[ziptrumpet87]

Buried at the bottom of the UPA article in the ABJ.

Seems they like the UCF project that combined an arena with other development:

...engaged KUD to develop “Uptown UCF,” a complex of student housing, retail, parking structures and a new Convocation Center / Sports Arena.

Link to developer.

[skip-zip]

A few years ago, I said that such a thing becoming a reality might be 10 years in the future. So, maybe I can cut a few years off of that now. So, don't hold your breath. It's still just talk. A number of factors make this a more distant propositon than some people want to believe.

[Dave in Green]

"Off-balance sheet financing, while retaining control over the ownership of the new facilities" has to be the key attraction to UA for this type of project.

The big positive for Zips basketball fans is that this may be the most likely way to get a new arena built to replace the JAR in the near future despite the current weak economy.

A small negative for basketball fans is that a multipurpose arena might not be optimized for basketball. But as we've discussed here previously, if done right, a multipurpose arena can still be really good for basketball.

Another negative for some people would be having this facility downtown instead of on campus -- a discussion that was previously beaten into the ground on ZN.O. The general consensus of past discussions has been that building the facility on the east side of downtown, right on the city's border with UA's campus, would satisfy all but a few hardcore advocates who would only be satisfied with a Zips basketball arena built inside the current UA campus borders and clearly separted from the downtown area.

[trimmy10]

"Off-balance sheet financing, while retaining control over the ownership of the new facilities" has to be the key attraction to UA for this type of project.

The big positive for Zips basketball fans is that this may be the most likely way to get a new arena built to replace the JAR in the near future despite the current weak economy.

A small negative for basketball fans is that a multipurpose arena might not be optimized for basketball. But as we've discussed here previously, if done right, a multipurpose arena can still be really good for basketball.

Another negative for some people would be having this facility downtown instead of on campus -- a discussion that was previously beaten into the ground on ZN.O. The general consensus of past discussions has been that building the facility on the east side of downtown, right on the city's border with UA's campus, would satisfy all but a few hardcore advocates who would only be satisfied with a Zips basketball arena built inside the current UA campus borders and clearly separted from the downtown area.

I'll just add that a new arena regardless of its location is likely better for the growth of the program and university than remaining in the JAR indefinitely.

The basketball facility and current state of the football program are likely the only major factors limiting our attractiveness to more prestigious athletic conferences.

[mes102]

GoZips did mention that Dambrot thought that Barberton's basketball facilities was so good that they could possibly have a good bulk of workouts, practices, etc. there if renovations are being done in the JAR. Maybe KD knows something we don't know? Is LeBron giving up some money and donating it for a new convocation center/arena?

[GP1]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

[MaxZIP]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

They drive to blossom

[trimmy10]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

They drive to blossom

Browns fans drive to Columbus to see a winner.

[GP1]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

They drive to blossom

Would they drive to Akron in February to see a concert? No....

[skip-zip]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

I'm not sure this even matters. We just want Akron people to support Akron, instead of going elsewhere. Right?

And Akron should have a convention center. Were a large enough city.

[trimmy10]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

I'm not sure this even matters. We just want Akron people to support Akron, instead of going elsewhere. Right?

And Akron should have a convention center. Were a large enough city.

We do. It's called the John S. Knight Center.

[Spin]

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events?

They drive to blossom

Monsters of Rock.
Ozzfest.

[Blue & Gold]

Akronites drive to rat-bastard-Cleveland. Clevelanders can drive to Akron.

Besides, we've absolutely got to hold our own.

When Cleveland built Gund Arena w/ the agreement that the Richfield Colesium would shut down as not to compete - it was officially on. "Cleveland+" is an ABSOLUTE sham and mockery. Akron+ needs a development like this.

[blueandgold]

"Off-balance sheet financing, while retaining control over the ownership of the new facilities" has to be the key attraction to UA for this type of project.

The big positive for Zips basketball fans is that this may be the most likely way to get a new arena built to replace the JAR in the near future despite the current weak economy.

A small negative for basketball fans is that a multipurpose arena might not be optimized for basketball. But as we've discussed here previously, if done right, a multipurpose arena can still be really good for basketball.

Another negative for some people would be having this facility downtown instead of on campus -- a discussion that was previously beaten into the ground on ZN.O. The general consensus of past discussions has been that building the facility on the east side of downtown, right on the city's border with UA's campus, would satisfy all but a few hardcore advocates who would only be satisfied with a Zips basketball arena built inside the current UA campus borders and clearly separted from the downtown area.

The University of Akron basically IS downtown Akron.

[skip-zip]

Gwinnett Arena would be a good example of the type of arena the Zips could have. I went to a concert there once and it was great. In lieu of 13,000 seats, we could have 10,000 seats. Akron could draw a lot of concerts, etc. that are just not large enough for whatever they call the arena where the Cavs play now. The conference center Gwinnett has is not needed...nobody wants to have a convention in Akron.

For a private arena, the question always becomes, who would go there for events? Gwinnett Co. has a huge population base and there are a lot of people there anyhow. Who would drive from the Cleveland suburbs to a concert in Akron? There isn't much proof that would take place. As long as the University doesn't have to sink much money into this place, I say move forward. If they do, don't move.

I'm not sure this even matters. We just want Akron people to support Akron, instead of going elsewhere. Right?

And Akron should have a convention center. Were a large enough city.

We do. It's called the John S. Knight Center.

I know that. I've been in there many times. That comment was my reaction to the mention in this thread that Akron doesn't need a convention center.

This gives me a thought. With the University already owning the Quaker Square property, and with the convention center being almost right across the street, with a huge parking deck right in between........I wonder if that area can all be connected together and incorporate an arena? There's also a huge church property right there that's for sale, and Greystone Hall is right there as well.