Renovation of the Ice Arena

[Puckhead]

Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba readers this is the first time I have ever posted anything on AZZ. Please bare in mind that I go back to Jack Vivian and Roger Archer. I have seen Presidents Jerome, Olscamp and Ribeau. I have seen the growth years, the glory years, the decline years and hopefully the rebuilding years.
Why today do I come out of my shell? Some people have said that the condition of the ice arena make it difficult to attract the quality players. Coaches Paluch and Fogarty have said that the Ice Arena is not a deterrent to getting quality players to our school. They say that the tradition, the fans, and the school are the over-riding factors. In the last few years Ron has had his sights set on the on some of the best players in Division I Hockey. One of which is the goalie at Denver, another is at North Dakota,, another gentleman said that he wanted to go to a back east school, he signed with Michigan. Then there is the recruit that committed to BG, un-committed and signed with NMU. This year there was a recruit that was debating over BG, OSU Michigan and BC. Today he signed with Michigan. Yes, I omitted the names.
Ten years ago I said that if OSU would spend 10% of their football budget on the hockey team they would be a national power. Once Markell had the blue prints of the new arena and the commitment from the University the program took off. Two years ago Miami committed to building a new arena. Today Miami is # 1 in this league. Do you notice a tend? The University commits to backing the program; the potential recruits see this commitment and want to go to a first rate program.
Dr. Jerome dedicated the arena in 1967. Dr. Olscamp dedicated the north end zone expansion in 1989. The newest addition which includes the Alumni Lounge was build with private donations. This was spearheaded by Buddy Powers, Rob Blake, Nelson Emerson et al.
The WCHA have stepped forward to improve their facilities. OSU, Mich, MSU, and Miami have stepped forward; and some of the best talent has gone to these schools. Notre Dame has pledges to spend $ 15 million on a facility.
Yes , I know that I now run the risk of people saying that I am impugning our players, far from that. Every player on our team is a quality D - I player. How many of us fans would give the world to be able to put on that BGSU jersey/sweater for just one shift and skate as a Flacon.
3 years ago (or was it 4) money was allocated to study the feasibility of renovating the ice arena. Some time in the near future that study will come out of the Administration.
As I see it the University can: 1) do nothing, 2)repair the arena, 3) do a massive overhaul of the existing facility or 4) attach a brand new facility to the East side of the current facility.
Allow me to send a request to Dr. Ribeau; either option # 3 or # 4. If the potential recruits (and the loyal fans) do not see a major commitment from the University, the recruits will not come, even the loyal fans will depart. This city has seen good hockey, this city expects good hockey, this city will not support a 2nd tier hockey program. I know that this is a bit harsh, but if Dr. Ribeau does not promote a major hockey rebuilding program, he might consider folding the team and save the money. In 1995 when Dr. Ribeau came to BGSU the hockey program was a national power and where are we today?

[Rightupinthere]

First off, welcome.

You cite some real hot issues of late regarding facilities. I'm in the camp that facilities do matter to some extent. More than the coaches say in public.

Pooch is going after the right recruits, but, as you state, there is something which sways their decision to some extent. Is it facilities? Fan support? Tradition? All the above?

Don't know, but I imagine that there is a catalyst which fires all cylinders at the same time. It's a different object for every situation. For us, right now, I see that catalyst being a new/updated facility.

[Jacobs4Heisman]

welcome to the site.

First off, a new building would be a huge boon to the hockey program. I think a new arena would lift us back towards competing for championships ever single year.

Having said that, it's a long ways off. The Sebo Center is priority number one as far as the athletic budget goes. There is also the convocation center study that is due to come out. Basketball is a much more high-profile sport (on the nat'l level), and the money will most likely flow there first, as Anderson Arena is much like the Hockey building -- Full of tradition, but old as sin.

The best case scenario for hockey would be for the State/City/Univ to build a convocation center that could double as a hockey arena. I would rather see a hockey only building, maybe just a bit bigger than the current arena. I think hockey would thrive more in a close setting, like basketball does. I just don't see them building a new hockey building right on the heels of the Sebo and a possible convo center. Money is too hard to come by for our athletic program.

It would be sweet though.

[Freddie]

Hey Puckhead...

Your post sucks.
All your ideas suck.
Your spelling, grammar and sentence structure: sucks, sucks and sucks.
You suck.
Your family, your dog and anyone who agrees with you...or ever DID agree with you, or ever WILL agree with you...you guessed it!



ha ha, only kidding...did I have you going for a minute?
Welcome aboard!!!

[Rightupinthere]

Hey Puckhead...

Your post sucks.
All your ideas suck.
Your spelling, grammar and sentence structure: sucks, sucks and sucks.
You suck.
Your family, your dog and anyone who agrees with you...or ever DID agree with you, or ever WILL agree with you...you guessed it!



ha ha, only kidding...did I have you going for a minute?
Welcome aboard!!!

You had ME going. I just about didn't get to your second sentence.

Don't do that again, roadkill.

[Puckhead]

Freddie,
You suck. Findley sucks, your dog sucks.
May your grandchildren go to the U of M.

You have comp tickets waiting for you at U Conn.
Bill also.
Puckhead

[Freddie]

Freddie,
You suck. Findley sucks, your dog sucks.
May your grandchildren go to the U of M.

FindLAY...not FindLEY.
My dog only acts like that when you're around.
Any grandchild of mine who goes to UM will be disowned at once.

c'ya in Connecticut

[McConvey]

I am not sold on a new arena being the answer. Or at least not the one overriding factor that will push BGSU hockey back into national prominence.

Out here, where I work, we have one of the best buildings in ANY league, but the team hasn't earned an NCAA bid since before that lovely building opened. If the building were all it took, then I'd expect the team here to make NCAA's more often than not, no?

This place is a tough sell. Much tougher than Bowling Green is. It's a small school, commuter campus in an old mill town. Division II, no football.
I guess my point is that if the building was all that mattered, then the team here would be a no-brainer for the NCAA tournament every single season. Alas, it is not.
I think there are a ton of different factors that go into each kid's decision about where he wants to go to school to play hockey. And although the rink is definitely one of them, I don't think it's the one deciding factor very often. For most of the guys I've asked (at any school) it comes down to how well they feel they fit in with the rest of the team and playing time.

My own feeling--and this is purely opinion!--is toward the smaller arenas. I love BGSU Ice Arena and would rather watch a game there than at most of the schools I've visited out here. The atmosphere is better.

[TG1996]

I think that while a new arena would be nice, alot can be accomplished with repairing/overhauling the existing site. As was mentioned in an earlier thread, a second sheet of ice is a must. Not just for getting the "fringe" teams time to skate around the games and varsity hockey practices, but the impression of having a two-rink facility could leave on recruits would be nice. It seems like part of the recruit side of the facilities are being worked on with upgraded locker rooms, and as long as they can continue to promote the Sebo Center as an ATHLETIC facility and not just a FOOTBALL facility, the weight and training rooms in there will be an added plus for recruits of all sports. The team is on the road back, and once it gets there, the Ice Arena will again feel like an incredible place for hockey. We keep hearing about football recruits coming here because they "feel like family", I think hockey seems to be getting that way as well (see Moto's 20 questions thread) and as guys with that mindset and love for the University become juniors and seniors and more involved in the recruiting process, some of those top recruits are bound to pick BG.

Oh, and welcome aboard, Puckhead!

[It's the Journey...]

I like the thought of a new arena, but I don't think we need it. I would like to see a total overhaul of the current arena. I envision a new roof, luxury boxes, better concessions, a second sheet of ice, and fewer seats. I would add a new roof and include boxes or suites in that project. I would make the seating a full bowl, but with all chair back seats. Some have mentioned the students standing and obstructing the view. Well standing on the seats and being 2-3 feet higher doesn't help. Chair back seats will help that, but not totally solve the problem. I would add a second sheet of ice where the tennis courts are now. It would be connected to the existing locker rooms and would add up to 4 more. Having two sheets of ice would be an increased source of income. I would also put in about 1000 seats on the second sheet of ice and have a new press box that would serve both sheets. I would also add special areas for TV cameras. It would be no small project, 15 milliion to do it right, which would include landscaping and all of that. But I do not want to see an all-in-one building. With the demand we have on the ice now any time it is covered is a loss of money.

[BGFan]

My thoughts on this are mixed. If the feasability study comes back stating that we can renovate our current arena much cheaper than putting up a new one with the desired bells and whistles then I'm all for it. The seating capacity is about right given that, even at our height, we've only sold it out maybe twice if my memory serves. Given that, adding capacity isn't necessary and reducing capacity by adding luxury boxes and expanding the press box (as has been suggested) may even be beneficial. Outside of the roof which needs major work, the building is in good shape and is, in fact, still one of the larger venues in D1 hockey even with some of the new buildings that have been put up. There's a lot that can be done to spruce it up: new rubber where the skaters walk would look nice as well as putting rubber down the whole east side hallway for the skaters coming out of the locker rooms. (The carpeting works but it isn't ideal.), expanded/new skate shop, a second sheet of ice with a few rows of seating to accomodate everyone who needs the ice time (youth hockey, high school, figure skaters, etc.) would all be great.

Something needs to be done, but I'm not sure a new building is the answer unless revamping the old one comes close to the cost of putting up a new one. It may, but I find that hard to believe.

[pdt1081]

There's a lot that can be done to spruce it up: new rubber where the skaters walk would look nice as well as putting rubber down the whole east side hallway for the skaters coming out of the locker rooms. (The carpeting works but it isn't ideal.), expanded/new skate shop, a second sheet of ice with a few rows of seating to accomodate everyone who needs the ice time (youth hockey, high school, figure skaters, etc.) would all be great.

Something needs to be done, but I'm not sure a new building is the answer unless revamping the old one comes close to the cost of putting up a new one. It may, but I find that hard to believe.

The rubber matting around the skate shop area is replaced every few years. I don't remember the last time it was replaced, but I think it's only been about 5 years or so. Still, some new wouldn't look bad. I think the carpeting is used for two reasons. First one being cost, the rubber is a lot more expensive than the carpet. The second is probably safety. With the amount of traffic through the areas where the carpet is, the low profile of the carpet allows for less of a tripping hazard. The rubber matting is 1/4" to 3/8" thick.

As far as improvements/renovations go, there are just a few basic things that should be done. The roof should be definate #1 priority. With the installation of video replay cameras being needed for next season, now would be a good time for that. Raise it up a few feet and move the scoreboard over the ice (small one, not a big video board like Value City). Second priority at this time should be upgrading the sound system. A good sound system would allow any announcer to be understood clearly. Would also be very beneficial to the Ice Horizons shows. And, with raising the roof, the current system would need to be taken down anyways.

Things that would be awesome to have, but not really necessary:

• Luxury Boxes
• Video Screen where current scoreboard is on west end (between skate shop and zamboni room)
• 2 Zambonis between periods to allow for more intermission activities
• New boards (although the funny bounces tend to work in our favor)
• Upgraded Press Box
• Sign board by outside (let people know what is going on!)

[BGFan]

New boards are a must since ours no longer meet NCAA safety standards. I believe that those will be replaced regardless of other modifications. I like the idea of an outside sign and video board. As far as raising the ceiling, the roof would have to go up with it (if that's what you're implying) since there's something about the interaction of the ceiling and roof that doesn't allow just the ceiling to be raised. The solar collectors on top of the roof may have something to do with it. If nothing else they need to figure out a way to stop the leaks which has proven to be a difficult thing to do.

I've been in a lot other arenas that have the rubber matting all over the place with little or no problems so, while it may be an excuse not to spend the money, I don't buy the tripping hazard excuse. If you make that whole area wall to wall rubber (which it should be with all of the locker rooms on that side) people will get used to walking through that area just as they do the area in front of the skate shop.

[Freddie]

Freddie's wet dream:

MINOR FIX...Plan A
Tear out all the bench seats on both sides, and replace with fewer 'bucket' seats, eliminating the top 5-6 rows to become boxes and an expanded press box. Turn the north end zone into the rowdyest 'sitting/standing/dancing' student section on the planet. Build "Falcon's roost/club section above zamboni room and skate shop, with seating up to the level of the skate shop ceiling. Total capacity around 4500, but with all the modern bells and whistles. Outdoor signage a MUST, and video replay in the SW corner. A full second sheet with additional locker rooms and seating for 400-500 attached to the SE side...(sorry, tennis courts). Cost $12-14m

MID-MAJOR FIX...Plan B
Everything the same as plan A, including second full sheet, but raise the roof in the existing arena 12-16 feet to accomodate boxes without the loss of the existing 5-6 top rows. Total capacity about 5500. Cost $18-20m

FULL BLOWN PIPE DREAM...Plan C

Brand new multi-purpose convocation center on the site of the present tennis complex, possibly spilling over on to some of the intermural field. New building connects to existing ice arena, and ought to be designed to hold 6500 for hockey, 7000 for bouncyball, 8500 for concerts, etc (including floor seating). Gut the inside of the existing arena, including all existing seating, and extend the west wall about 20 feet (to the edge of the parking lot). Replace the existing ice surface (which runs north-south) with TWO sheets (running east-west). Two full sheets of ice would then be available ALL the time...great news for the community, youth leagues and a true revenue producer. The 'main arena' ice would be covered up with the basketball floor most of the time, only being un-covered for games.
Cost $55-65m, but it enhances lots of sports, and would become a major asset to the entire community.

Does BG have a Ralph Englested?

[Falcon Fanatic]

I cannot remember the details, but I am pretty sure Paluch said the roof CANNOT be raised or changed at all. It has something to do with the strange/unique construction of the building to begin with, ...something regarding keeping the walls standing... Like I said, I really can't remember the exact reason why, but there is a legitimate reason for not being able to change the exisiting roof/ceiling. I will check with him when the team returns from their tourney.