5/3 arena updates

[UCalum08]

I know this has been discussed before and I am not here to talk about we need a new arena to get better recruits/more fans. Since we have a week off till Pitt I was thinking of what really would the cost be for a new arena. In the past I remember hearing it would cost more to renovate 5/3rd rather than just tear it down and start new.

I know nothing about this but it just seems how is that possible? Its crazy how the old field house just continues to sit there and can not be used for anything of highly importance. If there could be a way redo the field house and connect it more with 5/3rd that seems like it would be a huge addition. One part would be to improve the seating. How hard would it be to get a "bowl seating" style? I guess one problem would be how to add more suites, I do not see how this is possible. I love the shoe, it made me love everything about college basketball. But, today it is getting dated by the day. I understand major renovation/new arena is out of the picture but you would think updating certain/priority amenities. i.e. bathrooms, concessions. Wishful amenities- more history of the program around the arena, better seating.

Just wanted to hear other's opinion on this and if they could add some reasoning to my thoughts ha. What would be realistic and what would be wishful ideas.

 

[JasonS]

I think any talk of spending money when we can't sell out the Shoe is out of the question. I still believe that a football stadium addition is a higher priority than a basketball arena renovation/new construction. Because of the way the Shoe is set up you can't turn it into bowl style seating. It would be really expensive to renovate and just as expensive to build a new arena. The University doesn't have a lot of cash laying around so it's not going to happen any time soon.

 

[UCalum08]

I agree with what you're saying but wouldn't you like to see some money in making minor updates? I think if they redid the concessions that would be a huge boost. Add some fresh food to the menu instead of middle school athletic concession food would be a nice change and with a lot of local markets they could really work with some community restaurants/chefs. There is also nothing to look at outside of your seat. It would be nice to walk around and have something to look at. Or add some flat screen tv's in the concourse area. It is a shame no one on the marketing team can work towards minor improvements could go a long way.

 

[JasonS]

I agree with what you're saying but wouldn't you like to see some money in making minor updates? I think if they redid the concessions that would be a huge boost. Add some fresh food to the menu instead of middle school athletic concession food would be a nice change and with a lot of local markets they could really work with some community restaurants/chefs. There is also nothing to look at outside of your seat. It would be nice to walk around and have something to look at. Or add some flat screen tv's in the concourse area. It is a shame no one on the marketing team can work towards minor improvements could go a long way.

I agree with everything you are saying, especially the food and concourse tvs.

 

[ralph1950]

A study was completed a couple of years ago and some architect drawings were let out to the public, cost of a new arena at least $150 million. However, football is priority number 1, cost to redo Nippert $100 million. Nippert will be remodeled before a new arena would be built. Before any construction occurs the money to pay for it must be on hand, no construction loans allowed. It is probably not going to happen in anyone currently living lifetimes.