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Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: The Convo is getting a face lift
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Antonio Pierce
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Posted: 1/27/2014 6:06 AM
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According to the Builders exchange:

Athens / Ohio University / Convocation Center Ramp Repairs
Proj. ID: 2012-2B73 Owners Ref. ID: 14-014JM

BID INFORMATION
Bid Date: 2/10/2014 Bid Information: Bids due to Owner
Bid Time: 10:00 AM Bids Security: 10% bid bond or certified, cashiers check, or letter of credit upon solvent bank.
First Report Date: 1/20/2014
PreBid Meeting Information: MANDATORY MEETING 1/24/2014  AT 10:00 AM 
 Location: 160 West Union St.    Athens  OH  45701 
 Notes: Ohio University, West Union Street Office Center - Room 302.		  Add a reminder to MS Outlook
Notes:  Originally in prebid 8/24/2012

EDGE Paticipation 5%

Bids to be received for General.
Scope of Work: 
The project consists of exterior concrete repair and restoration at the Convocation Center of Ohio University. Work includes restoration of exterior concrete columns ramps and walkways at the Ohio University Center. This work is general described as follows: 1.) Demolition of unsound concrete. 2.0 Removal of existing traffic bearing membrane where noted. 3.0 Removal of existing coatings from column, beam and slab surfaces where noted. 4.) Removal and disposal of debris. 5.) Cleaning of reinforcing to remove rust. 6.) Preparation of concrete surfaces to receive patching, overlays and joint sealants. 7.) Patching cavities in the concrete structure. 8.) Repair of cracks in existing concrete. 8.) Repair of cracks in existing concrete. 9.) Installation of concrete toppings and overlays. 10.) Application of Traffic Bearing Membrane. 11.) Application of coating systems to walls, columns and underside of beams and slab. 12.) Coating of structure where no other coating is specified. 13.) Repair of Expansion joints and control joints. 14.) Daily reports of quantities of materials used and of materials removed. Reports shall be submitted weekly.
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST:   $950,000.00
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 1/27/2014 10:07 AM
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Not sexy, but probably quite necessary.

After visiting EMU last weekend, I was left with serious scoreboard envy. They have a gorgeous, glittering empty arena in Ypsilanti. I hope we have some money to improve the fan experience in the Convo.

 
SBH
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Posted: 1/27/2014 10:08 AM
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13,100 new seats this year, updated concrete and complete exterior repainting next year.


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Posted: 1/27/2014 10:21 AM
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SBH wrote:expand_more
13,100 new seats this year, updated concrete and complete exterior repainting next year. 

Yes, all of that is needed too. 

Less than 1,000 people (on average) at EMU get to look at an info-filled four-sided hanging scoreboard while we get two tiny and grainy video boards and two scoreboards that have minimal data and are regularly obscured. It's a first-world problem, but I'd love to see it remedied.

The Convo is ahead of most buildings in the MAC and in the state in many ways, but it is way behind in some glaring areas (and I'm not talking about hand dryers or pretzels).
bornacatfan
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Posted: 1/27/2014 10:48 AM
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Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
13,100 new seats this year, updated concrete and complete exterior repainting next year. 

Yes, all of that is needed too. 

Less than 1,000 people (on average) at EMU get to look at an info-filled four-sided hanging scoreboard while we get two tiny and grainy video boards and two scoreboards that have minimal data and are regularly obscured. It's a first-world problem, but I'd love to see it remedied.

The Convo is ahead of most buildings in the MAC and in the state in many ways, but it is way behind in some glaring areas (and I'm not talking about hand dryers or pretzels).


You are right RJ. There are visible cracks and chunks of concrete with rebar showing, walking up the ramp to the back entrance with your head up will nicely illustrate that. All kidding aside regarding hand dryers and pretzels the old girl is one of the best. Anything we can do to preserve her and keep her solid and updated is much needed.
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 1/27/2014 10:51 AM
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Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
13,100 new seats this year, updated concrete and complete exterior repainting next year. 

Yes, all of that is needed too. 

Less than 1,000 people (on average) at EMU get to look at an info-filled four-sided hanging scoreboard while we get two tiny and grainy video boards and two scoreboards that have minimal data and are regularly obscured. It's a first-world problem, but I'd love to see it remedied.

The Convo is ahead of most buildings in the MAC and in the state in many ways, but it is way behind in some glaring areas (and I'm not talking about hand dryers or pretzels).


I did notice that they replaced one hand dryer and it was actually worse than the one before it.
bornacatfan
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Posted: 1/27/2014 11:08 AM
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Was trying not to go there but what the heck

Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
I did notice that they replaced one hand dryer and it was actually worse than the one before it.


something to think about next time you see your buddy coming out of the restroom on the concourse. Do you extend your hand or fist bump

This thread is pretty hilarious with responses. Kind of goes off color on the second page but is sure something to think about. 


cyclonefanatic.com/forum/off-topic/182831-mike-mike-fans.html
GoCats105
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Posted: 1/27/2014 11:55 AM
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I mentioned this in a previous thread, but if we do go to a hanging scoreboard eventually, it would also be nice to see some LED ribbons going around the perimeter of the Convo for even more signage.

I didn't know where to put until I went to the Convo for the Akron game. Up behind the basket, on the railing in front of the seating would be perfect. There's plenty of space and the sightlines would be ok since nothing is obstructing it.

Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 1/27/2014 12:30 PM
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Hanging scoreboard is not the way to go.  Too complex and expensive of a project (and possibly not even feasible?) and would alter the vibe and openness of the Convo too much.  A big screen on each end of the court, spanning the 2 sections straight up from the hoop on each end and covering just the "steep seat" portion...is the way to go.  If the price of those massive 80" LED TVs at Sam's Club have went down so much the last few years, I imagine 50 foot screens have as well.  With one on each end, it would be a perfectly suitable view for every seat.
shabamon
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Posted: 1/27/2014 12:46 PM
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Look at what Richmond has for scoreboards following their renovation. That's the way to go.

OUcats82
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Posted: 1/27/2014 1:24 PM
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So here is a question to pass time on this frigid day (at least it's cold outside where I'm sitting...)

Seeing Richmond's nice new digs got me thinking.........if John Q Donor came along and offered to build Ohio a brand new arena to completely replace the Convo would you be for it?  I have a lot of great memories in person and from tv of the Roundhouse on Richmond but I feel like it has not been given the TLC it needs over the past 20 or so years.  



 
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Posted: 1/27/2014 1:56 PM
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Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
Hanging scoreboard is not the way to go.  Too complex and expensive of a project (and possibly not even feasible?) and would alter the vibe and openness of the Convo too much.  A big screen on each end of the court, spanning the 2 sections straight up from the hoop on each end and covering just the "steep seat" portion...is the way to go.  If the price of those massive 80" LED TVs at Sam's Club have went down so much the last few years, I imagine 50 foot screens have as well.  With one on each end, it would be a perfectly suitable view for every seat.

It wouldn't be the worst solution, but a hanging board looks and works better, and has four sides rather than two. As to feasibility, I'll beat Bornacatfan to the punch and point to the Convo's sibling in West Lafayette, which has had a hanging scoreboard for years.

 
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Posted: 1/27/2014 2:07 PM
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OUcats82 wrote:expand_more
So here is a question to pass time on this frigid day (at least it's cold outside where I'm sitting...)

Seeing Richmond's nice new digs got me thinking.........if John Q Donor came along and offered to build Ohio a brand new arena to completely replace the Convo would you be for it?  I have a lot of great memories in person and from tv of the Roundhouse on Richmond but I feel like it has not been given the TLC it needs over the past 20 or so years.  

I know this is a fantasy proposition, but even if someone ponied up the dollars, I would apply them more wisely. Replacing a solid venue that just needs some love is foolish. It's also shockingly expensive. For the sake of comparison, here are some recent college arena projects, all significantly smaller than the Convo:
  • Evansville - 10,000 capacity, opened 2011, cost of $127.5 million
  • UT Arlington - 7,000 capacity, opened 2012, cost of $78 million
  • BGSU (world's nicest high-school gym) - 4,700 capacity, cost of $30 million
If the Convo became so neglected that it had to be razed, I suspect that no one would like whatever we could afford to replace it.
The Optimist
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Posted: 1/27/2014 2:54 PM
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OUcats82 wrote:expand_more
So here is a question to pass time on this frigid day (at least it's cold outside where I'm sitting...)

Seeing Richmond's nice new digs got me thinking.........if John Q Donor came along and offered to build Ohio a brand new arena to completely replace the Convo would you be for it? I have a lot of great memories in person and from tv of the Roundhouse on Richmond but I feel like it has not been given the TLC it needs over the past 20 or so years.
When I first read this, I thought "no way" could we turn down a new "free" arena...

But the more I think about it, I guess that I wouldn't want to move out of the Convo even if we could build a new arena.

At its core, the Convo is a great place to watch a hoops game. The inside (where we actually watch the game) is everything I could want from a hoops arena... GREAT atmosphere, good sightlines all the way to the top, good capacity for a program our size and leaves a little room to grow...

All of the areas of improvement for the Convo are things we could actually improve if we had the $$$... New scoreboard, major concourse renovation (restrooms, concessions AND improved entryways) and that is really it.

If we had 10 million to throw at a Convo renovation (beyond the structural stuff) I daresay we would have one of the best arenas in the NATION.

Continuing to dream... Borna has mentioned the increasing need for a basketball practice facility. Would be cool to see a basketball only hoops facility attached to the Convo off the back. Do that along with a new entranceway and concourse and man would we have a nice setup.
The Optimist
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Posted: 1/27/2014 2:55 PM
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Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
Hanging scoreboard is not the way to go. Too complex and expensive of a project (and possibly not even feasible?) and would alter the vibe and openness of the Convo too much. A big screen on each end of the court, spanning the 2 sections straight up from the hoop on each end and covering just the "steep seat" portion...is the way to go. If the price of those massive 80" LED TVs at Sam's Club have went down so much the last few years, I imagine 50 foot screens have as well. With one on each end, it would be a perfectly suitable view for every seat.


It wouldn't be the worst solution, but a hanging board looks and works better, and has four sides rather than two. As to feasibility, I'll beat Bornacatfan to the punch and point to the Convo's sibling in West Lafayette, which has had a hanging scoreboard for years.

I agree.

What Richmond did is cool but I think the hanging scoreboard could work well in the Convo.
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Posted: 1/27/2014 3:54 PM
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The biggest enhancement to the Convo in the next 5-7 years is likely to be a practice court facility attached onto the back of the building.




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Posted: 1/27/2014 6:12 PM
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I was under the impression from discussing this topic a decade or so ago that the roof at the Convo would not support a hanging scoreboard. 

The new scoreboards and video screens at Richmond were very easy to glance at and follow with the flow of the game.  I could see two different boards on either end of the floor. A hanging scoreboard while having four screens would generally only have one screen facing each person and those sitting courtside would be looking up and might not have good of a view of video. 

As I mentioned when I posted picture of the Robins Center a few months ago I still feel the Convo has too many empty seats for most games which is seen in the background on TV and photos of the games.  Removing some seats for the corner scoreboards might be the way to go.

Richmond Before and After (Note the seats are closer to the court now).


Last Edited: 1/27/2014 6:22:35 PM by Bobcat Grad 86
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 1/27/2014 6:38 PM
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SBH wrote:expand_more
The biggest enhancement to the Convo in the next 5-7 years is likely to be a practice court facility attached onto the back of the building.
5-7 years, I'd take that bet. How many times can we go to the Walter well? To top it off, the new Army Corp study of the flood plain placed the Convo in the new plain, essentially eliminating any building on the site adjacent to the Convo, the entire back half of the building was labeled Flood zone last summer.
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Posted: 1/27/2014 7:30 PM
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Wayne H., er, Billy, I thought the AD told you to stay off the fan site...or else?  I sure hope he doesn't figure out it's you.


OhioCatFan
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Posted: 1/27/2014 7:54 PM
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BG86. my understanding is that a decade ago the hanging scoreboards were so heavy that the Convo roof beams would need to be reinforced in some way to support that type of scoreboard.  However, today's hanging scoreboards are much lighter and, I've been told could be supported by the Convo superstructure without modification.  
HarvardOnTheHocking
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Posted: 1/27/2014 8:29 PM
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I think a big point that a lot of you all are missing is the fact that Ohio would benefit greatly from reducing capacity at The Convo. Let's face it, this team will never draw 13k regularly. Reducing capacity some (to 10k for example) will create scarcity for the bigger games. 

A good example of this is PNC Park in Pittsburgh. They built it with a smaller capacity with this in mind. When the team was terrible, it kept the place from feeling cavernous and still have some atmosphere. Now that the team is good they have the ability to triple prices without people caring since it is such a hot ticket.

Some other things I'd like to see done:

1. Getting rid of the tile behind the hoops. Reminds me of a high school gym.
2. Building permanent seats behind the hoops. Those empty spaces are awkward and look terrible on TV.
3. I think someone above mentioned LED ribbons.
4. Build some suites and expanded club level beyond just the Rohr Room.

Thoughts?
OUcats82
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Posted: 1/27/2014 8:53 PM
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HarvardOnTheHocking wrote:expand_more
I think a big point that a lot of you all are missing is the fact that Ohio would benefit greatly from reducing capacity at The Convo. Let's face it, this team will never draw 13k regularly. Reducing capacity some (to 10k for example) will create scarcity for the bigger games. 

A good example of this is PNC Park in Pittsburgh. They built it with a smaller capacity with this in mind. When the team was terrible, it kept the place from feeling cavernous and still have some atmosphere. Now that the team is good they have the ability to triple prices without people caring since it is such a hot ticket.

Some other things I'd like to see done:

1. Getting rid of the tile behind the hoops. Reminds me of a high school gym.
2. Building permanent seats behind the hoops. Those empty spaces are awkward and look terrible on TV.
3. I think someone above mentioned LED ribbons.
4. Build some suites and expanded club level beyond just the Rohr Room.

Thoughts?


I agree that the lower level behind the baskets is awkward-it looks improved and just has bad chi. 

I've never cared for the lighting we have in the Convo.  Always been more of a fan of what is pictured in the Richmond images others have shared-does that have a formal name in the entertainment industry.  Kind of draws attention to the action on the floor. 

Not being an expert on facilities and lumens, foot candles, etc. I don't know if we could focus/direct lighting given the structure of the Convo but I think that would really help some LED ribbon boards and new scoreboards pop/glow.

The concourse is also drab and outdated.  I have seen nicer trophy cases and other decor at high schools.  

Lastly I would like to see some kind of signage/imagery on the outside of the Convo similar to what is on Peden. Granted I do not see the building as often as others so maybe I am not aware of this but nothing says "This is the home of Ohio Basketball, Ohio Wrestling, Ohio Volleyball etc. " 


Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 1/27/2014 8:54 PM
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HarvardOnTheHocking wrote:expand_more
I think a big point that a lot of you all are missing is the fact that Ohio would benefit greatly from reducing capacity at The Convo. Let's face it, this team will never draw 13k regularly. Reducing capacity some (to 10k for example) will create scarcity for the bigger games. 

A good example of this is PNC Park in Pittsburgh. They built it with a smaller capacity with this in mind. When the team was terrible, it kept the place from feeling cavernous and still have some atmosphere. Now that the team is good they have the ability to triple prices without people caring since it is such a hot ticket.

Some other things I'd like to see done:

1. Getting rid of the tile behind the hoops. Reminds me of a high school gym.
2. Building permanent seats behind the hoops. Those empty spaces are awkward and look terrible on TV.
3. I think someone above mentioned LED ribbons.
4. Build some suites and expanded club level beyond just the Rohr Room.

Thoughts?


I've mentioned the gray tiles before - makes the convo look like a public restroom at floor level. replace that with some type of faux brick facade for an inexpensive but much more aesthetically pleasing makeover.
bobcat695
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Posted: 1/27/2014 9:03 PM
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I think the building should be uplit outside. There should be floodlights pointing straight up the columns. They could be easily installed on top of the roof above the walkway all the way around. Also, permanent seats behind the baskets would make it look finished. There are a lot of relatively inexpensive ways to fix up the place.
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Posted: 1/27/2014 11:16 PM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
The biggest enhancement to the Convo in the next 5-7 years is likely to be a practice court facility attached onto the back of the building.

5-7 years, I'd take that bet. How many times can we go to the Walter well? To top it off, the new Army Corp study of the flood plain placed the Convo in the new plain, essentially eliminating any building on the site adjacent to the Convo, the entire back half of the building was labeled Flood zone last summer.


The BPF is not as expensive as the IPF. The price tag with the BPF is more in the 4 to 6 million dollar range. There are more options with financing Convo improvements as it doubles as the schools commencement center, a non athletic purpose. The university has already approved about 20 million for Convo rehabilitation over the next 4-5 years some of which could dovetail into the BPF project (though I'm sure they'll seek out a big donor to pay for the bells and whistles) Money for the APC at Peden is expected to be from selling the naming rights of Peden and the Convo and not a private donation. Thus all of the donor focus for the athletic department is going to be pointed at the BPF. 


 
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