On Campus Arena Plans | Page 3 | The Boneyard

On Campus Arena Plans

huskymike said:
Is this just to the north of Mansfield Supply? - I think that's a great spot if it is.
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Yes. The portion of the parcel that fronts on 195 is just north of Mansfield Supply.
 
I think I'd rather see it near Freitas (or better yet at @Guapo's field house site, which I understand won't happen.) I prefer to cluster sports facilities both ascetically and because there is some efficiency in having the parking lots in the same area for overlap and over flow. Penn State comes to mind as a school that does this well.
 
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CL82 said:
I think I'd rather see it near Freitas (or better yet at @Guapo's field house site, which I understand won't happen.) I prefer to cluster sports facilities both ascetically and because there is some efficiency in having the parking lots in the same area for overlap and over flow. Penn State comes to mind as a school that does this well.
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Agree that a centrally located site is preferable, however I believe that UConn is putting out the Tech Park parcel in an attempt to finance a hockey arena as part of a larger privately financed, mixed use development. They’re dangling 25.8 acres of university property to developers to have them include an arena into a mixed used development. The sweetener, property that can accommodate approximately 130,000 sq. ft. of development. The Freitas site has no potential for private sector development - other than an ice arena - so I doubt it will attract as much interest unless we have some rich alumnus that wants an arena named after themselves, a la Terry Pegula at Penn State.
 
FDNY99 said:
You also have to add that a “promissory note” or term of league admittance is coming due as well. Benedict was pretty clear in the Jacobs article posted in this thread that they needed shovels in the ground and facility done by 2019 ...
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Acknowledged, yet would be surprised if HE would not work with UConn on another undesired, possible extension. Not so good faith and all in particular on Molloy's and the state legislature's part and consequently UConn, but with concrete design, construction, and fundraising/financing plans in place I highly doubt HE would boot the Huskies if an arena is not operational by 2019. Could be ...
 
Da_Aisijimo_Gou said:
Acknowledged, yet would be surprised if HE would not work with UConn on another undesired, possible extension. Not so good faith and all in particular on Molloy's and the state legislature's part and consequently UConn, but with concrete design, construction, and fundraising/financing plans in place I highly doubt HE would boot the Huskies if an arena is not operational by 2019. Could be ...
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Good faith will be shown in that case by plans, location and fundraising efforts. If it was just lip service ..well that’s a whole other story.
 
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Da_Aisijimo_Gou said:
Got it, modest as you define yet even a moderately estimated $35M is not just a large amount of money for a public university in 2017 (versus Quinnipiac's private school fundraising a decade+ ago). Based on today's Connecticut state economic and political climate, UConn's historical fundraising limitations, UConn's overall conference and resulting media contract challenges, and building non-UConn affiliated opposition to things UConn, prospects of raising $35M's not just a subjective large amount of money. It's a sh|t load of money!
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Yes, it's a lot of money in general but if we're talking about building an arena, that sum of money has been accepted by the university as needing to be spent. If they've put out an RFP they've already accepted a very large sum of money would need to be spent to build it. My point is UConn can build an arena of requisite size that's comparatively less expensive than others. How they would get the money, I don't know - and you're right the state's in awful shape. But while Hockey East is more than willing to work with UConn playing games at XL longer than anticipated, if XL shuts down due to state funding and UConn is forced to play at Freitas, that would NOT be a long or short term solution. Not to mention UConn's recruiting would get absolutely pillaged.
 
brasssbonanzaa said:
Yes, it's a lot of money in general ... How they would get the money, I don't know ... play at Freitas, that would NOT be a long or short term solution ... recruiting would get absolutely pillaged.
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Indeed, with particular emphasis on UConn's historical challenges sourcing large donations let alone the potentially required sh|t load of money in record time. For your entirely reasonable latter point, sure hope some big swinging ball sacks step up for the face off.
 
Is there anyone "in the know" about the process.
How much has been raised so far. Also, any type of threshold that allows construction to start even if the total amount hasn't been raised yet?
 
Not an insider or anything but I still think AD Dave has a plan.

I know UTC is heavily invested in the tech park.

Maybe UTC fronts a decent amount of money for "The Rink at UTC Tech Park" or something.

(This is just one random idea off the top of my head)
 
Guapo said:
Maybe UTC fronts a decent amount of money for "The Rink at UTC Tech Park" or something.

(This is just one random idea off the top of my head)
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Think you went to well one too many times buddy. ;)
 
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I'm not sure if it's related or not, but going to the last few soccer games, I've noticed those black fiberoptic lines across numerous roadway locations assuming they're counting daily traffic passing over those lines.

Maybe someone doing a traffic study for arena?

Off the top of my head, I noticed them in my travels on 195, Baxter Rd, hunting lodge rd, and separatist. Not sure if I actually saw them on JC Way.

In terms of capacity....

I know it says "minimum" 3,500.

Gotta go more than that and have as many chairbacks as you can.

Have to make it where the 8+ games on campus and XL games average more together than the other arenas in Hockey East.

Has to be >4K.

UConn probably has around 3,000 Season ticket holders. The amount no longer Season ticket holders on campus and the Season ticket holders gained on campus will be around even and wash out. More students will go, but won't pay full ticket price. Most likely free

Want to make it a hard ticket, but most if not all (not all) top tier BC, BU etc games will be @ XL.

Mostly will be PC, Maine, UMass, maybe a UNH, UVM game and the rest OOC.

Don't skimp. Go all out.
Make it unique and not cookie cutter

Gotta be LOUD. Get professional acoustics people for the design.

Better concessions than dogs and pretzels. Maybe share w/ soccer.

Maybe have a private donor area that services booze/beer like QU arena.

I got an email saying the new ice lounge @ XL proceeds will go the hockey program.

Maybe this is a revenue stream for on campus rink or to help off set rent costs of XL Rink?

150 spots x $350 = $52,500

May only use for 2nd period, but may consider getting a spot if it helps w/ rink cost and have a decent buffet and a private cash bar in lounge.
 
If an RFP has been sent out this fast and they're considering building it this fast, it has to be built with the mindset of XL closing. Whether it does or not, who knows, but they can't build it to only serve as a secondary arena. That can still be done at the aforementioned "modest" price.
 
ct06111 said:
I'm not sure if it's related or not, but going to the last few soccer games, I've noticed those black fiberoptic lines across numerous roadway locations assuming they're counting daily traffic passing over those lines.

Maybe someone doing a traffic study for arena?

Off the top of my head, I noticed them in my travels on 195, Baxter Rd, hunting lodge rd, and separatist. Not sure if I actually saw them on JC Way.

In terms of capacity....

I know it says "minimum" 3,500.

Gotta go more than that and have as many chairbacks as you can.

Have to make it where the 8+ games on campus and XL games average more together than the other arenas in Hockey East.

Has to be >4K.

UConn probably has around 3,000 Season ticket holders. The amount no longer Season ticket holders on campus and the Season ticket holders gained on campus will be around even and wash out. More students will go, but won't pay full ticket price. Most likely free

Want to make it a hard ticket, but most if not all (not all) top tier BC, BU etc games will be @ XL.

Mostly will be PC, Maine, UMass, maybe a UNH, UVM game and the rest OOC.

Don't skimp. Go all out.
Make it unique and not cookie cutter

Gotta be LOUD. Get professional acoustics people for the design.

Better concessions than dogs and pretzels. Maybe share w/ soccer.

Maybe have a private donor area that services booze/beer like QU arena.

I got an email saying the new ice lounge @ XL proceeds will go the hockey program.

Maybe this is a revenue stream for on campus rink or to help off set rent costs of XL Rink?

150 spots x $350 = $52,500

May only use for 2nd period, but may consider getting a spot if it helps w/ rink cost and have a decent buffet and a private cash bar in lounge.
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Good post.

As far as scheduling, I hope it's more of a XL/Gampel split where one or two top teir teams plays on campus each season.
 
Guapo said:
There is some evidence that the new alumni association is having greater success fundraising than its predecessor.

I'd like to think that AD Dave isn't just putting this request for interest out there for fun; you have to figure he has some idea about where the funding for this project will come from.
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The alumni association was never a fund raising operation. The Foundation is responsible for fundraising.
 
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FDNY99 said:
Senate Overwhelmingly Backs Bipartisan State Budget, House Votes Later Thursday



>>>The city of Hartford would also be directed to find a buyer for the beleaguered XL Center, a tough sell considering the work needed on the arena.<<<


Not much left to say about this situation...UConn has to protect their own interest/brand right now above all else.
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completely agree. In addition to the new hockey arena I hope they're already studying how to modernize Gampel. Need to add in some "luxury" seating in addition to the new concourse expansions
 
Drew said:
completely agree. In addition to the new hockey arena I hope they're already studying how to modernize Gampel. Need to add in some "luxury" seating in addition to the new concourse expansions
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A new concourse is part of the UConn Master Plan. Basically they are just going to build it around the exterior of the existing building. I haven't seen anything about luxury seating.
 
Da_Aisijimo_Gou said:
Got it, modest as you define yet even a moderately estimated $35M is not just a large amount of money for a public university in 2017 (versus Quinnipiac's private school fundraising a decade+ ago). Based on today's Connecticut state economic and political climate, UConn's historical fundraising limitations, UConn's overall conference and resulting media contract challenges, and building non-UConn affiliated opposition to things UConn, prospects of raising $35M's not just a subjective large amount of money. It's a sh|t load of money!
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I posted on another thread about the XL Center and read with interest this thread about potential renovation of UCONN'S on campus hockey arena.

Providence College recently renovated Schneider Arena in 2014 for approximately $20 million. They added 30,000 sq. ft. to the existing arena, mainly in the form of 5 new luxury suites, coaches offices, weight rooms, a new entrance with a Hall of Fame, and an updated alumni room to drink beer between periods. The also replaced ice making infrastructure, new boards, seats, etc. The capacity is around 3,000.
With the XL Center in limbo along with CT finances it may be prudent to push for the new/renovated arena before it is too late. Having it on campus means many students to draw from for spectators. PC's rink also gets constant use from H.S championship events as well as the Intrumurals. Having dual rinks helps with scheduling. Since UConn has a Master Plan in place they can involve other sports as well. The new Schneider Arena has an office and area devoted to Men's Lacrosse, for example.
 
CL82 said:
A new concourse is part of the UConn Master Plan. Basically they are just going to build it around the exterior of the existing building. I haven't seen anything about luxury seating.
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That is correct for now regarding luxury seating; the concourse upgrade will be some fan experience stuff, concessions with a big upgrade for the media. The structure inside the Dome does not really lend it self to incorporate luxury seating. Some could be gained by getting rid of the upper sidewalls on the sideline sides of the court. We are essentially "landlocked" because of the type of structure we have, similar to the issues that the Penguins faced in the old Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. When you talk about adding luxury seating to the current structure to the degree to make it financially feasible it is probably more cost feasible to take down Gampel & build new as was done it Pittsburgh. To me, it makes more sense to build a new multi-use facility that can be used for basketball, ice hockey, volleyball, concerts & other such events. There are already facilities in place that allow for practice on-campus while a new facility is being built. Play all home games in the XL, Mohegan Sun, Bridgeport, for a year or so while the new joint is being built. Note that 11 million has been invested into Gampel as is the past two years for the interior lighting upgrade & roof/dome upgrade although a significant rebate of as much as 40% of the total cost was received from EverS0urce for the LED energy efficient lighting system
 
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Hockey East By-Laws:
http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/pdf/M & W BY-LAWS/Revised Men's By-Laws September 19.pdf

Section Dealing with Specifics on facilities. UConn falls into the 4000 seat capacity category because that was instituted before they became a member:

  1. B. Facilities

    • Minimum seating capacity 4000 with 20% of capacity being chair-back seats. Current HEA members must have a minimum capacity of 2000 with 20% of capacity being chair-back seats.


    • Hockey East logo prominently displayed in the facility and on the ice surface. Logo size to be consistent with others in the facility.

    • Visiting team locker room must be a minimum of 500 sf (not including showers and toi- lets) and able to accommodate student-athletes, staff, and equipment.
    • Locker room(s) with private shower and toilet to accommodate game of cials
    • Game time-clock connected directly to the scoreboard clock in home, visitors, and of- cials locker rooms

    • Locker rooms equipped with dry erase boards and markers MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 6
• Media/TV capability – suf cient electrical power and number of outlets in media locations for the operation and transmission of television, radio broadcasts, and for the operation of trans- mission equipment and computer terminals used by the media
• A minimum of 110 vertical foot candles of light evenly balanced over the entire ice surface • Press box to comfortably accommodate print and electronic working media, visiting team coaches, and of cials.

• 110 –volt electrical outlets with one outlet for every two seats in the press box
• Power requirements for television production of 200 amps, 3-phase to the trucks; of 150 amps, 3-phase combined to the satellite links and of 150 amps, 3-phase to the announcers’ posi- tion.

  • De ned media area for post-game interviews

  • High-speed data lines and/or wireless internet capability

  • Spectator amenities/services including clean and well presented lobby and display areas

  • Clean and suf cient restroom areas for capacity crowds

  • Multiple concessions areas and area for sale of team/league merchandise
 
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