistake with a new building.

[TG1996]

I worry we would be making the same mistake with a new building.

ESPECIALLY since it will have to be, at the closest, either by the football stadium, or out by the fieldhouse/tech building strip. If we think students use the "the Doyt is too far of a walk when its cold" reason for football season, can you imagine what they'd say for hoops season? Walking out to the Doyt area at 7pm on a weeknight in January? Brrrrr!!!! Not to mention the parking problems it would bring up... sure there's plenty of space, but certainly they'd start charging for parking, if only to "help pay for the arena", right? Unless they check student ID's in the parking lines, too, (leading to long lines), I could see that being a mess as well.

As "cool" as it may be to have a nice new arena that supported all indoor sports, I think it works better to renovate what we have, and if we start filling them close to capacity reguarly, thinking about expanding then. Until then, a coat of paint and some nuts and bolts is just fine.

[hammb]

I agree with the sentiments that right OSU's new arena is much too large for our needs. I also agree that it really doesn't make much sense to build new arenas when we have a difficult time selling out our current venues. Unlike a professional sports team, I'm not convinced that a new arena alone would increase our attendance any either.

That said, I have been saying for years that if we were to build a new arena it should be a cobination arena. For starters both places are in serious need of a facelift, so killing two birds with one stone wouldn't be a bad idea. Secondly I have to believe that it is more cost effective to build a combo arena than 2 separate ones, or even one new one and one renovation project.

Another thing to think about is that BG is, in essence, a hockey town. I firmly believe that when both teams are going well you will always see more crowds at the hockey games than at the hoops games. The point of this is that these kids around here love hockey. It is an incredibly popular youth sport in BG, and we all know about BGHS' recent success. My thinking is that the town of Bowling Green could really use another ice surface. Whether this means that the uiversity lease the current ice arena, or sell it, I think that there is a revenue source there as well. Obviously I haven't done any research into the matter, but I do think that this is something worth looking into.

Of course everything I just said is all hinging on the "IF" we're going to build a new arena. I stll don't think that is a likely scenario, nor is it necesarily a wise decision to pursue at this point.

[Flipper]

I think something has to be done about AA. It presents too many obstacles to the casual fan or townie. It's a hassle to find parking, you then have to walk a fair distance to get to the arena. It's not very kid or geezer friendly and the concessions suck. Unless you pee out the side or back windows, the bathroom isn't that convenient either.

I love the building, but the "experience" is costing the team some fans....probably. I still wouldn't build anything bigger than 7,000 seats though.

Putting the capability for an ice surface wouldn't hurt...neither would a club level nudie bar.

[golfertk14]

never heard that one

[golfertk14]

let's see if it works for OSU

[momtartin]

I think something has to be done about AA. It presents too many obstacles to the casual fan or townie. It's a hassle to find parking, you then have to walk a fair distance to get to the arena. It's not very kid or geezer friendly and the concessions suck. Unless you pee out the side or back windows, the bathroom isn't that convenient either.

I love the building, but the "experience" is costing the team some fans....probably. I still wouldn't build anything bigger than 7,000 seats though.

Putting the capability for an ice surface wouldn't hurt...neither would a club level nudie bar.

Ah Flipper, the voice of reason, the voice of knowledge. Why can't more people think the way you do?

[BGDrew]

The Ice Arena just needs some new paint and maybe some more seating in the South end, yet I don't really see a need for more seating yet. Oh, and send the banners away for some dry cleaning!

[BGorDeath]

How about we tear down the old student service center building (which I believe is going to be demolished anyway) and build there? As for the nudie bar, I difinitely think some kind of co-op agreement can be made with Deja Vu.

[Schadenfreude]

How about we tear down the old student service center building (which I believe is going to be demolished anyway) and build there? As for the nudie bar, I difinitely think some kind of co-op agreement can be made with Deja Vu.

You mean Bowling Green doesn't already have one?

The girls always say they are trying to pay for college.

[It's the Journey...]

I doubt Paul was "Checking out" OSU's arena. He helped raise the funds to build the place. I am sure he knows what the pro's and cons' are with a facility like that. In a conversation with him some years ago he said he did not like combo facilities. There are too many hassles as far as scheduling. Can you imagine playing basketball at 1 and then hockey at 7? That is quiet a turnover. I think the Ice Arena needs a major renovation, but not replaced. All new seats and luxury boxes can be built into the renovation. I think the Convocation center will be home for men's and women's basketball only; plus concerts, conventions, and commencement. Anderson can be renovated to make a wonderful volleyball facility and not moving it over to a new facility you leave more open time for events that can bring money in for the facility. As far as building the new convo where the student services building it, that it where the new fine arts comples will go.

[factman]

.....and after watching our "crew" change a broken backboard today, I think it would take a minimum of three days for us to change from ice to BB or vice versa!!!

[Flipper]

no doubt...they need to quit paying those guys by the hour for jobs like that.