Blue & Gold Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Again, it's always fun and enlightening if everyone pitches in their $0.02 as to why they voted as they did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I voted 10,000. From a previous ZNO posting (so I don't know how credible the infomation is) I hear that the city is leaning toward an 8,000-seat arena. Also, the new downtown Toledo facility which the U recently toured is an 8,000-seat structure. BUT... I think we should aim higher than that. I hope UA goes at the new arena with the same mindset with which they built the Info. The Info is not a MAC stadium and I don't think our new basketball facility should be a typical MAC arena either.The arena that O-Sports designed is a 12,000-seat structure. O-Sports Akron Arena Link(click "indoor" and then click "akron arena")Go Zips!Btw, as I designed the poll, I figured that the majority of the votes would be for B,C or D. But I added options A and F as buffers. And they very well could be viable options. We may have some ZNO members who would vote for an amazingly plush, cutting edge, all-the-bells-&-whistles 6,500 seat arena that we could regularly fill to capacity. As well, we may have some ZNO members who would say, hey, if we're gonna build an arena, let's shoot for the stars with a 15,000-seat structure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I agree that 10K is the right capacity goal. Not only should we be aiming high for the basketball program, but for concerts and other events 10K will allow for major bookings.I like it.GO ZIPS!STZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I voted for both 12k and 8k.12k for events and concerts, or basketball games as needed, but 8k for most games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Pitt built the Pete a few years ago, seating 12k. They're usually a top 10 team. Even with the JAR hindering attendance figures somewhat, I don't see us filling up 12, or even 10k very often. Build it at 8k, with the ability to open up more seating for concerts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 10k......... AND PLEASE.... FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SPACE THE SEATS FAR ENOUGH APART FOR ADULTS TO SIT IN!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 I think it's important not to underbuild or overbuild, but to try to get it just right. Without some good research, it's just guessing. What all will actually (not maybe) be there besides Zips basketball and concerts? What size has worked for metropolitan areas of similar size and demographics to Akron? This is all critical to getting the size right. It would actually be better to slightly underbuild than to overbuild. If seats are hard to get, the facility become a hot commodity. If there's lots of vacant seats, it becomes a financial white elephant.I'm going to go back now and vote for 8k. I'm thinking that even a red hot Zips basketball team after several NCAA tournament runs would have problems filling 8k seats except for a few key games. And I'm strongly influenced by my most recent experience of buying tickets to the upcoming Steely Dan concert at the tiny E.J. Thomas Hall. I was paranoid that if I didn't get tickets early that I'd end up in the back rows, so I scored some good ones minutes after they went on sale. But there were still decent tickets available several days later. And there are still some fair seats left a week after they went on sale. For Steely Dan. In a nice concert hall that seats only 3k. Ouch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zipsrifle Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 I think 5000 seats would be adequate for the new soccer facility. I think we could eventually get to 5000 fans at one or two games a year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksu sucks Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 I think 5000 seats would be adequate for the new soccer facility. I think we could eventually get to 5000 fans at one or two games a year!That's a good point. A while ago, someone mentioned how the attendance at soccer games would show the city's ability to support a proven winner. If the soccer team can attract 5,000 people once a year, I think having an Xavier type basketball program could sell out a good sized arena. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 What all will actually (not maybe) be there besides Zips basketball and concerts?You're looking at minor league hockey and arena football at least. There's been a couple tries at minor league basketball in Akron but no real facility.Monster Trucks. Arenacross. Circus. Not the big name $50.00 ticket stuff, but still sells tickets. Then there's the concerts. Conferences. Religious retreats.Look at the Canton Civic Center and the Covelli Centre schedules, and ramp it up a bit if you have more seats. Bigger concerts. Maybe even an NCAA Regional.It's really a tough question. You don't want to go small and wind up with another JAR. You don't want to go Richfield Coliseum and lose the "intimacy". Here's my question for you guys.How cheezy are the curtains used by CSU to close off a big chunk of the Wolstein, or the ones used by the Lake Erie Monsters to close off the upper deck that they can't sell? Not a big deal? Or just plain cheese?That may be the answer to having a close loud college basketball crowd and bringing in the U2's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZippyTuba11 Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 12kWe won't fill it consistently yet, at least not with the basketball program (other outside events, sure). BUT, if the program continues to grow at its current pace, it should be perfect. I see us averaging 8k, especially if KD is ever willing to get us a better OOC schedule. If after 5 years, and we're a consistent, ranked team, 10-12k will be no problem for this area. We are starving for a winner.Plus, they shouldn't just think about the basketball team. I think 12k gives enough room to host any event or concert comfortably.The Q closes off its upper bowl for low attendance events, and I don't think its cheesy at all. What the Wolstein Center does on the other hand is too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Sorry fellas, as much as I would love a new arena, until the economy improves this discussion is nothing more than... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Sorry fellas, as much as I would love a new arena, until the economy improves this discussion is nothing more than...Maybe they can get some of those economic recovery and reinvestment funds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 This is really tough. As much as we want to be ambitious with the numbers, a 10,000 seat arena assumes that we need it becuase our home attendance numbers will TRIPLE once the facility opens. Unless we plan on joining the SEC or ACC in the next few decades, a nice 8,000 seat arena would be far more than enough for most games. And adequate enough for even the big games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZippyTuba11 Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 This is really tough. As much as we want to be ambitious with the numbers, a 10,000 seat arena assumes that we need it becuase our home attendance numbers will TRIPLE once the facility opens. Unless we plan on joining the SEC or ACC in the next few decades, a nice 8,000 seat arena would be far more than enough for most games. And adequate enough for even the big games.I don't think we should just think basketball on this one. There are no major inside facilities in this area. A 10k-12k arena would be great to have for other venues. I'm fine if we only fill 8,000 of those seats for basketball. Give that team time, and those extra seats will get sold too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 It might be easier to get city money for a 8-12,000 seater too. I don't know if the city is really all that interested in financing a new gym for the U. It needs to be something that'll bring in a lot of other events as well.But why all the "retail space" in the rest of the block? One of the biggest problems with Canal park is parking somewhere in the same zip code. A nice parking deck or two would be used year round by the arena goers and the ballpark goers. Even the Lock 3 goers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 But why all the "retail space" in the rest of the block? One of the biggest problems with Canal park is parking somewhere in the same zip code. A nice parking deck or two would be used year round by the arena goers and the ballpark goers. Even the Lock 3 goers.You're kidding, right? There is so much parking within three blocks of Canal Park that I have never had difficulty finding a space.Anyway, the thing that downtown Akron is missing the most is retail. There aren't enough shops or variety to convince people that it's worth it to go downtown to shop, even if it would be closer than one of the malls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Sorry fellas, as much as I would love a new arena, until the economy improves this discussion is nothing more than...Before it's operational it has to be built.Before it's built it has to be planned.Before it's planned it has to be researched.Before it's researched it has to be discussed.It's never too early to discuss a project that will take years to complete, and discussion time is the time for pie in the sky.So don't put those winged forks away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Sorry fellas, as much as I would love a new arena, until the economy improves this discussion is nothing more than...Before it's operational it has to be built.Before it's built it has to be planned.Before it's planned it has to be researched.Before it's researched it has to be discussed.It's never too early to discuss a project that will take years to complete, and discussion time is the time for pie in the sky.So don't put those winged forks away. OK here I come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted October 17, 2009 Report Share Posted October 17, 2009 It might be easier to get city money for a 8-12,000 seater too. I don't know if the city is really all that interested in financing a new gym for the U. It needs to be something that'll bring in a lot of other events as well.But why all the "retail space" in the rest of the block? One of the biggest problems with Canal park is parking somewhere in the same zip code. A nice parking deck or two would be used year round by the arena goers and the ballpark goers. Even the Lock 3 goers.I don't see the city in a position to finance anything of this nature Akron people have voted this down repeatedly in one form or another and with pending layoffs or the threat of such, city government in no way can assist the university in this endavor. UA is far more capable of handling a multi-purpose arena than the city. UA has the connections and alumni to support this effort as long as it is on the UA campus.I voted for a 12k seat arena. We need to keep in mind that it will be for more events than just basketball and just sports. And the seats need to be actual seats no different than E.J. Thomas Hall's seats...that is if you want to seriously consider it an arena and a multi-purpose one at that. There shouldn't be a bleacher in the house. P.S. we are now tied again with the Bulls 14 to 14. Goooo Zips! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted October 17, 2009 Report Share Posted October 17, 2009 While we wait to see what happens, we could replace the bleachers with actual seats in the JAR, and get rid of the track. The extra rows should cancel out the loss of capacity from removing the bleachers.Make do with what we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 While we wait to see what happens, we could replace the bleachers with actual seats in the JAR, and get rid of the track. The extra rows should cancel out the loss of capacity from removing the bleachers.Make do with what we have.I'm not opposed to your suggestion. If we could make real improvements and enhancements that would make the JAR truly multi-purpose, which would include a "real" ceiling" as well as upholstered seats, increased capacity even if it's only by 500, a more theater looking atmosphere without disturbing the season, it may be worth it. I'd rather see things done right with what we have on-campus rather than make the big mistake of building an off-campus money waisting failure.Also, can someone tell me why UA still needs the football practice field on Jackson Field next to Shrank Hall when we have the Stile Field House and now InfoCision on campus? Maybe, I'm missing something, but it seems such a waste of precious space for the campus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandzip Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Also, can someone tell me why UA still needs the football practice field on Jackson Field next to Shrank Hall when we have the Stile Field House and now InfoCision on campus? Maybe, I'm missing something, but it seems such a waste of precious space for the campus.Marching band, intermurals, soccer and other teams on occasion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 I voted 10,000. From a previous ZNO posting (so I don't know how credible the infomation is) I hear that the city is leaning toward an 8,000-seat arena. Also, the new downtown Toledo facility which the U recently toured is an 8,000-seat structure. BUT... I think we should aim higher than that. I hope UA goes at the new arena with the same mindset with which they built the Info. The Info is not a MAC stadium and I don't think our new basketball facility should be a typical MAC arena either.The arena that O-Sports designed is a 12,000-seat structure. O-Sports Akron Arena Link(click "indoor" and then click "akron arena")Go Zips!Btw, as I designed the poll, I figured that the majority of the votes would be for B,C or D. But I added options A and F as buffers. And they very well could be viable options. We may have some ZNO members who would vote for an amazingly plush, cutting edge, all-the-bells-&-whistles 6,500 seat arena that we could regularly fill to capacity. As well, we may have some ZNO members who would say, hey, if we're gonna build an arena, let's shoot for the stars with a 15,000-seat structure.Blue & Gold states, "I hope UA goes at the new arena with the same mindset with which they built the Info."I like your thinking, 'Blue & Gold'. And, a big part of UA's mindset for the Info was to build it on campus. Heck, I'll go so far to say that the BIGGEST part of that mindset was to put the stadium on campus! Like Proenza and Curtis said, "It's about time that this campus gets what it deserves...we had to make sure that if we are going to do it, we have to do it right the first time because we are not going to get the chance to build another stadium for a long, long time...the Rubber Bowl was a fine facility but it lacked something and that was that it wasn't on campus." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Also, can someone tell me why UA still needs the football practice field on Jackson Field next to Shrank Hall when we have the Stile Field House and now InfoCision on campus? Maybe, I'm missing something, but it seems such a waste of precious space for the campus.Marching band, intermurals, soccer and other teams on occasion. soccer? why would the soccer team practice/play soccer next to the soccer field and not in it? Besides, a football field does not accomodate a soccer game very well. Marching Band can practice in Info. Also, that photo of the marching band that you posted looks like they are playing in the Field House. So, there are two resources for the band not counting the practice football field. And maybe I'm not on campus enough but I've never seen intramurals and other teams including soccer on the football practice field. Outside of marching band and varsity football practice, that piece of land seems pretty unused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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