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In the Blade article today, Sunday, May 1st, reference was made again to the feasibility study which will determine which is best--renovating Anderson Arena or building a new convocation center.

What appears to be clear is that a committment has been made to do one or the other. Now, here's my speculation about some of the issues behind the feasibility study.

Krebs has commented publicly about problems that would be encountered in renovating Anderson Arena. I believe a decision has already been made by University officials that their first choice would be to build a convocation center. Also, consider these points about a feasibility study.

1-Especially in building a convocation center, I believe it would involve public-private financing. Public financing could be sought since a convocation center would also be used for academic and public purposes.

2-The Sebo Center (and perhaps other "Building Dreams" projects) might also play a role here. We can indicate to government officials that we are engaged in a major project that is financed entirely by private funds. In building a convocation center, we also are seeking major private donations, but need additional support through public funds.

3-A feasibility study that concludes a convocation center is the best choice might forestall possible criticism. Let's say bonds paid off by student fees or funds appropriated by the state are a significant part of the project. The recommendations of a feasibility study would give us arguments to defend our decision in the face of possible criticisms.

4-I have a strong feeling that private fundraising is already underway and has met with significant success for this project. This fundraising effort can be described as dealing either with renovation or new construction.

5-I believe that President Ribeau has done a remarkable job of creating positive public attitudes and support for BG. This will be a big plus in the renovation/new construction project.

6-I am anxiously awaiting any reports of what was revealed in last night's gala event launching the public phase of the "Building Dreams" fundraising effort which I understand will take place over the next three years. Surely some kind of public announcement will come soon.

I hope I'm not speaking out of hand here. It's just that I love BG and am excited about its future. So I have high hopes about this project along with many others.

I've done lots of speculating. Maybe some of you would like to join in.

For those who would like to read the article...

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... /-1/SPORTS

I speculate that the university will place great weight on the study in forming a decision.

Salsa wrote:Krebs has commented publicly about problems that would be encountered in renovating Anderson Arena. I believe a decision has already been made by University officials that their first choice would be to build a convocation center. Also, consider these points about a feasibility study.

Salsa. In my experience, it is rare for "real" feasability studies to be done. They are normally used to justify an option that is already preferred, or mores subtly, to demonstrate that the preferred option is "the only viable option" by ruling out other options.

I think Mr. Krebs did well in the interview this story. He acknowledges the fan's affection for AA, and points out that on game night its great, but for all the other nights, it is not.

Karnack predicts a study that shows that:

Renovating AA will make only incremental changes and no new revenue opprotunities..
For the money, a new facility would provide a much more value.
The new facility will cost more, but the study will also demonstrate enhanced revenue opportunities (concerts, etc) in a new facility that will to defray the higher original cost of construction.

The only issue will be where the U will get the dough when the time comes, because it won't be cheap.

I thought that renovating AA had been explored and that it was found to be generally as expensive as a new facility. Renovating AA would be more expensive than one might expect b/c

a) existing structures would need to be retrofited to meet current accessibility codes.
b) AA is nestled in the middle of campus. This would greatly encumber construction work and materials transport.

Perhaps a more "formal" feasibility report is needed as part of the justification for a new facility, especially if we're requesting public funds.

I also have to wonder how disruptive renovating AA would be to campus life. Foot and car traffic would be greatly disrupted and classroom space would be temporarily sacrificed. The adjacent parking lot would probably be consumed by construction equipment. Furthermore, is the BGSU community really in the mood for another ugly construction site in the middle of campus after enduring the construction of the new Student Union?

Food for thought!!!! Toledo Storm in the process of leaving Toledo because they need a new stadium. Here is an idea. Just move the ECHL Toledo Storm to the new BGSU Convo Center. I am sure they would do very well down here. If Toledo does not want to build an arena to support their hockey, let us build it. If you build it, they will come. Right????

Bring them in, just as long as they don't refer to themselves as "Toledo" then thats cool. I always thought someone should have went after the Adorondak when the Rossford Arena project went bust. I am glad they are looking into building a second sheet of ice. We need it.

bgsufan1972 wrote:Food for thought!!!! Toledo Storm in the process of leaving Toledo because they need a new stadium. Here is an idea. Just move the ECHL Toledo Storm to the new BGSU Convo Center. I am sure they would do very well down here. If Toledo does not want to build an arena to support their hockey, let us build it. If you build it, they will come. Right????

About 8 years ago the Rossford Arena / Amphitheatre would have served this purpsose. The "AAA" Detroit Red Wings were going to play there and the arena could have hosted big BG hoops or hockey games and/or invitational tourneys.


That property and amphitheatre that is 60% completed will be a heck of a thing to pick up at a Sheriff's Auction.

That ship has sailed. The Red Wings are currently working with the AHL's Grand Rapids (MI) Griffins and are thought to be very happy with the arrangement.