Chip: Time for Williams Arena teardown? Not if we get more Gophers games like Tuesday's.

[Gopher Ally]

Butler renovated their old stadium which is on the National register of historic places. I see they really reduced capacity as well, from 16000 to 10000. Anyone go to the Butler game?

 

[CPTMidnight]

This is the current AP Top 25 with years that the arenas were built. Not a list of top arenas.

Either way the Kohl Center is a dump.

 

[GoodasGold]

Either way the Kohl Center is a dump.

 

[gopherluv]

Build a modern and comfortable arena that can generate some much-needed revenue. The barn is an uncomfortable dump, and it's not a selling point for recruits.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

Blaming the facility. Last step is to blame the fans. Sad.

 

[gopherluv]

Blaming the facility. Last step is to blame the fans. Sad.

The facility (or dump) lacks luxury amenities which are cash cows at other universities. Stop holding on to William's arena. Ok, it's a kinda cool looking historic building, but it's time to upgrade!

 

[VanillaThunder]

Build a new “Barn” with a raised floor and play games at Mariucci. 9700 capacity for hockey more than sufficient for basketball. The way the Gopher basketball programs are going the Women could play at Mariucci and Men at Ridder.

 

[Gopher Ally]

I like The Barn, but I’m old. It’s a shithole

 

[Spaulding!No!]

I like The Barn, but I’m old. It’s a shithole

‘They can’t print that.’ -S. Tap 1984

 

[LesBolstad]

I like The Barn, but I’m old. It’s a shithole

So are Cameron and Fogg, funny.....

 

[Ope3]

‘They can’t print that.’ -S. Tap 1984

Shark Sandwich.

 

[GoodasGold]

Definitely contrarian. I’m told by people close to recruiting world that the charm of the arena is not often appreciated by recruits and is a hindrance so you’re not alone.

I’ve never been to Cameron or the Palestra. I wonder if those are dumps as well.

Dumps are dope!

 

[dbmn]

The facility (or dump) lacks luxury amenities which are cash cows at other universities. Stop holding on to William's arena. Ok, it's a kinda cool looking historic building, but it's time to upgrade!

Whatever money is available now and in the future needs to go to NIL and a new coach. Winning is key to more fans and donations, not facilities and amenities.

 

[howeda7]

Build a modern and comfortable arena that can generate some much-needed revenue. The barn is an uncomfortable dump, and it's not a selling point for recruits.

This. A 9,000 seat replica.

 

[Some guy]

This. A 9,000 seat replica.

I feel like a read something somewhere about changing the orientation of the court could free up space.

I also think that the site itself will have permitting issues if it’s a teardown rebuild rather than a renovation. Because of how close to the street it is built

 

[stocker08]

I like the Barn as is. Games are only a couple hours long. What are people expecting......bidets?

 

[disco]

I feel like a read something somewhere about changing the orientation of the court could free up space.

I also think that the site itself will have permitting issues if it’s a teardown rebuild rather than a renovation. Because of how close to the street it is built

Butler's court is oriented the opposite way. Not sure if it always was.

 

[FinnGopher]

Butler's court is oriented the opposite way. Not sure if it always was.

It was originally the same way, but the wall had big windows that caused the sun to blind shooters so they switched the court to get rid of the problem.

 

[bga1]

I feel like a read something somewhere about changing the orientation of the court could free up space.

I also think that the site itself will have permitting issues if it’s a teardown rebuild rather than a renovation. Because of how close to the street it is built

Build a new arena on parking lot 37 land off 5th street. When it is done- tear the Barn down and make that area a parking lot for football, basketball and hockey.

Experience

experience.arcgis.com

 

[short ornery norwegian]

who's going to pay for it?

sure, a new building with modern amenities would be fun. but the U still hasn't paid off the debt on Athletes Village. and - assuming the House settlement goes through - starting next year, MN will have to pay out $21-million in revenue-sharing to athletes. that money - as I understand it, comes out of the athletic budget.

I don't see the Legislature helping out. so unless some money falls out of the sky, a new basketball building ain't happening.

reminder - a total teardown means displaying Volleyball as well. unless you can only tear down part of the building and leave the Pavilion standing. (I'm no engineer - no idea if that is even possible.)