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Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: The Convo is getting a face lift
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Athens
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Posted: 1/27/2014 11:17 PM
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Deciduous Forest Cat 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.

Hate the grey tiles.
bornacatfan
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Posted: 1/27/2014 11:39 PM
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I really like the Brick Idea paying homage to the local brickmaking tradition like Nelsonville did on the overpasses on the new bypass ......and bringing a bit of the flavor of the campus into the confines.

RJ is right I do have many pics posted elsewhere on this forum regarding PU. I like their stat boards and feel those would be very cool on the ends behind the basket instead of up in the rafters where Purdue keeps them.

Jist looking at our sister arena
Concourse upgrades

General overview but gives a good look inside Definitely shows how out of Mackey, the Joyce Center and the COnvo....I think we got the best of all the designs. Hokey video but nice to pick the differences out. Those scoreboards on the floor are atrocious. 

Joyce Center VIdeo with upgrades done Club Namoli looks cool. Wonder if we could convert the broadcast booth and put a nice elevator with fine dining up there and make some big money......


Just a lot of cool Ideas from watching each of these 


 
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 1/28/2014 10:04 AM
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Uncle Wes 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.
A BPF is greatly needed, however last I saw, as stated above was the Corp was restablishing the flood plain to the pre-existing route, this would effect any new construction on the back half of the Convocation Center. Final appeals were held on 12/3/13 by the authorities, I have not yet seen the results, but this change will effect many things going forward.
Last Edited: 1/28/2014 10:37:56 AM by BillyTheCat
Shawn Sellers
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Posted: 1/28/2014 11:00 AM
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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.
A BPF is greatly needed, however last I saw, as stated above was the Corp was restablishing the flood plain to the pre-existing route, this would effect any new construction on the back half of the Convocation Center. Final appeals were held on 12/3/13 by the authorities, I have not yet seen the results, but this change will effect many things going forward.
How will it effect many things going forward? The existing 2009 FEMA maps show the current convo in the entire floodplain. There is not an issue with building in the floodplain. The floodplain is the reason the convo is currently elevated. Any future construction would need to be elevated in the same way, or need to have other flood protections in place. That will not change.

The floodway, not the floodplain, would be the issue for construction. I haven't found anything that shows that the floodway has been expanded into the area that we are talking about. Do you have a link?
A-townBound
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Posted: 1/28/2014 11:04 AM
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Shawn Sellers wrote:expand_more
How will it effect many things going forward? The existing 2009 FEMA maps show the current convo in the entire floodplain. There is not an issue with building in the floodplain. The floodplain is the reason the convo is currently elevated. Any future construction would need to be elevated in the same way, or need to have other flood protections in place. That will not change.

The floodway, not the floodplain, would be the issue for construction. I haven't found anything that shows that the floodway has been expanded into the area that we are talking about. Do you have a link?



I used to work in flood risk determination - this is 100% accurate.
Last Edited: 1/28/2014 11:10:41 AM by A-townBound
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 1/28/2014 11:10 AM
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Shawn Sellers 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.
A BPF is greatly needed, however last I saw, as stated above was the Corp was restablishing the flood plain to the pre-existing route, this would effect any new construction on the back half of the Convocation Center. Final appeals were held on 12/3/13 by the authorities, I have not yet seen the results, but this change will effect many things going forward.
How will it effect many things going forward? The existing 2009 FEMA maps show the current convo in the entire floodplain. There is not an issue with building in the floodplain. The floodplain is the reason the convo is currently elevated. Any future construction would need to be elevated in the same way, or need to have other flood protections in place. That will not change.

The floodway, not the floodplain, would be the issue for construction. I haven't found anything that shows that the floodway has been expanded into the area that we are talking about. Do you have a link?

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/3511/default.aspx

Not much play in the local media, a few stories oner the past year but none on the impact of the University. A quick google will show you those articles. The final appeals should be heard this spring, and I know the University has appalled some of the new requirements.
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Posted: 1/28/2014 3:21 PM
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I like the idea of putting permanent seats down behind the hoops and removal of the light green seats way, way, way up at the top. I really like Richmond's video boards, and think a reduction of about 2,000 seats would do us good. Also redoing the concourse and exterior. 
stub
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Posted: 1/28/2014 6:29 PM
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Anyone know if the flags of nations are out for a cleaning or are they gone? Been a while since I've seen them. They looked great up there and helped brighten up the place. KVK appreciated the Dutch flag hanging and Mo would probably like to see his Senegal flag up there too. They've also made a nice statement at commencements  in welcoming OHIO's international community.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 1/28/2014 6:31 PM
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Bobcats_828 wrote:expand_more
I like the idea of putting permanent seats down behind the hoops and removal of the light green seats way, way, way up at the top. I really like Richmond's video boards, and think a reduction of about 2,000 seats would do us good. Also redoing the concourse and exterior. 


You can't put permanent seats behind the open end.  They would block the load in/ load out process for concerts, graduation and other large events.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 1/28/2014 6:49 PM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
I like the idea of putting permanent seats down behind the hoops and removal of the light green seats way, way, way up at the top. I really like Richmond's video boards, and think a reduction of about 2,000 seats would do us good. Also redoing the concourse and exterior.


You can't put permanent seats behind the open end. They would block the load in/ load out process for concerts, graduation and other large events.
Not to mention I'd bet that garage door stores something on the other end.
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Posted: 1/28/2014 7:06 PM
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stub wrote:expand_more
Anyone know if the flags of nations are out for a cleaning or are they gone? Been a while since I've seen them. They looked great up there and helped brighten up the place. KVK appreciated the Dutch flag hanging and Mo would probably like to see his Senegal flag up there too. They've also made a nice statement at commencements  in welcoming OHIO's international community.



I think the students have welcomed Maurice quite well and multiple Sengal flags can be seen around the Convo.

 
bornacatfan
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Posted: 1/28/2014 7:26 PM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
[

Not to mention I'd bet that garage door stores something on the other end.


You'd bet?  Hmmmmm....

The shooting gun is stored in there along with other things that are used on the COnvo floor.
A-townBound
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Posted: 1/28/2014 7:40 PM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
I like the idea of putting permanent seats down behind the hoops and removal of the light green seats way, way, way up at the top. I really like Richmond's video boards, and think a reduction of about 2,000 seats would do us good. Also redoing the concourse and exterior.


You can't put permanent seats behind the open end. They would block the load in/ load out process for concerts, graduation and other large events.
If not something permanent, then why not bring in something for games.

Surely they can come up with something better than a line of folding black chairs.
GroverBall
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Posted: 1/28/2014 11:12 PM
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stub wrote:expand_more
Anyone know if the flags of nations are out for a cleaning or are they gone? Been a while since I've seen them. They looked great up there and helped brighten up the place. KVK appreciated the Dutch flag hanging and Mo would probably like to see his Senegal flag up there too. They've also made a nice statement at commencements  in welcoming OHIO's international community.

At the beginning of the season I was told by an AD staffer that the flags are gone for good but that "something exciting" was replacing them.  I'm still waiting and I miss the flags.  I wish they had at least left them up there until the "something exciting" was ready.  I really think their absence gives the roundhouse an empty feeling.

 
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Posted: 1/29/2014 1:11 AM
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GroverBall wrote:expand_more
Anyone know if the flags of nations are out for a cleaning or are they gone? Been a while since I've seen them. They looked great up there and helped brighten up the place. KVK appreciated the Dutch flag hanging and Mo would probably like to see his Senegal flag up there too. They've also made a nice statement at commencements  in welcoming OHIO's international community.

At the beginning of the season I was told by an AD staffer that the flags are gone for good but that "something exciting" was replacing them.  I'm still waiting and I miss the flags.  I wish they had at least left them up there until the "something exciting" was ready.  I really think their absence gives the roundhouse an empty feeling.

 


What could that "exciting thing" be  other than a hanging scoreboard?  If your source was accurate, I think we have our answer.  
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Posted: 1/29/2014 1:49 AM
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OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Anyone know if the flags of nations are out for a cleaning or are they gone? Been a while since I've seen them. They looked great up there and helped brighten up the place. KVK appreciated the Dutch flag hanging and Mo would probably like to see his Senegal flag up there too. They've also made a nice statement at commencements  in welcoming OHIO's international community.

At the beginning of the season I was told by an AD staffer that the flags are gone for good but that "something exciting" was replacing them.  I'm still waiting and I miss the flags.  I wish they had at least left them up there until the "something exciting" was ready.  I really think their absence gives the roundhouse an empty feeling.

 


What could that "exciting thing" be  other than a hanging scoreboard?  If your source was accurate, I think we have our answer.  


Insider sources tell me that they should have been replaced by banners of each men's and women's basketball player a couple games ago.
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Posted: 1/29/2014 7:59 AM
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RPKirtland wrote:expand_more
[

 

Insider sources tell me that they should have been replaced by banners of each men's and women's basketball player a couple games ago.


The sentiment regarding the international flavour missing is one tha I hold also....I was always impressed by our local HS hanging the flags of all the countries represented in the building in the Cafeteria. I miss those at the COnvo.

I had an idea a while back regarding current players and schedules or representing all mac honors etc to do images on Vinyl that could be put on the upper upper seats and changed for volley, hoops wrestling. I think I counted 7 sections on each side that would be really good for that purpose. Cheap way to cover the unused seats and use them to promote your product.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 1/29/2014 8:05 AM
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GroverBall wrote:expand_more
Anyone know if the flags of nations are out for a cleaning or are they gone? Been a while since I've seen them. They looked great up there and helped brighten up the place. KVK appreciated the Dutch flag hanging and Mo would probably like to see his Senegal flag up there too. They've also made a nice statement at commencements  in welcoming OHIO's international community.

At the beginning of the season I was told by an AD staffer that the flags are gone for good but that "something exciting" was replacing them.  I'm still waiting and I miss the flags.  I wish they had at least left them up there until the "something exciting" was ready.  I really think their absence gives the roundhouse an empty feeling.

 


That's sad.  So much for diversity and history.  That's kind of like removing the paintings of previous presidents from Cutler Hall a few years back.  Flags from around the world at a world welcoming university - that's what needs to go back up there.
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Posted: 1/29/2014 11:29 AM
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It will be interesting to see what eventually goes back up there.

It just amazes me how slowly even very simple and inexpensive ideas are implemented to upgrade the Convo. It's not that hard, is it? Lots of great ideas and we are still waiting to see or hear about what's going to happen. I think the replacement of the seats is great, and the improvements to the Hall of Fame area are great. But there is so much more that could be done for low costs.

I have a feeling that when we come back next year for basketball, some of this stuff will be done and it will look better in there.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 1/29/2014 11:50 AM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
That's sad.  So much for diversity and history.  That's kind of like removing the paintings of previous presidents from Cutler Hall a few years back.  Flags from around the world at a world welcoming university - that's what needs to go back up there.

I liked the flags, too, but I doubt the removal was meant as a slap in the face to diversity and history. As to the paintings of the presidents, I would say their current location in Baker offers far more opportunity for viewing. Every change is not a conspiracy or a regression.
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Posted: 1/29/2014 12:44 PM
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I was told that the flags were removed simply because they caused too much controversy. Some countries were not represented, some changed flags, some were "state sponsors of terror", etc. Politics can be messy, especially at a state university.
bornacatfan
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Posted: 1/29/2014 3:57 PM
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catfan28 wrote:expand_more
I Politics can be messy, especially at a state university.


Thats a very polite way of addressing the folk who have all sorts of axes to grind and causes to support....

I would think if they just kept them updated and representative of the student body in attendance that would be repsectful
lovebobcat
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Posted: 1/29/2014 9:30 PM
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About the facelift, I think a new hanging scoreboard is a huge must. Everything else is just cosmetic. New hand dryers isn't going to lure recruits or win games. But a hanging scoreboard would make the whole building look fantastic.

As for the flags, I don't miss them. Looked like a poor excuse for a lack of a hanging scoreboard.
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Posted: 1/29/2014 9:41 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.
The biggest issue with a center hung scoreboard at the Convo is reinforcing the roof. That upgrade may be more expensive than the actual scoreboard.
Last Edited: 1/29/2014 9:52:32 PM by Gallia Cat
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