lance99 Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 I said this two years ago in another thread: The only way that a new arena is built is a local company with super deep pockets put up most(or all) of the money. I don't see Goodyear(they are the only one left) pulling out the checkbook anytime soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballzip Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 The U of A could put in the fold up back seats throughout the JAR, including the end zones. That would get rid of the bleacher wood seats. The end zone seats would remain the general admission seats. The fold up seats are much more comfortable and would make the JAR look a bit more official. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoZips Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 The U of A could put in the fold up back seats throughout the JAR, including the end zones. That would get rid of the bleacher wood seats. The end zone seats would remain the general admission seats. The fold up seats are much more comfortable and would make the JAR look a bit more official. Seat back chairs certainty are more comfortable. Two problems with this. One, it further reduces the capacity; probably to under five thousand. A huge negative if the Zips are trying to "sell" themselves to a higher level conference. And, let it be known that the university is interested in going to a higher level conference. The second problem with the chair back seating is that the current seats are old, cracked, damaged and would need to be totally replaced. That is a lot of money to pour in to an old, ill designed rat hole. (ooops, is my skirt showing?) The JAR is so poorly designed that the first two rows of floor level seating are neatly tucked under the moveable seats. Take a look. Find rows A and B down at floor level. They are there alright. Still under row C. For several years I have had the same seats in row E; the third row from the floor. Ever need to visit a restroom while at a Zips game or other event? Ah ha, only one facility for men or women available to most fans. These are located at the south end. True, there are tiny restrooms located inside the Tommy Evans Lounge which most fans have no access to. Now, officially the largest restrooms available to the public reside on the main concourse. Which, years ago they were to service the patrons in the lower bowl. Along comes the University police and closes the corridors under the seating meant to handle floor level traffic. Today, if you are seated in the lower bowl you get to climb several awkwardly designed steps with no hand rails to get up to the race track and the one available restroom at that level. An oft and over used trite commentary applys beautifully here: you can put lipstick on a pig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 The U of A could put in the fold up back seats throughout the JAR, including the end zones. That would get rid of the bleacher wood seats. The end zone seats would remain the general admission seats. The fold up seats are much more comfortable and would make the JAR look a bit more official. According to the discussions I have had with internal people, the biggest concern would remain that you have to walk in front of seats (on the track). And in order to change that, seating would have to be reduced significantly to move the walking concourse to an area behind the seats. That's the Catch 22. In addition, there would still be no luxury areas (such as a lounge) from which to view the game, so finding a way to alter the lower level to provide that is a challenge as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Ever need to visit a restroom while at a Zips game or other event? Ah ha, only one facility for men or women available to most fans. These are located at the south end. True, there are tiny restrooms located inside the Tommy Evans Lounge which most fans have no access to. Those restrooms are not inside the Tommy Evans Lounge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZippyRulz Posted December 31, 2013 Report Share Posted December 31, 2013 I said this two years ago in another thread: The only way that a new arena is built is a local company with super deep pockets put up most(or all) of the money. I don't see Goodyear(they are the only one left) pulling out the checkbook anytime soon Where did Toledo, EMU, NIU, Ball U., Buffalo, OU, etc. get the money for their nice arenas? It would have been interesting if the ABJ had included this info when comparing the JAR with other MAC facilities.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachTheZip Posted December 31, 2013 Report Share Posted December 31, 2013 The people of Akron think a new arena sounds great, so long as they don't have to pay for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted January 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2014 Temple's playing UCF on ESPNews right now. UCF's got a nice new arena. Looks good on t.v. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottditzen Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 The idea of increased attendance comes up all the time (me included) because this is the only thing we can do as fans that could influence and expedite a more immediate NEED for a new arena for UA basketball. How about stagnant or even decreasing attendance? I'd say that's just as compelling an argument to influence and expedite an immediate need for a new arena. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted January 5, 2014 Report Share Posted January 5, 2014 The people of Akron think a new arena sounds great, so long as they don't have to pay for it. You could replace the word Akron with any other city and you would have the modern American view of government spending. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 Saint Mary's has announced plans for a $13 million upgrade to its 3,500-seat arena to add 500 seats, video boards, suites and a performance center (weight room training, etc.). The Gaels have been one of the most men's basketball programs despite the outdated facilities. They are tied for the 10th most wins in the nation since the start of the 2009-10 season. Looks like the story omitted the word "successful" between "most" and "men's". I can't imagine that $13 million would transform McKeon Pavillion from its current status as a big gym into a modern arena. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 752 tix left for the Toledo game per backthezips.com. Not only is the site a cool idea, I can give my buddies ample warning to buy tickets since I know it's gonna sell out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spin Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 How about stagnant or even decreasing attendance? I'd say that's just as compelling an argument to influence and expedite an immediate need for a new arena. Exactly. The Canton-Akron Indians are the perfect local example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 Watching the Toledo/K-ent game.. Really like Savage Arena, I'd be pumped if we had something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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