pat Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 GP1 Thanks for your input...very interesting. BTW Live Nation (formerly Belkin Productions) is the biggest concert promoter in the nation if not the world and they have not ruled out concerts at The University of Akron. They are in E.J. Thomas quite a bit and have been historically. They have also place concerts in Memorial Hall and the JAR and worked with UA in putting Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane and more in the university's rubber bowl and that was while we had the coliseum and Blossom to compete with. I know people at Live Nation and they enjoy bringing acts to the university. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akzipper Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 I see a new arena that will be complimented by a parking deck. Only on planet Athletic Director would a basketball team need a practice facility. A practice facility would not only benefit the Mens team, but all Akron sports. People should remember that an arena will be used by more than just one team. Add in concerts and other events and you run into scheduling conflicts. Akron really has no premier indoor facility for concerts and big events. A practice facility basically guarantees any team can practice anytime they want. All teams could use it for studying/tutoring, lifting, training, watching tape, camps etc. Even if they decided to keep bleachers I can see the Volleyball team playing there. We recently added nicer locker rooms, weight rooms, and lounges I believe. I also think that the athletic offices are all located somewhere in the JAR. I'm sure they could also be improved/expanded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbozeglav Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 I believe that outdoor practice field actually gets a lot of use. I've seen both the men's and women's soccer teams practicing on that field, as well as intramural sports being played there. It looks to me as though the U is looking for the baseball team to use Canal Park AMAP. They haven't put any $$$ into Lee Jackson's baseball field in years. I have to think that's were they want to place the arena. During the spring months, that practice field between the soccer stadium and Schrank halls gets CONTINUOUS use. I've seen it be used by Mens Soccer, Womens Soccer, baseball conitioning, some intermittent football (though theyre mostly using the field house and stadium now), in addition to intramural sports like flag football and the like. There are many days the lights dont shut off till well into the late night because they are still using it. That said, I stand by my thought that the University is either building the new arena where the baseball field is currently at or across the street from canal park. Both are great locations for an arena. I would bet more on the baseball field location though... Either way... I definitely foresee some news coming out in the next year. Should be interesting for sure... I just hope the university doesnt try to polish a turd in trying to make the JAR something its not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Some Live Nation events on the University of Akron campus recently and in the past: Nora Jones 2011 Paul Simon 2012 Trans Siberian Orchestra 2012 One Republic 2008 Colbet Callegh 2008 Seether 2008 Bob Dylan 2013 The Moody Blues 2012 Jethro Tull 1999 The J. Geils Band 1974, 1977 Michael Stanley 1975 Cheech&Chong 1973, 2009 George Carlin 1976 Brian Auger 1975 Mike Quatro 1975 Manfred Man's Earth Band 1975 Funkadelics 1973 James Brown 2000 Maria Mauldere 1975 Heart 1976 Al Stewart 1977 Angel 1977 Manheim Steamroller2002 2010 Fleetwood MAc 2002 The Moody Blues 2013 YES 2000 Alice Cooper 2001 Deep Purple 2001 Hawkwind 1975 The Eagles 1974 Stevie Wonder 1970 The Dave Mason Band 1975 Joe Walsh 1975 Black Keys 2009 and many many more I really don't want to hear the lie that promoters don't want to bring concerts to the University of Akron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 During the spring months, that practice field between the soccer stadium and Schrank halls gets CONTINUOUS use. I've seen it be used by Mens Soccer, Womens Soccer, baseball conitioning, some intermittent football (though theyre mostly using the field house and stadium now), in addition to intramural sports like flag football and the like. There are many days the lights dont shut off till well into the late night because they are still using it. That said, I stand by my thought that the University is either building the new arena where the baseball field is currently at or across the street from canal park. Both are great locations for an arena. I would bet more on the baseball field location though... Either way... I definitely foresee some news coming out in the next year. Should be interesting for sure... I just hope the university doesnt try to polish a turd in trying to make the JAR something its not. and I think the JAR can be used for many athletic and other purposes once the new arena is built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LZIp Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Your points are spot on, pat. GP1 will criticize anything and everything that involves the AD and spending money. If im not mistaken, he hasnt been around the University in years, so he has no idea how much the facilities get used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Your points are spot on, pat. GP1 will criticize anything and everything that involves the AD and spending money. If im not mistaken, he hasnt been around the University in years, so he has no idea how much the facilities get used. Well, I know that the rec center has multiple areas for basketball, but I also know that is not enough. From what I hear, Curtis and Dambrot see the current JAR as a practice gym for the ZIPS and an adjunct for intramurals since the Rec Center cannot fulfill the total demand. There are also additional uses for the JAR once a new arena is built which includes volley ball, pysical education classes and more. UA plans to have 40,000 students by 2020 and the JAR will come in real handy for that purpose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Some Live Nation events on the University of Akron campus recently and in the past: Nora Jones Paul Simon Trans Siberian Orchestra One Republic Colbet Callegh Seether Bob Dylan The Moody Blues Jethro Tull The J. Geils Band Michael Stanley Cheech&Chong George Carlin Brian Auger Mike Quatro Manfred Man's Earth Band Funkadelics James Brown Maria Mauldere Heart Al Stewart Angel Manheim Steamroller Fleetwood MAc The Moody Blues YES Alice Cooper Deep Purple Hawkwind The Eagles Stevie Wonder The Dave Mason Band Joe Walsh and many many more I really don't want to hear the lie that promoters don't want to bring concerts to the University of Akron Other than Nora Jones, are any of those other people still alive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Your points are spot on, pat. GP1 will criticize anything and everything that involves the AD and spending money. If im not mistaken, he hasnt been around the University in years, so he has no idea how much the facilities get used. I have no problem with them spending money. If they have it, spend it wisely. A basketball practice facility beyond stupid and I can't believe taxpayers put up with such nonsense. I don't need to see something every day to sniff out stupidity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Other than Nora Jones, are any of those other people still alive? yes every one of them except George Carlin are still alive and that is not the point. You claim that promoters have ruled out UA for concerts and nothing can be further from the truth. I would recommend to you that you take a more positive view of the world in which you live and that circumstances do change in general and at the university of akron. GO ZIPS! Please consider being more positive about our university. It will make a difference. You strike me as someone who sees himself losing the argument in which you create changing the subject or point of your own argument. If you are going to argue, then stay on topic of your own argument. And for your convenience I have added the years in which these promoter sponsored artists have appeared at The University of Akron. I am sure that you will find fault with that as well as your agenda seems to be to kick everything positive and progressive in the head. Enjoy yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Please consider being more positive about our university. I'm totally positive about our University. I just think the leadership of our Athletic Department is lacking and I don't trust him to be a responsible decision maker of big decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpsjugglerdude Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Not sure if this has been posted yet, but has anyone seen the new Alumni magazine? It is in the new academic proposed main street article. I don't think it's telling us anything we hadn't guessed. "two potential scenarios were identified for replacing the James A. Rhodes Arena. The first is to build a new arena in a consolidated athletics district near InfoCision Stadium. The second option is to partner with the city to attract appropriate funding to develop a new arena downtown, opposite the Akron Aeros baseball stadium on South Main Street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akzipper Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Not sure if this has been posted yet, but has anyone seen the new Alumni magazine? It is in the new academic proposed main street article. I don't think it's telling us anything we hadn't guessed. "two potential scenarios were identified for replacing the James A. Rhodes Arena. The first is to build a new arena in a consolidated athletics district near InfoCision Stadium. The second option is to partner with the city to attract appropriate funding to develop a new arena downtown, opposite the Akron Aeros baseball stadium on South Main Street. Was just reading that today. The "academic main street" seems kind of pointless visually. From the photos it looked like minor renovations to already existing old buildings. Along with the addition of more trees. One thing that struck my interest was the mention of a "people mover." Could just be a shuttle/bus, but when I hear people mover I think tram or something more fixed. But in regards to the arena, I think it's a good sign they mentioned replacing the JAR not renovating. I hope this season has shown that replacing it is the only option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZippyRulz Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/zips-baske...ptions-1.383372 Looks like we are getting closer to a decision. I see a new arena that will be complimented by a renovated JAR for a practice facility and more. From that article, I see (1) a lack of new arena funds, and (2) JAR bleachers replaced with seat-back chairs and "doing some things in the corners". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dre22era Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Akron now has the 3rd largest University in Ohio and enrollment is still growing about to surpass 30,000 so why suggest a new arena with only a capacity of around 7,000? Aim higher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 I see a new arena that will be complimented by a parking deck. Only on planet Athletic Director would a basketball team need a practice facility. The Cavs built one for LeBron. Worked for them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Ohio State has a practice floor because their arena is used for hockey, concerts, etc. Akron has club hockey and they really don't have a lot of concerts, if any. Akron isn't a convention city. Building an arena with anything other than a permanent floor (unlike a removable floor like Gund Arena has) would be foolish. Akron's "club" hockey outdraws almost all of the varsity sports. I get it. You want us to build you a building that's only used for what YOU are interested in, and nothing else. Let's blow millions of dollars on a building that will only be used 20 times a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbozeglav Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Akron's "club" hockey outdraws almost all of the varsity sports. I get it. You want us to build you a building that's only used for what YOU are interested in, and nothing else. Let's blow millions of dollars on a building that will only be used 20 times a year. Multiply that times two for women's basketball games... Plus if we host local basketball games... plus if you add in entertainment events (concerts, comedy tours, etc)... plus conventions or other large-space events... youd be wise to multiply that number by at least 3 or 4 if you want to truly represent the number of times the facility could be used yearly. Akron's hockey team is still a club team. Its not a team backed by the Athletic Department. There's absolutely zero reason for the university to build a new arena to accommodate a team they have no responsibility for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Multiply that times two for women's basketball games... Plus if we host local basketball games... plus if you add in entertainment events (concerts, comedy tours, etc)... plus conventions or other large-space events... youd be wise to multiply that number by at least 3 or 4 if you want to truly represent the number of times the facility could be used yearly. Akron's hockey team is still a club team. Its not a team backed by the Athletic Department. There's absolutely zero reason for the university to build a new arena to accommodate a team they have no responsibility for. You're not building it for the club sport. You're adding capabilities to use that building a LOT more often. The hockey team is just one example of what can be done with a REAL arena. Just think of the entertainment events you can add with a REAL arena. It would allow for a bigger stage and a couple thousand more seats on the floor (for end stage events). Look at all of the events that are at places like the Covelli Center right now. The circus, Sesame Street on Ice, monster trucks, rodeos. Those all bring in money to the arena owners. Then look at the minor league sports that you could bring in. Those all pay rent. Whether you want to watch arena football or minor league hockey or basketball, those are revenue streams. And there are arenas in NE Ohio right now making money off of those people who do go. Now let's look at what a real arena can do for the students (and more important, prospective students) (again, more money). Skate night and intramural indoor soccer (a very popular sport in that demographic, when there is a suitable facility) are two examples. A real arena could be used several nights a week nine months out of the year. It is a building that helps pay for itself. It brings people to campus who otherwise would not come. It would help revitalize the area much like Canal Park did. Which would make the area around campus safer. All that ties back into the prospective student. Money. Growth. Everyone is wondering how to get a new arena paid for. How to justify it to the people with the money. How to bring money people onto campus that aren't basketball fans. You have to think outside the narcissistic box of "I don't like full floor xyz, so nobody should be allowed to watch it". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 You're not building it for the club sport. You're adding capabilities to use that building a LOT more often. The hockey team is just one example of what can be done with a REAL arena. Just think of the entertainment events you can add with a REAL arena. It would allow for a bigger stage and a couple thousand more seats on the floor (for end stage events). Look at all of the events that are at places like the Covelli Center right now. The circus, Sesame Street on Ice, monster trucks, rodeos. Those all bring in money to the arena owners. Then look at the minor league sports that you could bring in. Those all pay rent. Whether you want to watch arena football or minor league hockey or basketball, those are revenue streams. And there are arenas in NE Ohio right now making money off of those people who do go. Now let's look at what a real arena can do for the students (and more important, prospective students) (again, more money). Skate night and intramural indoor soccer (a very popular sport in that demographic, when there is a suitable facility) are two examples. A real arena could be used several nights a week nine months out of the year. It is a building that helps pay for itself. It brings people to campus who otherwise would not come. It would help revitalize the area much like Canal Park did. Which would make the area around campus safer. All that ties back into the prospective student. Money. Growth. Everyone is wondering how to get a new arena paid for. How to justify it to the people with the money. How to bring money people onto campus that aren't basketball fans. You have to think outside the narcissistic box of "I don't like full floor xyz, so nobody should be allowed to watch it". One cannot help liking the way you think, Spin! As I have said, I think Curtis and Dambrot and TW for that matter are more integrated (integrity) into the university as a whole rather than being hung up on their specific disciplines. I see UA as having one paradigm and not a collage of paradigms. It is one body with many working and INTEGRATED parts. That is what integrity is about. I've seen example after example of that quality at UA and much of it started with the hiring of Luis Proenza. He has very little tolerance for the fragmented way the university was run a few decades ago. TW doesn't make big decisions on his own (anymore at least) and certainly not in a vacuum and nether do the rest of UA leaders. The idea of the JAR serving as a practice arena came from Curtis and Dambrot and actually, I don't recall ever hearing TW mention the idea once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Ouch! I hope that the quoted price includes all of the items bolded below, which came from the arena's website ([url="http://www.thechaifetzarena.com/about_us"]): Chaifetz Arena opened in April 2008, after years of planning for an on-campus multipurpose facility that would be home to SLU men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, and could host a myriad of other events. Chaifetz Arena has 10,600 seats in a single concourse, and also has 14 suites and two party suites, as well as a large club for dinners and parties. The Arena complex includes the Chaifetz Arena, a two-court basketball-volleyball practice facility, where the volleyball team will play its games. And on the far western end of the complex is a new three-story office and support building for the athletic department. It includes new locker rooms for all Division I athletic teams. Chaifetz Arena also contains a new strength and conditioning area and a state-of-the art sports medicine facility. UA was looking at an $80 million price tag back in 2009. If they wait any longer, what they want will come closer to $100 million. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 UA was looking at an $80 million price tag back in 2009. If they wait any longer, what they want will come closer to $100 million. FWIW, Chaifetz Arena (St. Louis University) is a basketball arena; not a hockey arena. Word on the street is that Coach D doesn't want a hockey arena; he wants a basketball arena. I'm not trying to stir anything up. I'm just keeping the conversation going. There are (at least) two huge questions in regards to a new arena 1. Location. On Exchange Street next to InfoCision Stadium -vs- on Main Street across from Canal Park. 2. Design. Basketball -vs- hockey arena. [edit] Chaifetz Arena - I'm referencing the arena mentioned in the previous post @ an $80-million construction cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 FWIW, Chaifetz Arena (St. Louis University) is a basketball arena; not a hockey arena. Word on the street is that Coach D doesn't want a hockey arena; he wants a basketball arena. I'm not trying to stir anything up. I'm just keeping the conversation going. There are (at least) two huge questions in regards to a new arena 1. Location. On Exchange Street next to InfoCision Stadium -vs- on Main Street across from Canal Park. 2. Design. Basketball -vs- hockey arena. [edit] Chaifetz Arena - I'm referencing the arena mentioned in the previous post @ an $80-million construction cost. I hear and and I concur. Dambrot does not want a hockey arena. I have no problem with that. That said, the price tag UA was looking at was still around $80 million in 2009. They aren't going to build the mistake Bowling Green built (Stroh Center). Also, Dambrot and TW behind closed doors will tell you where they want the arena located. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbozeglav Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Spin, I understand your sentiments and frankly if there was a direct need for hockey capabilities in the new facility, I'd agree for its inclusion. As such, there are no direct necessities to the accommodation of hockey so the University won't plan for it. That and if Dambrot has any say in how its built, it'll be basketball first. If the City of Akron were involved somehow with the construction (all but officially ruled out at this point), then I would see hockey capabilities included, but if the University builds this on their own as I get the impression they are intending to do, theyll build it to suit the events they want it to be used for - basketball, basketball, basketball, and anything that can use a basketball-oriented space (concerts, etc). I think what we ALL can agree on is that 99.9% of possible designs the University could come up with will be better than the JAR. want when its built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted March 24, 2013 Report Share Posted March 24, 2013 Spin, I understand your sentiments and frankly if there was a direct need for hockey capabilities in the new facility, I'd agree for its inclusion. As such, there are no direct necessities to the accommodation of hockey so the University won't plan for it. That and if Dambrot has any say in how its built, it'll be basketball first. If the City of Akron were involved somehow with the construction (all but officially ruled out at this point), then I would see hockey capabilities included, but if the University builds this on their own as I get the impression they are intending to do, theyll build it to suit the events they want it to be used for - basketball, basketball, basketball, and anything that can use a basketball-oriented space (concerts, etc). I think what we ALL can agree on is that 99.9% of possible designs the University could come up with will be better than the JAR. want when its built. Think beyond hockey. That's just one of many uses for a full sized arena. Not looking at the bigger picture, and not planning for the future is how we we got stuck with the JAR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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