Bobcat Attack - Ohio Basketball - 1971 Arena needs a multi million dollar update

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Topic: 1971 Arena needs a multi million dollar update

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bornacatfan

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Posted: 12/10/2013 10:02 PM

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giacomo wrote:expand_more

We need new seats and maybe a coat of a paint here and there, but I'm fine with the Convo just the way it is,

YOu may be ....and I respect that...... but if you have an expanding fanbase, higher expectations and want to stay relevant to recruits at the level we have been building toward ya gots to make some changes and freshen up.

Athens

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Posted: 12/11/2013 2:08 AM

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Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more

[QUOTE=GoCats105]
Agree about the need for new scoreboards, preferably but not necessarily hanging. Really like the LED ribbon idea. With the new seats SBH is telling us about, the place would look a lot better.

I know this will fly in the face of the "but we have graduation ceremonies" advocates, but I still think removing about 2,000 seats would help also.

Or take out 1,000 seats to put in scoreboards. We have multiple graduation ceremonies anyway.

OU_Country

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Posted: 12/11/2013 9:53 AM

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bornacatfan wrote:expand_more

giacomo wrote:expand_more

We need new seats and maybe a coat of a paint here and there, but I'm fine with the Convo just the way it is,

Agreed. I'd find upgraded audio/video and lighting, along with graphics that say "Ohio Basketball, and Ohio Volleyball" in the concourses, to be more important than new seats. I'm kind of curious where the new seats are vitally necessary? The one's I sit in for every game I'm at are just fine.

giacomo

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Posted: 12/11/2013 9:58 AM

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I guess this discussion has to naturally takes it's course and be about money and budgets. It doesn't make too much sense to me to spend a lot of money on all the things that seem to be on everybody's wish list if we don't increase our budget significantly. Let's say we make all the improvements you want. Are we able to improve our home schedule to the point that it pays off? Is playing the arms race going to be worth it in the Athens county market? You could argue that we already joined the arms race in 1971 when Vernon Alden built the Convo. It worked for a little while, but then it didn't. It was very big time at the time for the MAC. It's like all of us middle aged guys out there. You can buy the Mercedes convertible coup, but you're still the same middle aged guy. What did Butler do to elevate their program? Did they gussy up Hinkle Field House?

OU_Country

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Posted: 12/11/2013 10:14 AM

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giacomo wrote:expand_more

I hear the point your making, and the budget point is obvioulsy a HUGE one. I'd argue back one thing: They MUST not think just in terms of "The Athens Market" for sustained success, and I don't think they are. They must think in terms of Athens & Parkersburg and the surrounding areas, but also Lancaster, Columbus, Chillicothe, Circleville, Zanesville, etc. as part of the "market" they're trying to sell on Ohio Athletics.

GoCats105

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Posted: 12/11/2013 10:20 AM

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I don't see adding new seats, new scoreboards and LED signage as a basketball budget problem. That's an athletic department issue as a whole. It's not like the basketball team will be the only one's using all the new stuff, even though that's where it will stand out the most.

bornacatfan

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Posted: 12/11/2013 12:29 PM

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giacomo wrote:expand_more

. What did Butler do to elevate their program? Did they gussy up Hinkle Field House?

Along the way 1989 they realized they needed to upgrade locker rooms and seating and started laying the groundwork for renovation. That had various projects over the years. After the early tourney 2000's success prior to the FF appearances they had plans for a major remake then changed those ideas to a more expansive remodel. They have changed the FB stadium for their FCS team and redone Clowes hall and many of the dorms over the last 4 years. Still a private school with planned and sustained growth of a conservative nature.

However, there will be more of the premium wider, comfortable seats. That would cut the seating capacity by about 1,500. A new scoreboard is also on the wish list along with wider concourses, better ticket windows, new offices, new locker rooms, training facilities and public rest rooms. Butler folks quickly insist the $25 million project is a preservation effort, not a renovation.

To answer your question ....they are putting 25 mil into the Hinkle Feildhouse project mostly to take care of the upper krust luxury seats, concessions/amenities and recruiting needs. Mostly"gussying the ole gal up"

giacomo

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Posted: 12/11/2013 3:25 PM

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I agree that the market could potentially be bigger than Athens county. I also agree that any renovation could be looked at as an "athletic department" project. If we have the money and are willing to spend it, God bless the child that's got his own.

However, any market expansion will be achieved by scheduling and success. It certainly would be a draw if we had the latest and greatest. With OSU not far away, even if we could achieve all those things it would still be Clippers versus Lakers in LA. Lots of money, lots of commitment, lots of patience and lots of perseverance. Don't forget wisdom.

OU_Country

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Posted: 12/11/2013 3:40 PM

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With regard to comparisons to Ohio State, it's an uphill battle for sure. But, I think it's important to point out how affordable and fun a short trip to Athens can be for a day. I honestly don't think there are many places where the gameday experience is going to be better in Ohio. That's what I'd hope they're selling. Even when you throw in cost of fuel, it's still less expensive to come to Athens for the day that it is to go to one game at the Schott. Now, throw in a few things to make The Convo seem more "cool", and it's all that much better.

anorris

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