New Arena

[BearcatNation54]

We have all of these threads on recruits but if we want to get top recruits we need a new arena. A new arena would bring in more fans, therefore generating more money for the program and top recruits would take notice. In my opinion we need to tear down 5/3rd and build a new on campus arena.

 

[Bearcat4ever]

I agree 100 % . I would definitely attend more games in an new or updated 5/3. If I can't get decent seats I would rather stay home and watch the game in my man cave.

 

[Scheids21]

Chicken and egg.

 

[Bcatfollower]

Chicken and egg.

Not really, see SMU.

 

[Levettation]

As someone that has gone to many UC games there is a lot to like about 5/3 (imo), and for the first decade of it's existance it wasn't bad compared to other gyms. But 25 years later it is way behind the times, it doesn't optimize the space well or offer much to those in the nose bleeds (ticket sales) and while I don't know if this directly hurts our recruiting I doubt it helps when kids see other arenas in the neighborhood (UL, UK, OSU and maybe even X's). I know this much has been iterated before so I won't belabor the point.

Watching the games in the tourny makes you realize that superior seating arrangements exist. I like the bowl design, as it puts those in the corner still facing midcourt and feels like you're on top of the action.

I haven't heard a definitive plan from the university, but I'm sure it's on the agenda when money becomes available. We just don't have a huge warchest compared to some other schools. The major question is to renovate or rebuild? VV has had such a makeover over the last decade I think they should just build a new one. 5/3 is not like Nippert where we wanted to conserve a classic look or anything. Build a new one where 5/3 is now and play games downtown for a year if that is what it takes.

 

[UCalum08]

As someone that has gone to many UC games there is a lot to like about 5/3 (imo), and for the first decade of it's existance it wasn't bad compared to other gyms. But 25 years later it is way behind the times, it doesn't optimize the space well or offer much to those in the nose bleeds (ticket sales) and while I don't know if this directly hurts our recruiting I doubt it helps when kids see other arenas in the neighborhood (UL, UK, OSU and maybe even X's). I know this much has been iterated before so I won't belabor the point.

Watching the games in the tourny makes you realize that superior seating arrangements exist. I like the bowl design, as it puts those in the corner still facing midcourt and feels like you're on top of the action.

I haven't heard a definitive plan from the university, but I'm sure it's on the agenda when money becomes available. We just don't have a huge warchest compared to some other schools. The major question is to renovate or rebuild? VV has had such a makeover over the last decade I think they should just build a new one. 5/3 is not like Nippert where we wanted to conserve a classic look or anything. Build a new one where 5/3 is now and play games downtown for a year if that is what it takes.

Agree with what you are saying. Especially the last sentence. Ultimately I want it to remain on campus. It gives me a reason to keep visiting Clifton, which is booming for pubs and foodies.

 

[Scheids21]

Not really, see SMU.

Your point being? They had money for a stadium renovation, and everything has currently said we do not. My point was we've had this conversation and we all would love a state of the art arena.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

There isn't any money for a new arena. Apparently there were some discussions about a small renovation to get some things up to code at 5th 3rd but nothing major.

With the looming 2016 GOP convention, I would much rather prefer a state of the art US Bank Arena to play in. Whatever will generate the most $$$ for the Athletic Department. I don't really care if basketball games are moved off campus, we've got a damn football stadium in the middle of campus that should be enough for alumni that want to get back to campus a few times a year.

 

[Bearcat Rob]

I really enjoy going to 5/3, and moving off campus is a bad idea. I would like to see 5/3 get a strobe light and turn off the lights when announcing starting 5, I know that would get me pumped, the lights we have now won't allow that but that would be an easy renovation. But again I love games at 5/3

 

[Robert]

In a perfect world, UC would have the money to tear down Fifth Third and build a new state-of-the-art arena in its place. Capacity in the 12,000-15,000 range would be just fine.

In the realistic, not-so-perfect world, UC doesn't have the money to even renovate what we have -- let alone rebuild. I expect some news about US Bank in the near future. The rumors have been flying for a long time now, so some concrete news is probably overdue.

 

[Bcatfollower]

Lets start a kickstarter to begin getting it funded... start crowdfunding it.

 

[the_one_32]

Don't wanna see games at US Bank Arena that place does nothing for me unless the city is willing to upgrade almost everything to bring UC bball games there.

 

[BearcatNation54]

I think it would do more for the program than any of us can imagine. It would spark the fan base big time and in my opinion bring in big time players.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Really don't care where they play as long as it is a much better facility then the Shoe. Campus or downtown makes know difference to me.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

Really don't care where they play as long as it is a much better facility then the Shoe. Campus or downtown makes know difference to me.

I want the arena that makes the university the most money. With the pathetic TV contract, UC needs to find other ways to make some $$$$$.

 

[JackBauer151]

I want the arena that makes the university the most money. With the pathetic TV contract, UC needs to find other ways to make some $$$$$.

This. As well as whatever helps recruiting and helps grow the fan base. On campus, downtown, the moon wherever. Just know something needs to be done.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Agree with both you guys.

 

[Scheids21]

Count me in as well. When US Bank was first mentioned, there was a lot of talk regarding student attendance and such, but now it just comes down to finances to get a "new" arena. The rest will take care of itself so long as the team keeps winning.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Good seating,winning program coupled with nice entertainment establishments will draw a nice crowd. If that is in Clifton or on the Banks doesn't matter. University should take the best alternative available and run with it.

 

[BearcatNation54]

I've been doing some research. The Fed Ex Forum cost roughly 315 million dollars. That is a state of the art facility. I think we could get something like that downtown with the help of the owners of US bank arena. Either that or build something half as nice as that on campus. The Cintas Center cost 63 million dollars. If we put 100 million into an on campus arena I think that would be the first option.