Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: The Convo renovations
Page: 1 of 2
Gallia Cat
General User
GC
Member Since: 7/11/2010
Post Count: 938
person
mail
Gallia Cat
mail
Posted: 4/6/2014 10:53 AM
I know there has been a lot of discussion on the board about upgrades. Right now I would settle for cleaning up and painting the white portions on the outer shell and replacing the seats with all hunter green seats. Those 2 things, while very basic, would really spruce the old girl up. When is this suppose to happen and how will the capacity be impacted by replacing current seats! I was at the high school tournaments and sat in the seats right behind the Ozone bleachers and the seats were awful. The high school fans were even commenting on it.

I know it's going to happen but when?
The Optimist
General User
Member Since: 3/16/2007
Location: CLE
Post Count: 5,611
mail
The Optimist
mail
Posted: 4/6/2014 11:04 AM
With the replacement seats already officially in the works, I hope it happens before next season. Maybe that work starts after commencement??

It really is amazing that we have an arena quickly approaching the 50th anniversary of opening that is still such a great facility.
I have dreams of what the Convo could be with a more expensive concourse renovation, but if we can just get some additional TLC applied to the Convo beyond the seats, there is no reason this facility cannot continue to attract recruits who want to play in a building that is increasingly becoming known for having a high-major college basketball atmosphere.
bornacatfan
General User
Member Since: 8/3/2006
Post Count: 5,752
mail
bornacatfan
mail
Posted: 4/6/2014 11:54 AM
A new camera and some fiber optics would be nice..... And not rally the expensive compared to 550k
mcbin
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 951
mail
mcbin
mail
Posted: 4/6/2014 11:55 AM
I cannot remember if it has a specific use, but I think there was a line item in one of the most recent Trustee's reports that had a big six or small seven figure number for Convo renovations.
RSBobcat
General User
Member Since: 8/23/2010
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 4,504
mail
RSBobcat
mail
Posted: 4/6/2014 8:32 PM
mcbin wrote:expand_more
I cannot remember if it has a specific use, but I think there was a line item in one of the most recent Trustee's reports that had a big six or small seven figure number for Convo renovations.

If I remember right it was for exterior, ramps, and concourse improvements.

But I have not heard what they are going to do with the huge parking space under the Convo since apparently no one can ever park there again. In fact I am surprised that issue has not come up on here yet.

 
Long Train Runnin'
General User
LTR
Member Since: 12/26/2004
Location: Cambridge, OH
Post Count: 118
person
mail
Long Train Runnin'
mail
Posted: 4/6/2014 10:58 PM
OK, I've been out of touch for a while, but what is the story with the Convo parking garage? Is it no longer being used? (I parked there for two years as a student.)
OUcats82
General User
Member Since: 1/9/2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 1,912
mail
OUcats82
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 10:41 AM
Some fresh paint in many, many areas would go a long way.  I was at the CIT game against Wright State (first time in the Convo in about ten years) and was pretty embarrassed by how rough some areas looked.  The worst part was how the gray paint on the cement on the outdoor plaza (walking up from Richland Ave.) was coming up in sheets.  At least have facilities management pick up the big pieces out of the bushes/off the walkway.  Could have been a result of the rough winter we just had but it was pretty bad.  While a new scoreboard and other flashy things would be nice, some basic updates would be a great start.  

The entire concourse is just kind of dark and dingy.  It's like walking through a time warp.  New metal doors to the offices, some new logos, signage, graphics would not be too expensive and would really freshen things up.

Not sure on the location but a more legit spirit store would be good too.  The traveling store that Follet brings has a lame selection and looks bootleg.  

Enough has been shared on the bathrooms and concessions and I agree that they need freshened up too. 

Long term I would like to see an electronic/digital sign out front would be nice and better than the vinyl banners and/or sandwich boards.

We are lucky that we have good bones and were blessed with a facility that was probably ahead of its time when built.  It's time to give it some TLC and bring it into the 21st century. 

 





 
left lane, hammer down
General User
Member Since: 3/26/2012
Location: Albany International Airport Tower
Post Count: 135
mail
left lane, hammer down
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 10:56 AM
RSBobcat wrote:expand_more
I cannot remember if it has a specific use, but I think there was a line item in one of the most recent Trustee's reports that had a big six or small seven figure number for Convo renovations.


If I remember right it was for exterior, ramps, and concourse improvements.

But I have not heard what they are going to do with the huge parking space under the Convo since apparently no one can ever park there again. In fact I am surprised that issue has not come up on here yet.
The parking under the convo can not be converted into any usable space as it is in the flood plane. I believe staff can park there during the day. During 'large events' OUPD's anti-terrorism best practices policy require it to be empty. This past year some Bobcat Club members could use it but I have heard that will end next year.
Andrew Ruck
General User
Member Since: 12/22/2004
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 5,643
mail
Andrew Ruck
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 11:12 AM
left lane, hammer down wrote:expand_more
During 'large events' OUPD's anti-terrorism best practices policy require it to be empty. This past year some Bobcat Club members could use it but I have heard that will end next year.

That is so insanely dumb.
left lane, hammer down
General User
Member Since: 3/26/2012
Location: Albany International Airport Tower
Post Count: 135
mail
left lane, hammer down
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 11:24 AM
The Optimist
General User
Member Since: 3/16/2007
Location: CLE
Post Count: 5,611
mail
The Optimist
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 11:30 AM

I'm not all that surprised to hear that. With all the security for NFL/other pro events and other international sporting events (world cup, Olympics etc) I think it is smart to take preventive action (how much this helps is debatable)
While we aren't OSU with 100,000 people packed into one place, you never know who might be targeted. The Convo is just big enough that it is worth fussing over security.

 

 

Gallia Cat
General User
GC
Member Since: 7/11/2010
Post Count: 938
person
mail
Gallia Cat
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 6:08 PM
I absolutely have no problem with the no parking under the Convo policy. It has crossed my mind of what an easy target it could be especially with warnings of attack against soft targets. Imagine a big game with 12,000 fans, game personnel and student dorms. I think this is a wise decision by Ohio University PD.

It's sad that this is the world we live in but it is.
The Pessimist
General User
Member Since: 3/13/2005
Location: Allentown, PA
Post Count: 145
mail
The Pessimist
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 9:44 PM
left lane, hammer down wrote:expand_more
 OUPD's anti-terrorism best practices... ...


i thought you were setting up a parking services joke.
RSBobcat
General User
Member Since: 8/23/2010
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 4,504
mail
RSBobcat
mail
Posted: 4/7/2014 10:15 PM
And Blue Lot passes prices go up.

 
Last Edited: 4/7/2014 10:16:29 PM by RSBobcat
lovebobcat
General User
L
Member Since: 12/23/2004
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 548
person
mail
lovebobcat
mail
Posted: 4/8/2014 12:03 AM
All I want for Christmas is a HANGING VIDEO BOARD. Please!!!!!

Everything else is details. It'd be easy to ignore the rip in the fabric of your seat while you're watching video replays of a dunk.
OhioBobcat
General User
OB
Member Since: 1/20/2006
Post Count: 1,637
person
mail
OhioBobcat
mail
Posted: 4/8/2014 12:27 AM
Convo still looks in very good shape considering its age. Sure we can improve it but it looks really good for its age and hangs right in there with many of the much newer facilities in the MAC. 
OhioStunter
General User
Member Since: 2/18/2005
Location: Chicago
Post Count: 2,516
mail
OhioStunter
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 2:56 PM
I will post this whenever I get a chance:

According to the rough budget estimates I've seen so far on this, the line item breakdown includes:

$3.1M - Retractable roof with view of Bong Hill
$2.4M - Daktronics shot clock that actually works
$2.2M - Richard Vedder athletic spend digital clock
$1.7M - New strength and conditioning room complete with team assortment of "Shake Weights"
$1.2M - HDTVs in visiting locker rooms that only show reruns of MacGuyver
$1.0 M - Pretzel vending upgrades
$478K - Additional security to ticket team buses, player and coach vehicles in Convo lot
$423K - Rohr Room motion detector to set off actual Bobcat roar (with Beats Audio)
$397K - Locker room showerheads replaced with Amazon rain forest soaking shower heads
$63.75 - New urinal cakes (featuring the Redhawks logo)
$1.3M - Conversion of outdoor upper level into beer garden
$7,500 - O-Zone t-shirts upgraded to 100% Egyptian cotton
$1.1M - Heated leather seats for Bobcat Club members (with cup holders)
$212K - Bench towels replaced with Sham-WOWs
$1.0M - Those cheap little white plastic Larry Conrath Realty basketballs the cheerleaders throw to fans during three-pointers? -- now it's iPad minis
$945K - Bobcat Fan Zone with Patrick Flomo Block Party area and Geno Ford growth posters
$745K - Starting line-up announcer: Michael  Buffer
$342K - BobcatAttack.com members-only lounge with ICEE machines and green "members only" jackets

 
OUcats82
General User
Member Since: 1/9/2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 1,912
mail
OUcats82
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 3:23 PM
OhioStunter wrote:expand_more
I will post this whenever I get a chance:

According to the rough budget estimates I've seen so far on this, the line item breakdown includes:

$3.1M - Retractable roof with view of Bong Hill
$2.4M - Daktronics shot clock that actually works
$2.2M - Richard Vedder athletic spend digital clock
$1.7M - New strength and conditioning room complete with team assortment of "Shake Weights"
$1.2M - HDTVs in visiting locker rooms that only show reruns of MacGuyver
$1.0 M - Pretzel vending upgrades
$478K - Additional security to ticket team buses, player and coach vehicles in Convo lot
$423K - Rohr Room motion detector to set off actual Bobcat roar (with Beats Audio)
$397K - Locker room showerheads replaced with Amazon rain forest soaking shower heads
$63.75 - New urinal cakes (featuring the Redhawks logo)
$1.3M - Conversion of outdoor upper level into beer garden
$7,500 - O-Zone t-shirts upgraded to 100% Egyptian cotton
$1.1M - Heated leather seats for Bobcat Club members (with cup holders)
$212K - Bench towels replaced with Sham-WOWs
$1.0M - Those cheap little white plastic Larry Conrath Realty basketballs the cheerleaders throw to fans during three-pointers? -- now it's iPad minis
$945K - Bobcat Fan Zone with Patrick Flomo Block Party area and Geno Ford growth posters
$745K - Starting line-up announcer: Michael  Buffer
$342K - BobcatAttack.com members-only lounge with ICEE machines and green "members only" jackets

 

Will the "members only" jackets be made by "Members Only?"


 
Last Edited: 4/9/2014 3:26:20 PM by OUcats82
OU_Country
General User
Member Since: 12/6/2005
Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
Post Count: 8,401
mail
OU_Country
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 3:25 PM
One thing I'd like to see, is something over center court. We used to have the flags, which wasnt great,but i do think something is needed over center court.  Graphics depicting that seasons teams perhaps. 
Bobcatbob
General User
Member Since: 12/21/2004
Location: Coolville, OH
Post Count: 1,351
mail
Bobcatbob
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 3:47 PM
Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
During 'large events' OUPD's anti-terrorism best practices policy require it to be empty. This past year some Bobcat Club members could use it but I have heard that will end next year.

That is so insanely dumb.


Let's not even get started on security charades. But for starters, nonetheless, in order to receive federal policing funds for terrorism protection, you have to protect something.  This is how Ohio A&M got their re-purposed armored personnel carrier.  No joke.
bornacatfan
General User
Member Since: 8/3/2006
Post Count: 5,752
mail
bornacatfan
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 4:40 PM
Bobcatbob wrote:expand_more
.  This is how Ohio A&M got their re-purposed armored personnel carrier.  No joke.

They probably need it for certain events.....they could rent it out to Iowa State the next couple of weeks

I am amazed in the change in the world from the time the Convo was built to now.....where you had covered parking to now where you have a potential kill zone. 

Too bad that can't be used due to the flood plain.....there's your new practice facility.

 
Jeff McKinney
Moderator
JM
Member Since: 11/12/2004
Post Count: 6,163
person
mail
Jeff McKinney
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 5:12 PM
OhioStunter wrote:expand_more
I will post this whenever I get a chance:

According to the rough budget estimates I've seen so far on this, the line item breakdown includes:

$3.1M - Retractable roof with view of Bong Hill
$2.4M - Daktronics shot clock that actually works
$2.2M - Richard Vedder athletic spend digital clock
$1.7M - New strength and conditioning room complete with team assortment of "Shake Weights"
$1.2M - HDTVs in visiting locker rooms that only show reruns of MacGuyver
$1.0 M - Pretzel vending upgrades
$478K - Additional security to ticket team buses, player and coach vehicles in Convo lot
$423K - Rohr Room motion detector to set off actual Bobcat roar (with Beats Audio)
$397K - Locker room showerheads replaced with Amazon rain forest soaking shower heads
$63.75 - New urinal cakes (featuring the Redhawks logo)
$1.3M - Conversion of outdoor upper level into beer garden
$7,500 - O-Zone t-shirts upgraded to 100% Egyptian cotton
$1.1M - Heated leather seats for Bobcat Club members (with cup holders)
$212K - Bench towels replaced with Sham-WOWs
$1.0M - Those cheap little white plastic Larry Conrath Realty basketballs the cheerleaders throw to fans during three-pointers? -- now it's iPad minis
$945K - Bobcat Fan Zone with Patrick Flomo Block Party area and Geno Ford growth posters
$745K - Starting line-up announcer: Michael  Buffer
$342K - BobcatAttack.com members-only lounge with ICEE machines and green "members only" jackets

 



One of the funniest things I've seen on BA!
cc-cat
General User
C
Member Since: 4/5/2006
Location: matthews, NC
Post Count: 4,016
person
mail
cc-cat
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 5:29 PM
OU_Country wrote:expand_more
One thing I'd like to see, is something over center court. We used to have the flags, which wasnt great,but i do think something is needed over center court.  Graphics depicting that seasons teams perhaps. 


What ever happened to those flags?  I know one was there for the 82/83 season.
OhioStunter
General User
Member Since: 2/18/2005
Location: Chicago
Post Count: 2,516
mail
OhioStunter
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 6:32 PM
OUcats82 wrote:expand_more
I will post this whenever I get a chance:

According to the rough budget estimates I've seen so far on this, the line item breakdown includes:

$3.1M - Retractable roof with view of Bong Hill
$2.4M - Daktronics shot clock that actually works
$2.2M - Richard Vedder athletic spend digital clock
$1.7M - New strength and conditioning room complete with team assortment of "Shake Weights"
$1.2M - HDTVs in visiting locker rooms that only show reruns of MacGuyver
$1.0 M - Pretzel vending upgrades
$478K - Additional security to ticket team buses, player and coach vehicles in Convo lot
$423K - Rohr Room motion detector to set off actual Bobcat roar (with Beats Audio)
$397K - Locker room showerheads replaced with Amazon rain forest soaking shower heads
$63.75 - New urinal cakes (featuring the Redhawks logo)
$1.3M - Conversion of outdoor upper level into beer garden
$7,500 - O-Zone t-shirts upgraded to 100% Egyptian cotton
$1.1M - Heated leather seats for Bobcat Club members (with cup holders)
$212K - Bench towels replaced with Sham-WOWs
$1.0M - Those cheap little white plastic Larry Conrath Realty basketballs the cheerleaders throw to fans during three-pointers? -- now it's iPad minis
$945K - Bobcat Fan Zone with Patrick Flomo Block Party area and Geno Ford growth posters
$745K - Starting line-up announcer: Michael  Buffer
$342K - BobcatAttack.com members-only lounge with ICEE machines and green "members only" jackets

 

Will the "members only" jackets be made by "Members Only?"


 
Great call.

 
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,679
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 4/9/2014 7:04 PM
cc cat wrote:expand_more
One thing I'd like to see, is something over center court. We used to have the flags, which wasnt great,but i do think something is needed over center court.  Graphics depicting that seasons teams perhaps. 


What ever happened to those flags?  I know one was there for the 82/83 season.


The NSA and CIA are still working on the case.  Focusing on the Mahoning County area from what I understand.


Last Edited: 4/9/2014 7:07:15 PM by SBH
Showing Messages: 1 - 25 of 50
MAC News Links



extra small (< 576px)
small (>= 576px)
medium (>= 768px)
large (>= 992px)
x-large (>= 1200px)
xx-large (>= 1400px)