Cincinnati considering moving games downtown

[JasonS]

I'm actually not really sure what they could do about those seats when I think about it. Presumably the Cyclones will still play there so they will need that flat area for the ice. Maybe some sort of retracting seats? I have no idea. For $100 million dollars, I assume they could figure it out.

At Nationwide arena in Columbus they have removable seats that gives them flexibility for the circus, hockey games and basketball NCAA tourney games. I would assume they would do something like that at US Bank as well.

 

[Bearcat22]

I like the idea of a renovated arena downtown for the many reason already mentioned. Any other sources or articles citing these discussions, the $100 million estimate, and if the funds exists?

 

[JumpinJack5]

You're parking in the wrong spot then; up towards 5th St. there are $5 garages. I've never paid more than $10 for parking downtown.

Really, maybe on weekdays, but think about what the prices are when the Bengals and Reds play. You have to go much further to find 5 dollar parking, if there is such a thing. Plus, part of the parking deal (if it goes through, which it hopefully doesn't) is that rates for the garages go up so that people still think about paying the ridiculous amount of money to park on the street and the company that makes the deal with the city can be competitive with the garages.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Garages won't be $5. They aren't now and will be forced to jack up prices due to the idiotic city council.

Quit getting your news from 700 wlw, they are making you look idiotic. The parking plan has nothing to do with this.

Really, maybe on weekdays, but think about what the prices are when the Bengals and Reds play. You have to go much further to find 5 dollar parking, if there is such a thing. Plus, part of the parking deal (if it goes through, which it hopefully doesn't) is that rates for the garages go up so that people still think about paying the ridiculous amount of money to park on the street and the company that makes the deal with the city can be competitive with the garages.

see above.

 

[JumpinJack5]

Quit getting your news from 700 wlw, they are making you look idiotic. The parking plan has nothing to do with this.



see above.

Garages aren't even 5 dollars now, they will only get worse. The parking plan has plenty to do with this, it's called cause and effect. People won't want to park on the street, it will be too expensive. In response, they will park in garages. As demand goes up and number of garages stays the same, price will also increase. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or 700 wlw to figure that out. Must have missed basic Econ in high school, what a pity......

 

[Scheids21]

Garages aren't even 5 dollars now, they will only get worse. The parking plan has plenty to do with this, it's called cause and effect. People won't want to park on the street, it will be too expensive. In response, they will park in garages. As demand goes up and number of garages stays the same, price will also increase. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or 700 wlw to figure that out. Must have missed basic Econ in high school, what a pity......

Aren't you in high school?

 

[JumpinJack5]

Aren't you in high school?

Yes, but I've taken Econ already. Maybe I will go into Business when I go to UC, but Im leaning toward Poly Sci and Law School.

 

[JackBauer151]

I love the idea of moving it downtown. The banks are really developing well. One of UC's biggest problems has been the inability to make athletic events a big experience. With the games at US Bank you can get a good dinner, hit up some bars, and then go watch UC take on Louisville. That already sounds like a much better experience than clifton. Its safer, easier to get to, more parking, more options for entertainment for both pre and post game, and will bring more money to our city. If we had the money I would look at building a new arena down on the banks. Make it cool to go to UC games again. Give it the buzz that Reds and Bengals have. Make it an event. Im all for downtown.

 

[JumpinJack5]

I love the idea of moving it downtown. The banks are really developing well. One of UC's biggest problems has been the inability to make athletic events a big experience. With the games at US Bank you can get a good dinner, hit up some bars, and then go watch UC take on Louisville. That already sounds like a much better experience than clifton. Its safer, easier to get to, more parking, more options for entertainment for both pre and post game, and will bring more money to our city. If we had the money I would look at building a new arena down on the banks. Make it cool to go to UC games again. Give it the buzz that Reds and Bengals have. Make it an event. Im all for downtown.

Overall, I am for it. I would like at least a few games a year at the Shoe, if possible. For big games, downtown is a much better venue as far as entertainment, more parking OPTIONS (although more expensive), and atmosphere go. If they do pour 100 million into it, we could surpass Xavier for nicest arena and environment, when you add in the Banks and other various entertainment options.

 

[UCalum08]

Overall, I am for it. I would like at least a few games a year at the Shoe, if possible. For big games, downtown is a much better venue as far as entertainment, more parking OPTIONS (although more expensive), and atmosphere go. If they do pour 100 million into it, we could surpass Xavier for nicest arena and environment, when you add in the Banks and other various entertainment options.

I agree with what you're saying. We def deserve to have a top notch arena and we should def. surpass Eggs since we are the city's university. But I think we have all our games at one arena. It doesn't make much sense to put so much money into a new arena then continue to play a few games at an inferior one. One thing is for sure, it will be a while before anything happens.

One thing that really pisses me off watching games at 5/3 is how year after year UC put ZERO money in that place. The seats are what they are but they could install some flat screen tv's around the concession stands and upgrade the food. The TV's have to be from the 1990's and some don't even work. There are some many good eateries in Cincy, and with the Findlay Market, there is NO reason why we can't eat good fresh food while we are watching games. Its little stuff like that that would make going to 5/3 arena better for fans. As an alum who donates money it makes me think twice sometimes when they neglect easy fixable things.

 

[Cataclysmo]

The most intriguing prospect regarding a potential move would be attracting new fans. If we moved to a booming part of town, we'd have a chance to become the cities replacement for pro-basketball, and how well has that worked for Louisville?? We might start attracting the young fan who is just looking for something to do before heading out the bars and such, the one who would never go up to CLifton to watch a game.

Also, does anyone know how much 100 million could accomplish? I know X's arena cost 60 mil, so you think they could gut US bank and restructure a smaller seating arrangement for that type of money.

 

[JumpinJack5]

I agree with what you're saying. We def deserve to have a top notch arena and we should def. surpass Eggs since we are the city's university. But I think we have all our games at one arena. It doesn't make much sense to put so much money into a new arena then continue to play a few games at an inferior one. One thing is for sure, it will be a while before anything happens.

One thing that really pisses me off watching games at 5/3 is how year after year UC put ZERO money in that place. The seats are what they are but they could install some flat screen tv's around the concession stands and upgrade the food. The TV's have to be from the 1990's and some don't even work. There are some many good eateries in Cincy, and with the Findlay Market, there is NO reason why we can't eat good fresh food while we are watching games. Its little stuff like that that would make going to 5/3 arena better for fans. As an alum who donates money it makes me think twice sometimes when they neglect easy fixable things.

I wonder how much of that 100 million UC is gonna put into it. The nice thing about US Bank right now is how there really aren't any bad seats. Nobody is crammed in the rafters like they are at 5/3. If they use 100 million dollars the right way, things should be very nice and provide a better venue. I am especially for it if they can get NCAA Tourney games there, not just first round play-in games. The food options at 5/3 are awful-the "Super Dog" for 4 bucks is just a regular hot dog. Another thing about US Bank, it has a higher capacity than 5/3, so it would be pointless to play Southwest Mizzouri St., Little Sisters of the Poor, etc. there. While I think they will end up playing every game there, I wish there was a way that they could still play a couple at 5/3. One has to think that 5/3 is somewhere in the long term goals still, especially if revenue goes up, we finish off the football project, and get into the ACC.

 

[JasonS]

I wonder how much of that 100 million UC is gonna put into it. The nice thing about US Bank right now is how there really aren't any bad seats. Nobody is crammed in the rafters like they are at 5/3. If they use 100 million dollars the right way, things should be very nice and provide a better venue. I am especially for it if they can get NCAA Tourney games there, not just first round play-in games. The food options at 5/3 are awful-the "Super Dog" for 4 bucks is just a regular hot dog. Another thing about US Bank, it has a higher capacity than 5/3, so it would be pointless to play Southwest Mizzouri St., Little Sisters of the Poor, etc. there. While I think they will end up playing every game there, I wish there was a way that they could still play a couple at 5/3. One has to think that 5/3 is somewhere in the long term goals still, especially if revenue goes up, we finish off the football project, and get into the ACC.

I don't see UC putting in a dime unless they are going to get a cut of all the profits that arena takes in. Since that is not going to happen, UC wouldn't be putting any money in IMO.

I think the future of 5/3 is to be torn down and an NBA style arena be built in it's place. That is years off, but I don't think 5/3 is in the longterm plans of the University.

 

[Bearcat22]

I wonder how much of that 100 million UC is gonna put into it. The nice thing about US Bank right now is how there really aren't any bad seats. Nobody is crammed in the rafters like they are at 5/3. If they use 100 million dollars the right way, things should be very nice and provide a better venue. I am especially for it if they can get NCAA Tourney games there, not just first round play-in games. The food options at 5/3 are awful-the "Super Dog" for 4 bucks is just a regular hot dog. Another thing about US Bank, it has a higher capacity than 5/3, so it would be pointless to play Southwest Mizzouri St., Little Sisters of the Poor, etc. there. While I think they will end up playing every game there, I wish there was a way that they could still play a couple at 5/3. One has to think that 5/3 is somewhere in the long term goals still, especially if revenue goes up, we finish off the football project, and get into the ACC.

where is the $100 million quote coming from? is there an article verifying these plans?

 

[JumpinJack5]

I don't see UC putting in a dime unless they are going to get a cut of all the profits that arena takes in. Since that is not going to happen, UC wouldn't be putting any money in IMO.

I think the future of 5/3 is to be torn down and an NBA style arena be built in it's place. That is years off, but I don't think 5/3 is in the longterm plans of the University.

Let me rephrase that, an on-campus arena is part of the long term plan, most likely. I think doing football first is a much better idea, Im glad they did it this way. 1) Football brings in a lot more revenue and 2) it is vital to getting us into the ACC.

 

[JumpinJack5]

Zach Wells ‏@WellsZach 3m
#Bearcats Coach Mick Cronin said playing in 5/3 Arena, as is, probably isn't viable long-term. Exploring option of moving games downtown.

Zach Wells ‏@WellsZach 2m
Nothing is definitive. Ideas are on table. Cronin said he and AD Whit Babcock are on the same page, tackling challenges head-on. #Bearcats


This, to me, would be awesome and exactly the type of forward thinking UC needs to advance in conference realignment. US Bank Arena would put up around $100 million dollars to renovate the arena and allow Cincinnati to become a much more desired host for NCAA tournament games, concerts, conference tournaments, etc. With the improvements done downtown on the Banks, moving UC games down there would create a buzz. I thought the Cross Town Classic went great, and was terrific for business downtown. If UC could get into a league like the ACC, think of a game against Duke or North Carolina (even Louisville, Syracuse, etc) at US Bank Arena. The area definitely would be buzzing.

Thoughts on this? I know the first thing people will bring up is how it will hurt student attendance.

To answer your question, Bearcat22, here is the original post. 100 million is just speculation, but it does sound as if they will be going to US Bank. It would be wise for US Bank Arena to put this type of money into the project, considering they now have a solid tenant that would most likely be there for 5-10 years, along with NCAA tourney games, concerts, etc.

 

[Bearcat22]

To answer your question, Bearcat22, here is the original post. 100 million is just speculation, but it does sound as if they will be going to US Bank. It would be wise for US Bank Arena to put this type of money into the project, considering they now have a solid tenant that would most likely be there for 5-10 years, along with NCAA tourney games, concerts, etc.

thanks. i saw the zach wells tweets which were vague about 5/3 & downtown. it just seemed like everyone was taking the rest of the post as fact not speculation.

 

[UCalum08]

The most intriguing prospect regarding a potential move would be attracting new fans. If we moved to a booming part of town, we'd have a chance to become the cities replacement for pro-basketball, and how well has that worked for Louisville?? We might start attracting the young fan who is just looking for something to do before heading out the bars and such, the one who would never go up to CLifton to watch a game.

Also, does anyone know how much 100 million could accomplish? I know X's arena cost 60 mil, so you think they could gut US bank and restructure a smaller seating arrangement for that type of money.

Good points, this is def interesting thinking of that being a strong possibility. On the flip side, how many people would we lose that enjoy going to Clifton for games and refuse to go downtown. We all know UC/cincinnati fans are fickle enough as is.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

I still don't see where increased revenue will come from. Even if renovations are drastic and USBank becomes some sort of lavish arena that attracts the casual fan to come watch UC play Tulane on a Tuesday night, I don't see sharing revenue being a benefit. We are not going to sell out US Bank. Concessions and restrooms are as big a problem down there as they are at the Shoe. That won't change unless they knock out the walls which will mean building a new arena or drastically reducing seats. I'll concede that maybe the Saturday games with the attraction of the Banks might bring a few more casual fans down to some more marquee games. But again where's the extra revenue coming from? Student attendance will suffer and there will be an added cost of offereing them shuttles to and from the game. The only reason to play games downtown is if renovations are taking place at the Shoe in my opinion. We tried doing football games downtown and attendance didn't increase and revenue decreased. Fickle fans will find new reasons to not go to games.

 

[Little Danny]

Good points, this is def interesting thinking of that being a strong possibility. On the flip side, how many people would we lose that enjoy going to Clifton for games and refuse to go downtown. We all know UC/cincinnati fans are fickle enough as is.

Those people are just blowing smoke. The huff and puff, but they will come back-- especially if the place takes off/is the place to be and the team is winning. Besides, for every one that does not come back they would be replaced by people from the suburbs who refuse to come to Clifton.