What will it take for a new arena?

[xu9697]

BBall arena= I know it has been talked about ad nauseum (downtown vs. "on campus"), but this weekend (and for 3 more games later in the year), Canal Park is the home field for the Zips baseball team. More fans likely to show up there or at LRJ field?

I believe having the baseball team there is more about the experience (for the players) than specifically for attendance when you are talking UA baseball. But it could be another indicator of where UA sees itself in relation to downtown, along with it being another indicator of the difference btwn football (and the day long experience that it can be) and other sports (where you either just go to that location for the event..or maybe hit that event and a local establishment).

We can all agree, I think, that for the MAJORITY of on-campus students..the JAR or something near that site or Info is more convenient. However, is a downtown site more convenient for the general public, commuter students (who probably are not as into the whole college experience/going to games, IN GENERAL), students living in apartments downtown, etc.

While it is about so much more than attendance, anticipated attendance MUST play a part in this whole situation.

[zippy5]

Akron downtown IS part of campus. There will be no attendance difference due to the location of campus/city. People are overestimating the size of our city. This isn't Philadelphia.

[MDZip]

Careful - you may wake the sleeping Jake.

[Zipmeister]

The JAR doesn't need renovated all at once. It can be done piecemeal. An improvement in any area is better than staying as-is. You can upgrade the stat boards. You can remove the track. You can re-do the lobby. You can do so much. It doesn't cost as much as a complete renovation, and I don't think we really need anything too comprehensive.

I agree.

How much would a BIG curtain cost so that we can restrict current seating to 50% of capacity and the JAR doesn't look so empty?

[tpsjugglerdude]

The JAR doesn't need renovated all at once. It can be done piecemeal. An improvement in any area is better than staying as-is. You can upgrade the stat boards. You can remove the track. You can re-do the lobby. You can do so much. It doesn't cost as much as a complete renovation, and I don't think we really need anything too comprehensive.

I agree.

How much would a BIG curtain cost so that we can restrict current seating to 50% of capacity and the JAR doesn't look so empty?

Have you ever been to Millet Hall in Miami (OH)? What about CSU? They both have curtains and it looks terrible.

[Zipmeister]

The JAR doesn't need renovated all at once. It can be done piecemeal. An improvement in any area is better than staying as-is. You can upgrade the stat boards. You can remove the track. You can re-do the lobby. You can do so much. It doesn't cost as much as a complete renovation, and I don't think we really need anything too comprehensive.

I agree.

How much would a BIG curtain cost so that we can restrict current seating to 50% of capacity and the JAR doesn't look so empty?

Have you ever been to Millet Hall in Miami (OH)? What about CSU? They both have curtains and it looks terrible.

Maybe, but I'm talking about a REALLY nice curtain (maybe with kangaroos on it).

[MontrealExposloveZippy]

I agree with many of the posts

The track needs to be gone-

The classrooms serve no practical purpose-Infocision has plenty of classrooms to cover what classes are in the JAR right now

A trophy case/display needs to be visible right when fans walk in- right where the plaster Zippy is located or near it

Perhaps a monument of Akron's greatest basketball player on the outside to give the program a sense of history--

Any team that is successful or wants to be successful has recognize the importance of it's history and how to prolong it-

So who could the player be?

[lance99]

The JAR doesn't need renovated all at once. It can be done piecemeal. An improvement in any area is better than staying as-is. You can upgrade the stat boards. You can remove the track. You can re-do the lobby. You can do so much. It doesn't cost as much as a complete renovation, and I don't think we really need anything too comprehensive.

I agree.

How much would a BIG curtain cost so that we can restrict current seating to 50% of capacity and the JAR doesn't look so empty?

Have you ever been to Millet Hall in Miami (OH)? What about CSU? They both have curtains and it looks terrible.

I was actually thinking about the curtain at CSU. Why would the City build a 10-12,000 arena(and yes they would build it that big) to be half full. I remember back in the early 90's when the city was talking about this apart of the "crossing the tracks" project. It did not make since then and it doed not make since not. A renovated JAR does. What i cannot understand is when Infocision was built, why was the Jar not included as part of the project?

[Dr Z]

..why was the Jar not included as part of the project?

The RB HAD to be replaced. HAD to.

[scottditzen]

I'm afraid the only renovation of the JAR worth pursuing would cost way too much.

Really, it would have to be a major structural overhaul to realize the improvements we all want. .....

Just curious if you know this to be a fact or just think it might be. My amateur evaluation would be that putting in continuous rows of seats at a steeper angle from floor to ceiling shouldn't really require major structural changes to the building. You'd essentially be building on top of the structure that's already in place. But if there's an engineering reason why that wouldn't work, then I'd agree that major structural changes to the building don't make good economic sense when compared with the cost of a new facility optimized for the future.

Hey Dave!

I'm solely going on opinion, I'm not an architect.

As for the needed improvements being "major," well, one example would be the lobby/ticket buying area. It's an absolute mess, and was obviously designed without much consideration of how crowds would affect the function of it.

Dead of winter. Lines of ticket buyers stretching across, blocking the main entrance into the building???

Someone threw out a number....$10 million. I have no idea. But going on that figure, that's a considerable amount of money that the U could put toward a shared facility with the City.

Done the right way, this new arena could lease out spaces for Winking Lizard and other private entities who can help offset costs. Shoot, attach a hotel or dorms or condominiums into the structure.

The JAR is a very nice place for intramurals. But throwing a bunch of money into the place right now just seems a bad investment to me.

[xu9697]

[

I was actually thinking about the curtain at CSU. Why would the City build a 10-12,000 arena(and yes they would build it that big) to be half full. I remember back in the early 90's when the city was talking about this apart of the "crossing the tracks" project. It did not make since then and it doed not make since not. A renovated JAR does. What i cannot understand is when Infocision was built, why was the Jar not included as part of the project?

Hey, I wanted a version of the Carrier Dome. But nobody would listen!!! Oh, and I didn't have $40 million+ laying around to help make it happen!

[xu9697]

I'm afraid the only renovation of the JAR worth pursuing would cost way too much.

Really, it would have to be a major structural overhaul to realize the improvements we all want. .....

Just curious if you know this to be a fact or just think it might be. My amateur evaluation would be that putting in continuous rows of seats at a steeper angle from floor to ceiling shouldn't really require major structural changes to the building. You'd essentially be building on top of the structure that's already in place. But if there's an engineering reason why that wouldn't work, then I'd agree that major structural changes to the building don't make good economic sense when compared with the cost of a new facility optimized for the future.

Hey Dave!

I'm solely going on opinion, I'm not an architect.

As for the needed improvements being "major," well, one example would be the lobby/ticket buying area. It's an absolute mess, and was obviously designed without much consideration of how crowds would affect the function of it.

Dead of winter. Lines of ticket buyers stretching across, blocking the main entrance into the building???

Someone threw out a number....$10 million. I have no idea. But going on that figure, that's a considerable amount of money that the U could put toward a shared facility with the City.

Done the right way, this new arena could lease out spaces for Winking Lizard and other private entities who can help offset costs. Shoot, attach a hotel or dorms or condominiums into the structure. The JAR is a very nice place for intramurals. But throwing a bunch of money into the place right now just seems a bad investment to me.

Along with my "Carrier Dome" idea, I (and MANY others) have thrown out that type of idea= arena/hotel/restaurant/couple shops...obviously, that makes it a MAJOR undertaking. Rupp Arena has that type of set-up...sort of. Arena is attached to medium-sized mall. Have not been there in 10+ years, but it was nice back then (though Rupp Arena has, at least at that time, bench no-back seating up top= painful on the back for 4 NCAA tourney games!!!).

[scottditzen]

^ Ouch. I will not tolerate bench seating in our new arena!!

Even Memorial Hall had real seats lol....

Hey, what ever happened to those seats? Anyone know??

They were actually very comfortable.

[Blue & Gold]

Why would the City build a 10-12,000 arena(and yes they would build it that big) to be half full...

If I remember correctly, this issue was a sticking point between the city and the university. The city wants to build a 10,000 - 12,000-seat arena whereas the university wants an 8,000-seat arena.

Also, the city wants a multi-purpose arena (NBA-style also suitable for hockey, indoor soccer & arena football) whereas the university wants a basketball-specific arena (basketball, volleyball). I'm with the UA on this one. Those NBA-style arenas are, ironically, pretty awful for watching basketball. An 8,000-seat basketball specific arena, where every seat in the house would be a good one, is, IMHO, much preferable.

[zippy5]

Why would the City build a 10-12,000 arena(and yes they would build it that big) to be half full...

If I remember correctly, this issue was a sticking point between the city and the university. The city wants to build a 10,000 - 12,000-seat arena whereas the university wants an 8,000-seat arena.

Also, the city wants a multi-purpose arena (NBA-style also suitable for hockey, indoor soccer & arena football) whereas the university wants a basketball-specific arena (basketball, volleyball). I'm with the UA on this one. Those NBA-style arenas are, ironically, pretty awful for watching basketball. An 8,000-seat basketball specific arena, where every seat in the house would be a good one, is, IMHO, much preferable.

i beg to differ. if we can get hockey in akron, and a new arena, i would be ecstatic. plus, the Q has both, and is a nice setup. Consol Energy Center (new Penguins arena) conforms to basketball, as Pitt/Duquesne have a few games there, and also have NCAA tourney games next year. and imo, Consol and the Q are great venues for either sport.

granted these both seat 18,000-20,000, so i can't comment on how a 10,000 seat duel-purpose barn would look like.

[Blue & Gold]

Why would the City build a 10-12,000 arena(and yes they would build it that big) to be half full...

If I remember correctly, this issue was a sticking point between the city and the university. The city wants to build a 10,000 - 12,000-seat arena whereas the university wants an 8,000-seat arena.

Also, the city wants a multi-purpose arena (NBA-style also suitable for hockey, indoor soccer & arena football) whereas the university wants a basketball-specific arena (basketball, volleyball). I'm with the UA on this one. Those NBA-style arenas are, ironically, pretty awful for watching basketball. An 8,000-seat basketball specific arena, where every seat in the house would be a good one, is, IMHO, much preferable.

i beg to differ. if we can get hockey in akron, and a new arena, i would be ecstatic. plus, the Q has both, and is a nice setup. Consol Energy Center (new Penguins arena) conforms to basketball, as Pitt/Duquesne have a few games there, and also have NCAA tourney games next year. and imo, Consol and the Q are great venues for either sport.

granted these both seat 18,000-20,000, so i can't comment on how a 10,000 seat duel-purpose barn would look like.

Here are some images of Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's a beautiful multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 10,834 for hockey and 13,184 for concerts. I couldn't find a listed capacity for basketball/volleyball. While on vacation a few years ago I snuck in & checked the place out. Beautiful facility.

[Hilltopper]

Here are some images of Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's a beautiful multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 10,834 for hockey and 13,184 for concerts. I couldn't find a listed capacity for basketball/volleyball. While on vacation a few years ago I snuck in & checked the place out. Beautiful facility.

That looks great. It cost $75 million in 1996, wonder what it would cost now.

Van Andel Arena

[GP1]

Here are some images of Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's a beautiful multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 10,834 for hockey and 13,184 for concerts. I couldn't find a listed capacity for basketball/volleyball. While on vacation a few years ago I snuck in & checked the place out. Beautiful facility.

When I lived in the midwest, job traveling 100 nights per year. Grand Rapids was one of my favorite places to go. It is a great town. Seeing this post reminded me of one of my favorite places to eat. Bistro Bella Vita. It is right by the arena. If you are ever in Grand Rapids, this is one of the great restaurants in the midwest nobody has heard of. Great place!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane Blue & Gold!!!!

[Blue & Gold]

Here are some images of Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's a beautiful multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 10,834 for hockey and 13,184 for concerts. I couldn't find a listed capacity for basketball/volleyball. While on vacation a few years ago I snuck in & checked the place out. Beautiful facility.

When I lived in the midwest, job traveling 100 nights per year. Grand Rapids was one of my favorite places to go. It is a great town. Seeing this post reminded me of one of my favorite places to eat. Bistro Bella Vita. It is right by the arena. If you are ever in Grand Rapids, this is one of the great restaurants in the midwest nobody has heard of. Great place!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane Blue & Gold!!!!

Grand Rapids is actually a fantastic city that most people know almost nothing of. Extremely underrated! I've eaten/chilled-out at The B.O.B. which is also directly across from the arena.

I've never eaten at Bistro Bella Vita. I'll be sure to try it this year. I vacation in western Michigan almost every year. I stay in the Muskegon area & always frequent Grand Haven - my favorite little lakeside town. I often try to take one afternoon/evening to spend in Grand Rapids.

[GP1]

I've never eaten at Bistro Bella Vita. I'll be sure to try it this year. I vacation in western Michigan almost every year. I stay in the Muskegon area & always frequent Grand Haven - my favorite little lakeside town. I often try to take one afternoon/evening to spend in Grand Rapids.

Louis Benton was a good place too.

I remember the BOB well. For those of you who don't know, the BOB stands for Big Old Building. It was across the street from the Courtyard I used to stay.

A lot of people think all of Michigan is like Detroit. Western Michigan is actually a very rich part of the country. Grand Rapids is a growing city full of young people living near this arena and entertainment district. It is a great place.

[Dr Z]

A lot of people think all of Michigan is like Detroit.

Only Youngstown is like Detroit.

[ziptrumpet87]

A lot of people think all of Michigan is like Detroit.

Only Youngstown is like Detroit.

Maybe East Cleveland too... but anyway, back on topic, does anyone think it would be beneficial to change the upper side bleachers (or just a section or two) to chairbacks and make them reserved like the other side? It would seem to be less expensive to do, might cut down on capacity but if more people attend and you can charge more for those seats, maybe it pays back quickly.

[Blue & Gold]

A lot of people think all of Michigan is like Detroit.

Only Youngstown is like Detroit.

Maybe East Cleveland too... but anyway, back on topic, does anyone think it would be beneficial to change the upper side bleachers (or just a section or two) to chairbacks and make them reserved like the other side? It would seem to be less expensive to do, might cut down on capacity but if more people attend and you can charge more for those seats, maybe it pays back quickly.

I wish they'd go chairbacks for the entire JAR. If it decreases capacity a bit, so be it. Do anything to make the JAR a more desireable destination. Right now only Zip diehards attend games. The JAR honestly discourages average fans from attending games. It's an embarrassing dump. Don't spend too much though; lipstick on a pig. What we eventually need is a new facility.

[ksu sucks]

A lot of people think all of Michigan is like Detroit.

Only Youngstown is like Detroit.

Don't forget Erie, PA.

[Quickzips]

LeBron James Court at the Goodyear Polymer Center

Bam...(waiting for donations)

Don't hold your breath. LeBron doesn't donate his own money to anything. He has enough pull with Nike to get them to pony the bill for some small charity events in Akron (bike-a-thon, etc.), but Nike isn't about to lay down enough money for naming rights to an arena in Akron. I've heard this pipe-dream that LeBron is going to come back and make the big donation to fund a new arena for his hometown team. It needs to end. The day that happens is the day in December when I jog naked through the center of campus with pigs flying out of my rear end.