Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: The Convo renovations
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Maryland Bobcat
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Posted: 4/10/2014 11:24 AM
I still don't understand why an overhead scoreboard isn't on the table.  We have the best arena in the conference yet we are only one of three MAC arena's without this type of scoreboard (the other two are CMU and BG).  Maybe it's me, but it feels like the one missing ingredient to making the Convo feel like a big-time major arena.  It's also the only one of the "big arenas" in Ohio (US Bank, 5/3, UD, Value City, Nationwide and Quicken Loans) without one. 

On a different note, it is quite remarkable that there are seven arenas with capacity over 13K in the state. 
Last Edited: 4/10/2014 11:28:35 AM by Maryland Bobcat
OU_Country
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Posted: 4/10/2014 11:30 AM
Maryland Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I still don't understand why an overhead scoreboard isn't on the table.  We have the best arena in the conference yet we are only one of three MAC arena's without this type of scoreboard (the other two are CMU and BG).  Maybe it's me, but it feels like the one missing ingredient to making the Convo feel like a big-time major arena.  It's also the only one of the "big arenas" in Ohio (US Bank, 5/3, UD, Value City, Nationwide and Quicken Loans) without one. 

On a different note, it is quite remarkable that there are seven arenas with capacity over 13K in the state. 


Equally remarkable is that of the arenas on that list that are college arenas, if you walked into any of them on a Saturday during the season, you'll find them to be pretty darn full.
Tom Valentino
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Posted: 4/10/2014 1:18 PM
Maryland Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I still don't understand why an overhead scoreboard isn't on the table.  We have the best arena in the conference yet we are only one of three MAC arena's without this type of scoreboard (the other two are CMU and BG).  Maybe it's me, but it feels like the one missing ingredient to making the Convo feel like a big-time major arena.  It's also the only one of the "big arenas" in Ohio (US Bank, 5/3, UD, Value City, Nationwide and Quicken Loans) without one. 

On a different note, it is quite remarkable that there are seven arenas with capacity over 13K in the state. 

Wolstein Center at Cleveland State seats over 13,000 without its curtains up and also does not have an overhead scoreboard.

 
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 4/10/2014 1:21 PM
UTs arena may not seat 13,000, but I think it needs to be on the list of the most impressive arenas in the state now.
Ryan Carey
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Posted: 4/10/2014 2:01 PM
Just a guess, but the structure changes required to support the scoreboard would probably require major work.  When you introduce anything other than cosmetic changes, you'll need to bring the entire building from 1960's code to 2014 code.  The $?M scoreboard would probably turn into a $??M project.
Casper71
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Posted: 4/10/2014 2:36 PM
And, add the Cintas Center.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 4/10/2014 3:05 PM
Ryan Carey wrote:expand_more
Just a guess, but the structure changes required to support the scoreboard would probably require major work.  When you introduce anything other than cosmetic changes, you'll need to bring the entire building from 1960's code to 2014 code.  The $?M scoreboard would probably turn into a $??M project.

This gets discussed ad nauseam, but I just can't believe this. We've had various monstrously heavy speakers dangling from there for years, scoreboards keep getting lighter, and the Convo's nearly identical cousin (apologies to Patty Duke) in West Lafayette has had a hanging scoreboard for many years.

The lower, detail free, low-res, unreadable, obscured scoreboards in the Convo are the single worst thing about the gameday experience in the arena. I'd rather dry my hands on my jeans while munching on a stale pretzel in perpetuity than deal with those lousy scoreboards for another season.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/10/2014 3:22 PM
Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
Just a guess, but the structure changes required to support the scoreboard would probably require major work.  When you introduce anything other than cosmetic changes, you'll need to bring the entire building from 1960's code to 2014 code.  The $?M scoreboard would probably turn into a $??M project.

This gets discussed ad nauseam, but I just can't believe this. We've had various monstrously heavy speakers dangling from there for years, scoreboards keep getting lighter, and the Convo's nearly identical cousin (apologies to Patty Duke) in West Lafayette has had a hanging scoreboard for many years.

The lower, detail free, low-res, unreadable, obscured scoreboards in the Convo are the single worst thing about the gameday experience in the arena. I'd rather dry my hands on my jeans while munching on a stale pretzel in perpetuity than deal with those lousy scoreboards for another season.

Couldn't have said it better on either count:  1. Don't believe the weight excuse; 2. Agree current scoreboards are ridiculous which is compounded by putting chairs right in front of them and then letting idiots stand in front of them.  Same for some of the elements of the Peden scoreboard.  

 
SBH
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Posted: 4/10/2014 3:44 PM
The last I heard, the university was conducting an engineering study on the Convo roof this summer.  Something about weight bearing limits.  Perhaps...


oldkatz
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Posted: 4/10/2014 3:46 PM
Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
Just a guess, but the structure changes required to support the scoreboard would probably require major work.  When you introduce anything other than cosmetic changes, you'll need to bring the entire building from 1960's code to 2014 code.  The $?M scoreboard would probably turn into a $??M project.

This gets discussed ad nauseam, but I just can't believe this. We've had various monstrously heavy speakers dangling from there for years, scoreboards keep getting lighter, and the Convo's nearly identical cousin (apologies to Patty Duke) in West Lafayette has had a hanging scoreboard for many years.

The lower, detail free, low-res, unreadable, obscured scoreboards in the Convo are the single worst thing about the gameday experience in the arena. I'd rather dry my hands on my jeans while munching on a stale pretzel in perpetuity than deal with those lousy scoreboards for another season.


  First Patty Duke reference in the new millenium.  Kudos!!
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 4/11/2014 8:57 AM
Down with the hanging scoreboard dreams!  I will continue to preach for the matching big screens on the ends replacing the steep seats.
shabamon
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Posted: 4/11/2014 9:25 AM
Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
Down with the hanging scoreboard dreams!  I will continue to preach for the matching big screens on the ends replacing the steep seats.


I think this is much more feasible.

My biggest complaint about the Convo (and Peden) experience lies with concessions. It shouldn't be terribly expensive to install some POS systems. It's a bit sad when the 15 year-old from Nelsonville-York behind the counter has to whip out a calculator to add $2.50 and $4.50. It would also be great to have some big movie theater popcorn poppers.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 4/11/2014 9:49 AM
That $2.50 plus $4.50 is actually not bad compared to some horror scenes I've observed...like something costs $4.50, you give the clerk $5.00, she has no idea how much change to give you. 

Makes you wonder how this country even functions any more day to day.

Connoisseurs of pretzels, you are in luck!  JoeMac is going to make his own and open a kiosk in Peden and the Convo next season.  Not sure who's going to staff it.  Not Joe, he watches the games...prerequisite is you have to be able to add and subtract.

Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 4/11/2014 10:26 AM
Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
Down with the hanging scoreboard dreams!  I will continue to preach for the matching big screens on the ends replacing the steep seats.

Never!

As soon as I see two screens high on the walls of an NBA arena instead of a hanging scoreboard, I'll believe that it's be best solution. The wall board at Stroh is 100x better than what we have but it's almost at court level and still doesn't hold a candle to EMU's hanging board. Why settle for mediocrity and shred seats to do it?
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/11/2014 10:30 AM
Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
Down with the hanging scoreboard dreams!  I will continue to preach for the matching big screens on the ends replacing the steep seats.

Never!

As soon as I see two screens high on the walls of an NBA arena instead of a hanging scoreboard, I'll believe that it's be best solution. The wall board at Stroh is 100x better than what we have but it's almost at court level and still doesn't hold a candle to EMU's hanging board. Why settle for mediocrity and shred seats to do it?

+1  Hang boards rule.  I'm almost positive that's the direction we will eventually go.  I just wish I knew how long "eventually" will be. 

 
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 4/11/2014 10:37 AM
One more note on high screens...

I go to a handful of CSU games each year, an the Wolstein Center uses boards mounted close to the ceiling, pretty much exactly what some people here are advocating. They are much better than our current boards, and they still absolutely suck.
The Optimist
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Posted: 4/11/2014 10:39 AM
Agree with those who do not buy the "roof cannot support it" hype. I turn on the news and see kids on private lawns flipping over smart cars. If they can make a car that a couple undersized guys can flip they can make a big screen that is light enough to hang from the roof of a building that Ohio69 has assured us is the most well constructed building in SEO.

As for the end zone scoreboards, I agree that'd be sweet for hoops but I don't see that as feasible at all. From what I've heard, taking out seats in the Convo is a non-starter due to events like commencement. Plus it seems like knocking out seats is something that could get tricky fast. Under the upper bowls is the dorm rooms. There isn't any extra space going down to knock out. The roof of the dorms are slanted like stadium seats making me think the Arena is right there. That seems like it gets more complicated then just hanging something from the roof.

Also agree that concessions are problem #1 but I don't know that just getting some modern math tech is enough. For concessions to truly be adequate, I think that is where a major concourse renovation comes into play.
Pataskala
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Posted: 4/11/2014 1:07 PM
Let's get the computer labs at work on a holographic hanging scoreboard.
bornacatfan
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Posted: 4/11/2014 1:18 PM
Pataskala wrote:expand_more
Let's get the computer labs at work on a holographic hanging scoreboard.


ther's some thinkin outside the proverbial box.
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 4/11/2014 1:36 PM
The Optimist wrote:expand_more
As for the end zone scoreboards, I agree that'd be sweet for hoops but I don't see that as feasible at all. From what I've heard, taking out seats in the Convo is a non-starter due to events like commencement..

I believe there are 13 seats to a row in a section, and 8 rows of steep seats.  That equates to about 100 seats per section, with 2 sections on each end we are talking about 400 seats.  400 seats for a once per year event?  Come on.  Personally, I would prefer to eliminate some of the perennially empty seats.  I'm not saying go tiny, I think a 12k+ arena is a good thing to have, but I'm not gonna cry over 400 seats.

I believe the boards could be installed with no construction at all to the concrete.  I realize the screens probably wouldn't be as flat as my living room TV, but I think there would be plenty of room to just lay it there and affix it to the floor/wall/roof.  Cheaper, easier, and as long as there is one on each end...easier to view than overhead.  I want to just pan my head left or right, not slouch in my seat and look to the heavens.  

And I still think it would drastically change the feel of the Convo.  I love that from my seat I can view every single seat in the entire arena.  I don't care of big time arenas have hanging scoreboards, I don't see the appeal.
Last Edited: 4/11/2014 1:38:56 PM by Andrew Ruck
Athens
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Posted: 4/11/2014 8:27 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
The last I heard, the university was conducting an engineering study on the Convo roof this summer.  Something about weight bearing limits.  Perhaps...

What you say is in the plans.
www.bobcatattack.com/messageboard/topic.asp
 
Bobcat Grad 86
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Posted: 5/10/2014 7:34 AM
VCU is ready to break ground on a new basketball practice facility that will include an academic center.  The price tag is $25 Million. 14.5 Million is from private donations and the remainder is from redirecting students fees when the fees used to pay for the Siegel Center is complete.  No state funds are being used.

Artist Renderings: http://www.timesdispatch.com/sports/college/basketball/vcu-practice-facility-renderings/collection_c8b4e898-d7a8-11e3-a289-0017a43b2370.html

giacomo
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Posted: 5/10/2014 1:13 PM
I googled Cameron Indoor Stadium. While they have a center hanging scoreboard, there is no display of the action. I guess if they don't need it, we don't need it.
RSBobcat
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Posted: 5/10/2014 1:21 PM
I don't care if it's "hanging" or not. I just want to be able to see it. And for it to have some game/player status stats besides score, time, TO's, and PF's. We really need some better speakers - the sound system is AWFUL.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 5/12/2014 9:50 AM
When is the seat replacement project going to begin?  Prophesied on here a few months ago.
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