I agree completely that Anderson has it's limitations of area (land around and the ROTC use of the building) and the financial portion make it almost impossible. I completely fear two things with a new building:It's the Journey... wrote:First, Toledo SUCKS as a city to host conventions in. We would have something Toledo or Cleveland would not have, accessibility. It would be a very short jump to get off I-75 and into the parking lot for your event. That makes Bowling Green an attractive site right off the bat. I believe there are plans for a parking garage to be built behind the health center now, but that does not mean it will be available. It's first, and primary use, will be for student and faculty parking. What do you propose to do for week night games, shut the garage down at 3PM and hope it empties before the basketball crowd starts to come in? And what about those students who are taking and faculty that are teaching those classes and need to park? Anderson Arena was in a prime location when it was built, but not any longer. In response to adding lounge seating above the student section, where would you relocate the ROTC class rooms that are currently under that seating area? They would have to go somewhere. I am in line with the seating capacity though. I don't want anything more than 7500 seats. But I just don't think there is enough space to put in the offices, lounges, practice space, locker room space, concession stands, restrooms, ADA stuff, sound system, score board, and everything else needed to move Anderson Arena into the 21st century in that one grassy area to the North of the building. We have the opportunity to build something that can be used by many different groups and still not sacrifice an intimate college sports setting, why not take advantage of it? It may be another 50 years before we get to do this again.
1. A building built for other purposes (convention, concerts, hockey, etc) that ends up being a miserable setting for basketball.
2. Too big of a facility to use for the above purposes or graduation and never being capable reasonably filling the seats.
This two problems would completely be avoided with the renovation of AA and I honestly love the place although I am willing to admit it needs major work or replacement.
