UCONN hockey program won't be complete until on-campus barn/team facility opens

[pepband99]

Looking at things comprehensively, is a good. But, I don’t know how Freitas can be expanded and for the soccer stadium to be expanded in the same place that they are today as its about 7 feet (Google maps) between the two.

Also, not thrilled with this comment from Mansfield. With S Eagleville Road and Rte 195, that intersection is perfect for a ‘major’ development to complement the Storrs Commons across the street.

“Mansfield’s Director of Planning and Zoning Linda Painter said the Freitas Ice Forum was one of the locations put forward in the town’s plan of conservation and development as an alternative location for the rink. Painter said residents were concerned about the impact of construction on the Albert E. Moss Sanctuary behind Mansfield Apartments as well traffic from increased game attendance.

“I think all of those things have to be weighed and balanced,” Painter said. “There are definitely some that would prefer not to see that traffic out there.” ​

The people's republic of Mansfield strikes again. You would think the benefits of keeping most traffic to 195, 275, and 32 would outweigh concern about anything else. But no.

 

[ct06111]

http://www.crdact.net/data/Unsorted/11-6-2015-DRAFT_VenueCmte-Minutes-73286-1.pdf

1. "UConn: The XL Center short term lease has been signed and is now awaiting approval from the Attorney General’s office. One issue remains on the letter of intent for a long-term deal in the building -- CRDA and UConn are still working to resolve the question of how the direct sale of premium seating by the XL Center will affect the University’s donor points system. Stafford Sports is assisting CRDA with those discussions. Per the Governor’s request, the LOI should be wrapped up by the start of the 2016 legislative session.
   
2. SCI and Northland – CRDA staff are reviewing SCI Architects’ cost estimates for transforming the XL Center. Hard construction costs are estimated at $230 million, but this does not include soft costs or acquisition of additional space needed for the renovation.
   
   The additional space has been identified and an appraiser is currently working to estimate its value in anticipation of discussions with Northland. Mr. Freimuth indicated that he has shared the taking plans with Northland and is awaiting a response.
   
   The Committee anticipates approaching the General Assembly in early 2016 in order to request the funds necessary for space acquisition, as well as for development of construction design documents".
   
   1. "UConn Hockey and Wolfpack Updates – Mr. Lawrence reported that after three games, UConn hockey attendance is down about 750 people per game. He noted, however, that it is still early in season and one of the three games conflicted with a UConn basketball event in Storrs.
      
      Mr. Freimuth reported that he is expecting a letter from MSG any day now confirming the Wolfpack’s intention to remain at XL for Year 4 and possibly Year 5 of their contract. The team seems happy with the venue and its management, as well as with Hartford in general".
      
      
   1. "UConn Football Update – Mr. Lawrence reported that with one game left in the season, attendance numbers remain a serious concern and are expected to hurt the Stadium financially. A discussion followed as to whether UConn was doing all it could to promote the games and what steps Board members might take to help.
      
   2. Minor League Football Update - Mr. Freimuth reported that Chairman Bessette, Mr. Jorgensen, Mr. Lawrence and CRDA staff met with officials from the MLF to discuss the possibility of bringing a team to Pratt & Whitney Stadium in the Spring. The League seems very interested in this market and Spectra has provided them with expense estimates for playing in the building".
      
   
   
   
   

 

[brasssbonanzaa]

Thankfully that wasn't a direct quote.

No, a paraphrase, but that's the thrust of the comment that Warde made - which is ridiculous. If they haven't done their due diligence and research since announcing the move to HE more than three years ago, it's plainly obvious they have no serious intentions of playing on campus.

 

[huskymedic]

No, a paraphrase, but that's the thrust of the comment that Warde made - which is ridiculous. If they haven't done their due diligence and research since announcing the move to HE more than three years ago, it's plainly obvious they have no serious intentions of playing on campus.

How do you know that's the trust of the comment he made? Is there another media source that reports it that way? I haven't seen it. I read it more as a development/site location issue more than a "we don't know what is acceptable to HE" issue.

He (they) know damn well what is required and what makes a quality facility. He was involved in Yost renovations @ UM.

Weak reporting and I could be wrong ...

 

[DarthGrumpy]

http://www.crdact.net/data/Unsorted/11-6-2015-DRAFT_VenueCmte-Minutes-73286-1.pdf

1. "UConn: The XL Center short term lease has been signed and is now awaiting approval from the Attorney General’s office. One issue remains on the letter of intent for a long-term deal in the building -- CRDA and UConn are still working to resolve the question of how the direct sale of premium seating by the XL Center will affect the University’s donor points system. Stafford Sports is assisting CRDA with those discussions. Per the Governor’s request, the LOI should be wrapped up by the start of the 2016 legislative session.
2. SCI and Northland – CRDA staff are reviewing SCI Architects’ cost estimates for transforming the XL Center. Hard construction costs are estimated at $230 million, but this does not include soft costs or acquisition of additional space needed for the renovation.
   
   The additional space has been identified and an appraiser is currently working to estimate its value in anticipation of discussions with Northland. Mr. Freimuth indicated that he has shared the taking plans with Northland and is awaiting a response.
   
   The Committee anticipates approaching the General Assembly in early 2016 in order to request the funds necessary for space acquisition, as well as for development of construction design documents".
   1. "UConn Hockey and Wolfpack Updates – Mr. Lawrence reported that after three games, UConn hockey attendance is down about 750 people per game. He noted, however, that it is still early in season and one of the three games conflicted with a UConn basketball event in Storrs.
      
      Mr. Freimuth reported that he is expecting a letter from MSG any day now confirming the Wolfpack’s intention to remain at XL for Year 4 and possibly Year 5 of their contract. The team seems happy with the venue and its management, as well as with Hartford in general".
      
   1. "UConn Football Update – Mr. Lawrence reported that with one game left in the season, attendance numbers remain a serious concern and are expected to hurt the Stadium financially. A discussion followed as to whether UConn was doing all it could to promote the games and what steps Board members might take to help.
   2. Minor League Football Update - Mr. Freimuth reported that Chairman Bessette, Mr. Jorgensen, Mr. Lawrence and CRDA staff met with officials from the MLF to discuss the possibility of bringing a team to Pratt & Whitney Stadium in the Spring. The League seems very interested in this market and Spectra has provided them with expense estimates for playing in the building". [/QUOTE]
3. A couple of concerns. First the Woolfpack may only commit to 4 to 5 years at the XL, which happens to the the time frame for the old Nassau Coliseum renovation to be completed. Rumor has it that the Islands will look to move their franchise from Bridgeport to Long Island to tap their 'core' fan base, which, in turn, may allow the Rangers to move their AHL team to Bridgeport. Second, football was a mess for several seasons. Unless a B1G invite is around the corner, it is going to take a while to draw the fans back to the Rent. Short-term thinking is not going to help the long-term growth of the football team.

 

[MASSconn]

I don't have a problem with an expansion of Freitas, as long as they do it right. Give the hockey/soccer team a nice training facility that intersects the stadium/rink. Plus, put a big garage on top of the parking lot that currently sits there. It makes a lot of sense.

I love Warde supporting the students and advocating games at Freitas and Gampel.

 

[Drew]

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-huskies/hc-jacobs-column-0101-20151231-column.html


Mentions they're going to renovate Frietas instead of building a new arena. Damn shame IMO

 

[huskymedic]

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-huskies/hc-jacobs-column-0101-20151231-column.html

Mentions they're going to renovate Frietas instead of building a new arena. Damn shame IMO

>>Manuel: "We're going to look at what it takes to renovate Freitas [Ice Forum] and bring it up to Hockey East standards. I wouldn't say any projects have stalled. They are sort of in their natural phase of being developed. What's the cost? What are we going to do? By April, we should have a good sense of what it will take to renovate Freitas.<<

All depends on how they design it, what capacity they expand it to and what amenities are included... they just can't do it on the cheap.

Clearly fundraising is becoming a challenge across the board...

 

[FDNY99]

>>Manuel: "We're going to look at what it takes to renovate Freitas [Ice Forum] and bring it up to Hockey East standards. I wouldn't say any projects have stalled. They are sort of in their natural phase of being developed. What's the cost? What are we going to do? By April, we should have a good sense of what it will take to renovate Freitas.<<

All depends on how they design it, what capacity they expand it to and what amenities are included... they just can't do it on the cheap.

Clearly fundraising is becoming a challenge across the board...

It has to seat 4500 minimum...and they need to give both teams what they need facility wise (locker rooms, team lounges, workout area, sport medicine facilities..etc....) to be able to compete with HE schools.

 

[UCONNJACK]

>>Manuel: "We're going to look at what it takes to renovate Freitas [Ice Forum] and bring it up to Hockey East standards. I wouldn't say any projects have stalled. They are sort of in their natural phase of being developed. What's the cost? What are we going to do? By April, we should have a good sense of what it will take to renovate Freitas.<<

All depends on how they design it, what capacity they expand it to and what amenities are included... they just can't do it on the cheap.

Clearly fundraising is becoming a challenge across the board...

Two gifts totaling $10 million are scheduled to be announced soon per recent BOT minutes. Hopefully some $$ will be for athletics.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

It has to seat 4500 minimum...and they need to give both teams what they need facility wise (locker rooms, team lounges, workout area, sport medicine facilities..etc....) to be able to compete with HE schools.

I know I could be wrong but considering where Frietas sits and what surrounds it, how will they be able to more than double its current capacity?

 

[FDNY99]

I know I could be wrong but considering where Frietas sits and what surrounds it, how will they be able to more than double its current capacity?

That will be the million $ question....I still can't figure out how renovating Freitas and moving the football practice field off the top of the hill down next to Burton/Schenkman fits with the soccer stadium upgrade...unless the practice field goes on that tract of land that starts to the left of Burton Schenkman and runs south to South Eagleville Rd. To make things fit that's what's gonna have to happen.

 

[dbmill]

That will be the million $ question....I still can't figure out how renovating Freitas and moving the football practice field off the top of the hill down next to Burton/Schenkman fits with the soccer stadium upgrade...unless the practice field goes on that tract of land that starts to the left of Burton Schenkman and runs south to South Eagleville Rd. To make things fit that's what's gonna have to happen.

I was under the impression that the football practice field is going to stay on top of that hill.

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

Clearly fundraising is becoming a challenge across the board...

With final location, requirements, and design all seemingly in process, which specific facts support a perspective fundraising is becoming a challenge for UCONN's new arena let alone clearly becoming an across the board challenge? Noting UCONN raised the biggest $ in the school's history during the last few years, built a $40 million hoops facility, generated an $8 million soccer facility donation, reportedly recently obtained a couple pledges for about $10 million, etc., how has fundraising evolved or become a different or bigger challenge? Being stuck on the AAC island doesn't help for sports fundraising, but in general UCONN appears to finally be more proactive and consequently successful in raising funds for the university.

 

[FDNY99]

I was under the impression that the football practice field is going to stay on top of that hill.

Last I heard they wanted it next to Burton/Schenkman so if it opened up they could move right inside without any issues...maybe things have changed since then.

 

[huskymedic]

With final location, requirements, and design all seemingly in process, which specific facts support a perspective fundraising is becoming a challenge for UCONN's new arena let alone clearly becoming an across the board challenge?

I wasn't attempting to be critical about what they are doing in the grand scheme of things - just looking at my perceived reality.

I was referencing fundraising for current and future athletic projects - not specifically the arena and this statement by Warde in the same article points to the need to continue to raise funds in order to move things forward: "I'll lump soccer, baseball, softball together. We have designs and cost estimates on what those facilities will cost individually, and development of fundraising plans. Baseball has $1.5 million in commitment. That project has been on the books for a while. We're looking at how we'll develop that side of the campus. Soccer is longer down the road with the [$8 million] gift from Tony Rizza. So if anything breaks out first in terms of phases of the project it would be soccer."

They've been talking about baseball facilities improvements for years (have floated plans/designs) and have just come up w/ an interim plan to make the change to field turf after this season, nothing about the stands, or other needed enhancements for a program w/ the success they have had and need to have to compete. If the $$ were already raised/committed it would be moving faster or done already. They have been talking about the challenges to raise funds for a number of years.

I do imagine (but could be off base) that once the design and final cost for the renovation of Freitas come in there will be a need to develop plans to raise additional funds.

Noting UCONN raised the biggest $ in the school's history during the last few years, built a $40 million hoops facility, generated an $8 million soccer facility donation, reportedly recently obtained a couple pledges for about $10 million, etc., how has fundraising evolved or become a different or bigger challenge? Being stuck on the AAC island doesn't help for sports fundraising, but in general UCONN appears to finally be more proactive and consequently successful in raising funds for the university.

I agree that in general they have improved fundraising by leaps and bounds. They did a great job w/ raising the money for the Werth Family Basketball Champions Center - but there is also a larger source/base of potential donors/supporters for MBB/WBB than for MHOC/WHOC, baseball, softball, etc... Manuel has mentioned previously that these need to be 100% privately funded and that's where I specifically see athletic facility fundraising becoming a challenge moving forward. Even the significant Rizzo donation/pledge is only half of what they need for the soccer facility. As you point out, it has to be harder based on conference affiliation to generate new sources of private donations earmarked specifically for athletics (outside of scholarships).

 

[CL82]

Just looking at it on Google maps it looks like you could build a new soccer stadium at the football practice fields and have room for soccer facilities there. Football could have the old Marrone Stadium space and the field next to it as their outdoor practice fields. Expanding Freitas doesn't look at that efficient to me, as you'd have to take out the walls and raise the roof, plus add improvements to bring it up to HE standards, but it's doable.

 

[dbmill]

Just looking at it on Google maps it looks like you could build a new soccer stadium at the football practice fields and have room for soccer facilities there. Football could have the old Marrone Stadium space and the field next to it as their outdoor practice fields. Expanding Freitas doesn't look at that efficient to me, as you'd have to take out the walls and raise the roof, plus add improvements to bring it up to HE standards, but it's doable.

When the big Tony Rizza soccer donation came through, I believe it was announced that the new soccer facility would stay where it is, where Morrone Stadium is. However, it seems to me that if Freitas is indeed upgraded, the area taken up by that facility will most certainly expand. Where to? Out into the current parking lot?

 

[FDNY99]

When the big Tony Rizza soccer donation came through, I believe it was announced that the new soccer facility would stay where it is, where Morrone Stadium is. However, it seems to me that if Freitas is indeed upgraded, the area taken up by that facility will most certainly expand. Where to? Out into the current parking lot?

It can go to the right (if you are facing Freitas from the parking lot). The tract of land I mentioned earlier runs from the parking garage/Burton-Schenkman out to North Eagleville Rd widening as it goes. All things considered it may not be such a bad idea to move the football practice field into that area and leave the spot on top of the hill for a future dorm location...it's a natural expansion spot for Hillside complex. As for "expanding Freitas...almost has to be a complete rebuild....to fit the 4500 seats and team facilities they are either going to have to go up and out or do what they did at Yale and put the team facilities underneath the ice surface. It's safe to say that they will share weight room and sports medicine facilities like the basketball teams do at their facility.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-huskies/hc-jacobs-column-0101-20151231-column.html

Mentions they're going to renovate Frietas instead of building a new arena. Damn shame IMO

Argh. This smells like the football stadium debate from the 1990's. Mansield locals who don't want the arena at the corner of Rte 195 and S Eagleville are working with Hartford politicians who need UConn's support to get the money and support for a renovated/replacement XL. I just can't see how Freitas can be expanded where it is today to +4,500 economically because the north side of the arena is up against Morrone Stadium and there does not seem to be space there to build stands and/or support facilities. Unless the updated arena would be very odd shaped with everything on the south side, the actual rink and refrigeration equipment would have to be moved. Can't picture how that would be cheaper than starting from scratch at a different location.

Does Rizza's donation require the soccer stadium to be re-built where it is today? I hope not. It just makes to much sense for the football practice facilities to be moved next to Burton. Build the new soccer stadium (hopefully soccer/lacrosse stadium) where D lot is today (the hillside there may make it cheaper to build stands, too) with lockers and facilities right next to Alumni drive and then have two full practice facilities on top where the football fields are today. Expand I parking lot to make-up for the loss of D. That just leaves the need to find space for new Rec turf field that is currently tagged to to into D lot.

 

[FDNY99]

Argh. This smells like the football stadium debate from the 1990's. Mansield locals who don't want the arena at the corner of Rte 195 and S Eagleville are working with Hartford politicians who need UConn's support to get the money and support for a renovated/replacement XL. I just can't see how Freitas can be expanded where it is today to +4,500 economically because the north side of the arena is up against Morrone Stadium and there does not seem to be space there to build stands and/or support facilities. Unless the updated arena would be very odd shaped with everything on the south side, the actual rink and refrigeration equipment would have to be moved. Can't picture how that would be cheaper than starting from scratch at a different location.

Does Rizza's donation require the soccer stadium to be re-built where it is today? I hope not. It just makes to much sense for the football practice facilities to be moved next to Burton. Build the new soccer stadium (hopefully soccer/lacrosse stadium) where D lot is today (the hillside there may make it cheaper to build stands, too) with lockers and facilities right next to Alumni drive and then have two full practice facilities on top where the football fields are today. Expand I parking lot to make-up for the loss of D. That just leaves the need to find space for new Rec turf field that is currently tagged to to into D lot.

IMHO you will see some maneuvering with the tract of land I mentioned earlier. Supposedly that was meant to be a buffer from campus to South Eagleville Rd..but UCONN can really build what it wants there without having to get any approvals from the town..similar to what they did dorm wise during UCONN 2000. So that leaves some flexibility where Freitas, Morrone Stadium, and Burton/Schenkman are. As far as I know Rizza made the donation with the terms that the soccer facility is kept where it is. The football practice field would also make a GREAT site for a lacrosse facility.

 

[MASSconn]

Bumping this. I have not heard a thing on this in months. Aren't we almost at our 3 year period where there needs to be an on-campus option.

Cannot see how they'd dance around this?

 

[LIUCHusky]

Bumping this. I have not heard a thing on this in months. Aren't we almost at our 3 year period where there needs to be an on-campus option.

Cannot see how they'd dance around this?

There is no dancing. The simple fact is that there is no money available to build a new hockey arena at this time.

 

[FDNY99]

Bumping this. I have not heard a thing on this in months. Aren't we almost at our 3 year period where there needs to be an on-campus option.

Cannot see how they'd dance around this?

They have to start project by 2019...have to have plans by the spring semester of this school year. There is still time to decide...IMHO you will somehow see a Freitas upgrade with capacity of 4500-5000.

 

[IceBus]

They have to start project by 2019...have to have plans by the spring semester of this school year. There is still time to decide...IMHO you will somehow see a Freitas upgrade with capacity of 4500-5000.

With the success of the XL Center I don't see this project being a priority in a state budget crunch. There are no deadlines. Hockey East is content with the XL Center. Freitas is great as a practice rink. Hopefully someday it's improved and looks less cheap.

 

[FDNY99]

With the success of the XL Center I don't see this project being a priority in a state budget crunch. There are no deadlines. Hockey East is content with the XL Center. Freitas is great as a practice rink. Hopefully someday it's improved and looks less cheap.

Click on this link Nos put up on the football board and fast forward to 36:02....That will give you an idea on where HE stands about playing on-campus.

Go here and fast forward to 36:02:
http://download.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d1/dC/d8/dU/dO/1C8UO_3.MP3?show=Joe+D+and+Gresh&category=Sports+&+Recreation&callsign=WTICAM&market=Connecticut&awCollectionId=1294&awEpisodeId=657998
and listen VERY closely to what Benedict says about HE and having a on-campus arena to play hockey in...if you still think that HE is happy with the XL situation and will allow UConn to not have to play on campus then you need to re-listen to whats he says again. The new facility will be paid for with donations...just like soccer, softball and baseball.

 

[IceBus]

Go here and listen VERY closely to what Benedict says about HE and having a on-campus arena to play hockey in...if you still think that HE is happy with the XL situation and will allow UConn to not have to play on campus then you need to re-listen to whats he says again. The new facility will be paid for with donations...just like soccer, softball and baseball.

I think you're just hearing what you want to hear. All parties are extremely content with the XL Center. If the Wolf Pack leave, they'll be even happier. The success of UConn hockey at the XL Center is too big to throw away at this point and UConn and Hockey East both recognize that.

 

[FDNY99]

I think you're just hearing what you want to hear. All parties are extremely content with the XL Center. If the Wolf Pack leave, they'll be even happier. The success of UConn hockey at the XL Center is too big to throw away at this point and UConn and Hockey East both recognize that.

You know what you can think what you want...Benedict made it VERY clear in that piece how much playing on campus is important. I see your new here so enjoy the forum...and have a nice day. Another post from a drum beating "UConn Sports need to save Hartford" fan.

 

[IceBus]

It's important is a way to say it's something we want but it's not something we're actually doing. In a perfect world there would be a beautiful hockey arena in Storrs but there is no impetus for it at the moment and everyone else recognizes that but you. Stop being irate about reality.

 

[FDNY99]

It's important is a way to say it's something we want but it's not something we're actually doing. In a perfect world there would be a beautiful hockey arena in Storrs but there is no impetus for it at the moment and everyone else recognizes that but you. Stop being irate about reality.

I'm not irate about reality...I get irate when UConn fans like yourself think that because it's UConn that ANY terms of joining a conference can be violated at any time because what is temporary works. Since you may live in a bubble here in CT I will clue you in...go over to the USCHO forum and chime in about your views on Conn's on-campus situation and see where you get. UConn agreed to a deal when they accepted entrance into HE. That deal is to have a on-campus arena of a minimum size of 4500 by the start of the 2019 season. Besides I'm sure you will be one of the first off the bandwagon when Cav can't recruit the kids he needs to compete for a HE championship and the program ends up being like UMass.