AD Manuel has critics, but many of his moves have flourished Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/uconn

[UConn990411]

What a pompous, douchbaggyish post. Warde hasn't been perfect. He isn't bad either. Calling people the lowest common denominator for criticizing him sounds like something Warde's mother would say.

I'm not talking about the people who criticize Warde's performance as an AD - I have no problem with posters who criticize the way he handled the Ollie situation, even if I don't agree.

My post was aimed at the people who make the donut jokes nonstop.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Sounds like progress from when I lived there. Nobody I knew there would dream of going to Hartford for anything.

I'm sorry if there weren't many Whaler fans down here in the '8o's & '90's (we had closer, longer established and successful NHL teams here at that time) but that is no reason to dis the greatest asset this state has.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I was a big pro-Manuel guy early on but over time I've come to view him as an unmitigated disaster. Even when he does something good he manages to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It would be great if Michigan needed an Associate AD for Something or other and they gave him the job.

Was this because he gave Ollie an extension?

 

[Hoophound]

I'm not talking about the people who criticize Warde's performance as an AD - I have no problem with posters who criticize the way he handled the Ollie situation, even if I don't agree.

My post was aimed at the people who make the donut jokes nonstop.

Well then, I apologize. The donut jokes are stupid and insensitive.

 

[whaler11]

I'm sorry if there weren't many Whaler fans down here in the '8o's & '90's (we had closer, longer established and successful NHL teams here at that time) but that is no reason to dis the greatest asset this state has.

I'm not dissing it at all and I lived there in the 2000s. I'd love to see the school make a better effort in Ffld Cty - but the vast majority of non-alums don't even consider going to Hartford for anything.

 

[Hoophound]

I'm not dissing it at all and I lived there in the 2000s. I'd love to see the school make a better effort in Ffld Cty - but the vast majority of non-alums don't even consider going to Hartford for anything.

That is pretty much true but more so in southern Fairfield County. Greenwich, Westport, Darien etc. are all about NYC, but go any further north and you would pull more than a few of those folks to see Big 10 football. You'd pull quite a few B10 alumns from lower Fairfield too.

Another important factor----as UConn competes with the Michigans and Wisconsins academically, more of the rich folk's kids in Fairfield County will consider UConn. It's probably already happening quite a bit. This will lead to sold football tickets in Fairfield County over time, especially with a B1G schedule.

 

[whaler11]

That is pretty much true but more so in southern Fairfield County. Greenwich, Westport, Darien etc. are all about NYC, but go any further north and you would pull more than a few of those folks to see Big 10 football. You'd pull quite a few B10 alumns from lower Fairfield too.

Another important factor----as UConn competes with the Michigans and Wisconsins academically, more of the rich folk's kids in Fairfield County will consider UConn. It's probably already happening quite a bit. This will lead to sold football tickets in Fairfield County over time, especially with a B1G schedule.

Sure. The issue being the only place UConn joining the Big 10 is a conversation is in this echo chamber.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I'm not dissing it at all and I lived there in the 2000s. I'd love to see the school make a better effort in Ffld Cty - but the vast majority of non-alums don't even consider going to Hartford for anything.

Other than a UConn athletic event, what should we go to Hartford for?

 

[J187Money]

That is pretty much true but more so in southern Fairfield County. Greenwich, Westport, Darien etc. are all about NYC, but go any further north and you would pull more than a few of those folks to see Big 10 football. You'd pull quite a few B10 alumns from lower Fairfield too.

Another important factor----as UConn competes with the Michigans and Wisconsins academically, more of the rich folk's kids in Fairfield County will consider UConn. It's probably already happening quite a bit. This will lead to sold football tickets in Fairfield County over time, especially with a B1G schedule.

Until UCONN is heavily recruited by big NYC companies it is a harder sell. One of my long standing issues. I could go on for days about this.

 

[whaler11]

Other than a UConn athletic event, what should we go to Hartford for?

Doesn't this sort of prove the point?

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Doesn't this sort of prove the point?

What exactly is your point? It seems like you are saying that because those of us down here would prefer traveling 30-40 miles to see a play on Broadway to the alternative of an 80-90 mile trek to Hartford to see something a few levels below Broadway, this part of the state should be viewed as outcasts.

 

[whaler11]

What exactly is your point? It seems like you are saying that because those of us down here would prefer traveling 30-40 miles to see a play on Broadway to the alternative of an 80-90 mile trek to Hartford to see something a few levels below Broadway, this part of the state should be viewed as outcasts.

No I'm saying that people there generally don't consider traveling to Hartford but if UConn could get better support from that area it would be a huge benefit for the programs.

Let's not go overboard with all of Fairfield Cty being that much closer to Manhattan. For one Danbury and Bridgeport are closer to Hartford than mid-town.

 

[J187Money]

My wife and I routinely go to the city for dinner. And I would never go to Hartford for dinner. And I live in Milford.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

If UConn's campus was in Hartford (or no more than a stone's throw away) I could see how 'travelling to Hartford' would add some ancillary benefit to the school. In the world we live in however, I don't see (getting back to an earlier post which you responded that my comment was your point) how only going to Hartford to support UConn athletics does anything to lessen support for the programs.

As far as 'going overboard', I imagine that you need to be quite selective in terms of where in Bridgeport you are departing from and what parts of Manhattan and Hartford you view as your destination in order to claim Hartford is closer than Manhattan. Additionally, my best friend of well over 30 years (I was his best man, he was mine, I am godfather to his son and he is godfather to mine) has lived in Danbury for nearly 20 years. He and his wife travel to NYC more often than I do and have never complained about the trip. When I worked in Hartford (for nearly five years from the mid to late 1990's) I invited him to many events that were going on there and his excuse always was that it was too much of a hassle to get to Hartford.

Both aside, if all other things (distance, ease of travel) were equal do you really believe that there would be any reason (beyond UConn sports) to choose Hartford over NYC?

Sorry for rambling but I really would like an answer to this question (which sort of ended the first statement in this post): How does going to Hartford for non UConn events support the athletic programs?

 

[Hoophound]

With all due respect, as someone that has lived in Hartford, Boston, NYC, Fairfield County and Miami, I'd rather see most major events in Hartford vs any of the others. It is easy to get in and out and on event nights, its fun. I also like West Hartford Center in conjunction with games, concerts and plays in Hartford. The idea that going to NYC is always better than Hartford isn't true in my mind. I've never been stuck in traffic for 3-6 hours just outside Hartford due to accidents etc. I've been stuck in obscene northbound traffic out of NYC many times. I've never had issues parking in Hartford and I've never had any other significant hassle in Hartford. It is a piece of cake to go to events there.

 

[whaler11]

I'm not arguing there is any reason to visit Hartford. I work there and have lived there. It's a hell hole. The vast majority of non-UConn alums in Fairfield County won't travel to Hartford or East Hartford for anything - including UConn games.

It's certainly not easier to drive to NYC from Danbury or Bridgeport than it is Hartford. Danbury is 57 miles from Hartford and 66 miles from MSG. Bridgeport is 55 miles from Hartford and 59 from MSG. Is anyone going to argue there is less traffic between Bport and Manhattan than Bport and Hartford? Come on.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Hoophound, I imagine that this is a case of familiarity being the root of the preference. I've always found NYC to be far easier to enter, park and exit than Hartford. In NYC you can always find parking. In Hartford, unless you know all of the facilities very well, you are taking a chance at getting shut out and spending 40 minutes trying to find somewhere to leave your car.

When I worked in Hartford I dealt with the worst rush hour traffic that I've ever dealt with; everyone, from all directions is heading to one place and the only option is which leg of 84 (eastbound or westbound) or 91 (northbound or southbound) that will get you there. Granted, most commutes of any distance while living and working down here were departing Stamford so I have caught a bit of a break with that (I doubt that I would survive commuting into Stamford from say Bridgeport or further) but the only time I was stuck for hours was a few times commuting home from Hartford. 91 south was a longer route but I began taking that (to 695 west I believe) when there seemed to be an accident on 84 west every evening. One day (I think it was late May 1996) we were at a full stop on 91 south, barely out of Hartford when we saw helicopters flying over. Everyone turned their cars off and waited (sat on the hood as it was a beautiful day) for about two and a half hours before traffic started moving again. A barely 30 mile commute took 80-90 minutes on a good day (except for mornings when I left the house at 5:30 am, then I could get there in half an hour).

Again, I know NYC far better than I know Hartford and this plays a large role in my feelings for both cities(I imagine that the same can be said for you). Add to the equation that you are talking 30 miles (to NYC) vs 90 miles (to Hartford), it would be silly to go to Hartford for something that you can see in NYC. From my perspective (and this was the case from 1995-1999) if it were 30 miles to Hartford vs 90 miles to NYC I still would choose NYC in most cases.

 

[J187Money]

Also, the closer you get to NYC, the quicker the train is. No traffic at all.

 

[Hoophound]

I wasn't making an argument for driving an extra 50 miles to Hartford rather than head to NYC. My point was that I would think someone in Fairfield County that wants to see or is considering seeing a UConn game or maybe a concert in Hartford should be a little more open to it. I have literally bounced around NYC until 2pm, gone to Greenwich, showered, been to Pizza Post on Rt 1 and then headed to Hartford for a bball game with no real rush at all. It just isn't a big deal.

Familiarity with the area makes me more comfortable doing it but still, learning to get in and out of Hartford is very easy. One thing about Hartford, there generally is very little traffic after 6pm and on weekends. So traffic rarely factors into going to an event.

 

[Nostical]

Doesn't it all come down to desire? Measuring the difference in miles, time or parking between New York and Hartford only masks that reality. If you were to drill down, you would find that the real reason those Danbury folks prefer dining or entertainment in NYC over Hartford has less to do with time and traffic, and more about what's waiting at the end of the trip. We drive 2 hours from Boston and 2 hours back to almost every game. We don't talk about the time, traffic or tolls being an impediment. Why? Because we really want to be at these games. So we make the time and find the money. And we're certainly not alone. Many others with a desire to be at UConn football games do so as well. For downstate residents, UConn football must become the place to be. Creative marketing, promotion and outreach campaigns in Fairfield County need to be implemented with a sense of urgency. Then, coupled with on-field success, Husky football can become a curiosity that translates into attendance and enjoyment, hopefully kindling a desire to make these games a priority in their lives.

 

[whaler11]

Listen Hartford sucks but you can't find parking if you don't know the facilities? There are a plethora of lots that are $5 that are seconds off 84. The traffic in Hartford is absolutely nothing compared to Fairfield County to argue the opposite is crazy talk.

I'm not saying anyone should come to Hartford for any reason but at least stick to reality.

You are sort of confirming my original point anyway FCF. People from Ffld Cty don't want to go to Hartford - and they will give you every reason (some true, some not) in the world why they shouldn't.

 

[J187Money]

Right. And in fact, the only reason I EVER go to Hartford is for Uconn games. Without a Uconn game there is no draw.

 

[Whale22]

Another important factor----as UConn competes with the Michigans and Wisconsins academically, more of the rich folk's kids in Fairfield County will consider UConn. It's probably already happening quite a bit. This will lead to sold football tickets in Fairfield County over time, especially with a B1G schedule.

Be very interesting to see a map displaying current distribution of UConn FBseason ticket holders and UConn BB season tix holders side by side and combined.

 

[Waquoit]

I've always found NYC to be far easier to enter, park and exit than Hartford.

This post is just someone being contrarian. Of course, Manhattan has more to offer than Hartford. New York is one of the top cities in the world. But most of the Hartford attractions are just a block or 2 from the interstate. You can park right a block away or less for 10 bucks. Getting in and out is a piece of cake.

 

[Husky25]

The good news is that Downtown Hartford can be improved with a few simple steps. The problem is that every one of these steps is expensive and they basically have to happen all at once, which neither the City, nor State can possibly afford on their own.

1. Developers must be able to withstand the hit that caused by lower office space rent (may take incentification to do this but it needs to be done). Get big business back downtown and out of the suburbs. Get college grads out of the Pavilions at Buckland and in to Hartford 21. You need the middle class before you can cater to the more well off.

2. Gut the BOA Tower and re-purpose part of it into residential apartments. Keep the lower floors as commercial.

3. Get a nationally recognized grocery store somewhere within the 6 block radius of downtown (Adrian's landing is still largly empty isn't it?).

4. Put UConn-Hartford downtown, not north of Downtown.

 

[freescooter]

Over the years Hartford, really Connecticut has been 1 missed opportunity after another, too. And one fad after another, too I think. Think about trying to create an entertainment district. You have the Civic/XL Center, Hartford Stage and the Bushnell as the major venues. But what if they were right in the same neighborhood/on the same street? Obviously the Bushnell was there, but there was no thought to locating the others near it. Especially the Hartford Stage. And then we have the theater formerly known as Oakdale in Wallingford...located right where it can compete not just with the Bushnell but also with the New Haven theaters, too...all done with State funds. But getting back to Hartford, the Bushnell attracts a half a million people a year between concerts, theater, and other events. for all the value it adds to hartford it might as well be in Rocky Hill...the parking is frankly too convenient and there is nothing nearby. You want a post performance drink and you need to drive. And once you're in the car you might as well go to West Hartford or Wethersfield or Simsbury . You aren't stopping in Hartford. If I were king, I'd build a new Hartford Stage on the parking lot across the street, then put restaurants and bars up and down Capital Ave. If I had to build a parking garage so be it. I'd move all those state offices along Washingotn Street elsewhere and locate more entertainment venues there. Maybe some housing too.

 

[Waquoit]

I went to the Bushnell after having dinner down the street at Firebox the weekend before last. My bad, I guess.

 

[freescooter]

I went to the Bushnell after having dinner down the street at Firebox the weekend before last. My bad, I guess.

Oh, you're the one...good to know who it was...

 

[specialisthusky]

The good news is that Downtown Hartford can be improved with a few simple steps. The problem is that every one of these steps is expensive and they basically have to happen all at once, which neither the City, nor State can possibly afford on their own.

1. Developers must be able to withstand the hit that caused by lower office space rent (may take incentification to do this but it needs to be done). Get big business back downtown and out of the suburbs. Get college grads out of the Pavilions at Buckland and in to Hartford 21. You need the middle class before you can cater to the more well off.

2. Gut the BOA Tower and re-purpose part of it into residential apartments. Keep the lower floors as commercial.

3. Get a nationally recognized grocery store somewhere within the 6 block radius of downtown (Adrian's landing is still largly empty isn't it?).

4. Put UConn-Hartford downtown, not north of Downtown.

1) Apartment/Condos are fully rented Downtown. There is a solid population of young working adults. The vacancy rate (as of Dec 2012 couldn't find any updated data) is less that 5%.

http://articles.courant.com/2012-12...ent-vacancy-studios-and-one-bedrooms-downtown

2) The BOA Bulding is being repurposed for exactly what you suggested. They are expecting their first tenants by February of 2014.

http://courantblogs.com/ct-real-est...ants-expected-at-main-street-tower-in-a-year/

3) The lack of a grocery store is easiestly my, and my neighbors, biggest complaint living downtown. The market at 21 was a massive failure due to being boutique-like and overpriced, in addition to lacking a demand for expensive groceries. With the expected addition of 1,000 more apartment units I'd expect a grocery store to have plans to move in by the end of 2014, but that is completely a gut feeling and not based on anything I have heard.

4) Yes! Plop it at the proposed site on Main St and call it a day. I was all for the placement at the old paper building on Front St, but it looks like Hooker Brewery is exploring moving there, which I would much prefer.

 

[Husky25]

1) Apartment/Condos are fully rented Downtown. There is a solid population of young working adults. The vacancy rate (as of Dec 2012 couldn't find any updated data) is less that 5%.

http://articles.courant.com/2012-12...ent-vacancy-studios-and-one-bedrooms-downtown

2) The BOA Bulding is being repurposed for exactly what you suggested. They are expecting their first tenants by February of 2014.

http://courantblogs.com/ct-real-est...ants-expected-at-main-street-tower-in-a-year/

3) The lack of a grocery store is easiestly my, and my neighbors, biggest complaint living downtown. The market at 21 was a massive failure due to being boutique-like and overpriced, in addition to lacking a demand for expensive groceries. With the expected addition of 1,000 more apartment units I'd expect a grocery store to have plans to move in by the end of 2014, but that is completely a gut feeling and not based on anything I have heard.

4) Yes! Plop it at the proposed site on Main St and call it a day. I was all for the placement at the old paper building on Front St, but it looks like Hooker Brewery is exploring moving there, which I would much prefer.

I was referring more to commercial, than residential with my firs point. Last I checked, commercial rents downtown are 3x what they are in the 'burbs but don't really offer anything unique.

I'm happy that the BOA building is being redone. Do you know if that timeline is still on schedule?

The Goodwin Hotel and associated office building is vacant now as well. That needs to be repurposed too. If the Russian Lady can come back, so can the rest of Downtown...