I don’t know the terms but they play 35+ games a year in Hartford vs UConn’s under 20 (for Men/Women/Hockey).
I feel as if they may pay $.50 on the dollar of what we were paying. I took a quick look, but couldn't find it. I see that they typically do not make a profit and require an annual "subsidy", though it's not clear from whom that subsidy comes, I would guess that's from MSG. Last year, though, they actually had 650,000 in revenue. I think when they play, they only utilize the lower bowl, and a sellout crowd for them is 5500 people.
The Wolfpack’s schedule has been out for months while UConn’s isn’t even out yet. Do people really think UConn should be able to make the Pack change their dates after tickets are on sale?
…yes? Absolutely?
Not the way the world works…
It would be if UConn wasn't a captive tenant.
Sort of agree but also don’t. They willingly sign the lease agreement every so odd years so captive is a strong word.
If UConn had a choice whether or not to schedule games in Hartford the terms would be dramatically different. We would be paying far less for the use of the facility and we would have our pick of the dates. Connecticut frequently sells out the arena. The Wolfpack, at most, sells 5500 seats. Sure, they have more games, but if you look at the total number of people brought into Hartford, UConn brings in far more. Remember that the CDRA profits not only from the lease of the arena, but also from parking and concessions. In the real world, if UConn wanted it, they would hold open prime dates for it, because economically they are a far, far, far more valuable tenant. Because of the perception that UConn is a captive tenant, and will schedule the same number of games, no matter what the cost and no matter what the dates the CDRA feels under no obligation to make the accommodations it normally would if this were a free market situation.
I think you have to look at the UConn rent and revenue of the PBA and Rent in a broader context. To my knowledge UConn has never had to pay debt service on either building for the construction nor renovations of either building.
Could that be because it doesn't own either of them?
Correct. My point being that if they'd own them, they'd have huge debt service like other universities do. That debt service would far outweigh the revenue that the stadia bring in. So, I'm not sure it's a bad thing for UConn. And overall, UConn has done a great job having no facilities debt on their books yet basically having all new or recently/soon to be finished facilities renovations.
Well, if you're making the argument for the university to own its own facilities, I would agree. Certainly, that's the most sensible way to avoid exorbitant rent and scheduling facilities. I wonder what the cash stream of 50 years of above market leasing and forgoing parking and concession revenue would look like versus payment of the debt service. I'm not at all confident we got the better end of that deal.
I'm not making the arguement the University should or should not own the facilities. I'd want to see a 30-50 year financial analysis on it before coming to a conclusion... but my gut tells me it'd make sense to own facilities that are on campus and not to own off campus ones.
No argument there!
and there's been barn-burner UConn games there in all three arena-based UConn sports.
Actually, none of those people ever played in "PeoplesBank Arena." That said, I had no idea that Sinatra and the Dead ever did a show together. Trying to imagine what that would've been like.
The Pack moved a game last year and UConn ended up playing the game in Storrs anyway. Nice.
I know! UConn can be such jerks! Am I right?
Rolling Stones in 81
As long as they know they are second class citizens, I think that's all we really care about.
In one of the renovation facebook posts, there was a picture of Jordan playing against the Celtics at the old Civic Center! There's becoming fewer NBA arenas left that Jordan played in.
Not to mention Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Ron Francis, Kevin Dineen, Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafluer et al.
What do you mean we, out of stater?
