UPDATE: XL upgrades back on track

[Kolumbo]

I think the difference between 5,000 more at XL (even with the $3 ticket fee) UConn makes more off ticket sales at XL if both arenas are sold out.

The logistical costs we aren’t privy to is what we’re missing. We lose out on concessions and parking at XL, but we also have to pay arena employees at Gampel which eats costs. So to answer the debate, no one knows the true numbers except for the athletic dept.

And the establishments on Pratt, Trumbull, Allyn, Asylum Streets make out with the XL games which benefits Hartford and Connecticut so that is a big factor too. No question, it's complicated. Lots of fans certainly enjoy the camaraderie of hanging out at those restaurants before and after the games.

 

[Waquoit]

5000 seats at $40 per for 9 games is $1.8M. That doesn't move a needle? That's more than 25% of the TV contract.

 

[gampelcrazies]

5000 seats at $40 per for 9 games is $1.8M. That doesn't move a needle? That's more than 25% of the TV contract.

But they make nothing on anything else. So if they had all games in Storrs they would just double the seat donation and make money off parking/beer. Have to think that number is significantly more

 

[Waquoit]

But they make nothing on anything else. So if they had all games in Storrs they would just double the seat donation and make money off parking/beer. Have to think that number is significantly more

Games in Gampel don't make any money at all off those 5000 fans. Your plan to recoup that loss is to gouge the Gampel fans? Suboptimal, imo.

 

[gampelcrazies]

Games in Gampel don't make any money at all off those 5000 fans. Your plan to recoup that loss is to gouge the Gampel fans? Suboptimal, imo.

What do you mean gouge? They would be getting double the games lol

 

[KembaStepback]

The biggest issue with XL is that there are 2 bowls converging into one undersized concourse. If there was a second concourse that would solve many of the issues IMO

 

[gampelcrazies]

The biggest issue with XL is that there are 2 bowls converging into one undersized concourse. If there was a second concourse that would solve many of the issues IMO

This!!!!!

 

[Waquoit]

The biggest issue with XL is that there are 2 bowls converging into one undersized concourse. If there was a second concourse that would solve many of the issues IMO

That describes Gampel, as well.

 

[CL82]

The biggest issue with XL is that there are 2 bowls converging into one undersized concourse. If there was a second concourse that would solve many of the issues IMO

And the biggest issue with Gampel is the internal concourse. Hopefully making an external concourse, adding more food and drink choices and additional restrooms are all part of the planned renovation.

 

[ctkaiser]

Because people never complain about the split now? People complain, it's what they do.

I go to both places but for Gampel it just feels like it's getting pushed further away and the time to get out of the garage takes longer. I dread any 8:30 or 9 PM starts.

 

[CL82]

I go to both places but for Gampel it just feels like it's getting pushed further away and the time to get out of the garage takes longer. I dread any 8:30 or 9 PM starts.

My understanding is that there are other spots that may allow you to exit easier than the parking garage.

 

[GlastonTim]

I go to both places but for Gampel it just feels like it's getting pushed further away and the time to get out of the garage takes longer. I dread any 8:30 or 9 PM starts.

We park next to the hockey rink. Easy walk to and from traffic not horrible.

 

[uconnric]

What do you mean gouge? They would be getting double the games lol

And we all know that's not going to happen.

 

[gampelcrazies]

And we all know that's not going to happen.

Oh I know

 

[Chief00]

5000 seats at $40 per for 9 games is $1.8M. That doesn't move a needle? That's more than 25% of the TV contract.

Then add in the seat donation for many seats and it is at least $150 a seat and more per game.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[willie99]

Summer of 2026?

Butt we're reseating for the 25/26 season?

Will the seating be done in time?

Will we keep the same seats for 25/26?

Or will be reseat in 25 and 26?

 

[UCLJ0211]

That article was the first time I heard mention of concourse improvements, which is probably what the XL needs the most. I’m not sure how much they can do with $145m budgeted for the whole project, however.

 

[DSquiz]

Summer of 2026?

Butt we're reseating for the 25/26 season?

Will the seating be done in time?

Will we keep the same seats for 25/26?

Or will be reseat in 25 and 26?

“The renovation — focused on the lower half of the arena bowl — launched in August, with a timeline running until the summer of 2026. But Luukko said a majority of work — particular the new amenities — could be finished by the fall of 2025, in time for the start of the college basketball season.”

 

[CONN78SEJ]

That article was the first time I heard mention of concourse improvements, which is probably what the XL needs the most. I’m not sure how much they can do with $145m budgeted for the whole project, however.

They (the state) needs to rebuild it completely so Hartford can attract a pro basketball (men & women) and pro hockey franchise, and a couple high end chain restaurants.

 

[WrenchFan69]

They (the state) needs to rebuild it completely so Hartford can attract a pro basketball (men & women) and pro hockey franchise, and a couple high end chain restaurants.

"Things that won't happen for $1,000"

 

[huskymedic]

"Things that won't happen for $1,000"

It was the juiced egg nog.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

"Things that won't happen for $1,000"

Gee really…..and it won’t happen in a million years. That’s my point.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Furthermore……both the football venue and both basketball venues are in dire need of hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs. No matter how many banners are hanging from the ceiling, UConn never gets into a P4 or P5 until those issues are addressed, and that’s not happening.