Ice arena renovation

[MooneyRich86]

Anyone have any information on the ice arena renovation and where we
are in the process ? There is no doubt we need an upgrade to help with
recruiting. Have there been any initial plans or renderings that have been
seen ?

[bgpuckster]

Nothing has been put on paper as of yet. Looks like the renovation will be started summer of 2010 at best due to the economy. I wished they would try to build a new one as I think they could raise more money for that project.

[pdt1081]

Project on hold due to the capital funds not being released.

[eastharbor11]

I wrote a fairly lengthy email to Mr. Christopher several days ago that explained my displeasure with the general downward direction of the hockey program and a plea for a greater emphasis on hockey from the University. He replied to me fairly quickly and stated that renovations for the ice arena are planned but didn't get into any specifics. He also provided me with his phone number to discuss my email further.

[MooneyRich86]

Thanks for taking the time. We all have to do the same !

[sbkbghockey]

When funding comes around (and we're close) the only first major upgrade will be a new roof. Although from the inside you won't see any difference. A second phase will include Locker room upgrades and maybe some minor renovations around the arena.

What needs to be done:
Plan A) The new Stroh Center should be made multipurpose like BU, Wisconsin, and many other schools. this gives basketball and ice hockey a great new arena. Although multipurpose arenas cost a little more to run and switch between events, in the long run it'll be cheaper than building two separate arenas and/or continuing to upkeep the ice arena.

Plan B) If the university want to keep the ice arena, a major change that would help would be a completely new roof (higher with a new modern scoreboard). Replacing much of the bleacher seating with new modern seats, except in the sections designated as student sections (saves money and bleachers are easier to stand on). Plus the already planned locker room upgrades, etc.

Plan C) Build a state-of-the-art new 4,000-5,000-seat ice arena. Direct access from benches to lockers and ice, with two separate ice entrances for visitor and BG. Improved traffic flow (zamboni and lockers don’t block ped traffic). Improved and new concessions and souvenir stands/store. Skyboxes and luxury seating along with general admission and student sections. Modern scoreboard and a modern PA system. To save some money the project could be connected to the Stroh Center with a separate ice arena attached to the planned basketball arena. The two could be connected by a large concourse with ticket offices and gathering space.

[ziggy z]

we can't even get 4 million to keep the place functional, how could we ever raise 50 or so million for an entire new arena

[Falcon Fanatic]

The new Stroh Center should be made multipurpose like BU, Wisconsin, and many other schools. this gives basketball and ice hockey a great new arena. Although multipurpose arenas cost a little more to run and switch between events, in the long run it'll be cheaper than building two separate arenas and/or continuing to upkeep the ice arena.

This will never happen based on a conversation I had with Christopher at the "unveiling" presentation at the ice arena awhile ago. I asked him point blank, why they chose not to combine the sports into one building. (fwiw, I prefer to keep the existing ice arena) Apparently they had a feasibility study done to see if they should do that. The study showed too many more negatives than positives for making the building hockey/basketball. Also when they contacted former players to get their input, they were overwhelmingly in favor of improving the current facility.