It would be crazy to build a new arena

[GoodasGold]

I know less about architecture than basketball (which is very little), but it seems like most older building like the Barn that are long and narrow have the court set perpendicular to the arena's shape. Maybe they could turn the court and have more seats between the baselines and less seats in the corners and endlines. Hinkle Fieldhouse is this way. Even Assembly Hall has most of it's seats between the baselines, not that its ideal because I'm guessing the upper deck seats are a long way from the court. By turning the court, maybe it could create more room for those desired luxury boxes. It would be a total gut, but if it's cheaper than building a new one that is sterile, it's worth a look.

Whatever you're smoking, I'll have some.

 

[AO54]

Check the overhang at TCF, Target Field and that new Seattle Seahawk stadium(plus many more)........and with no pillars.

That's a pretty small overhang at TCF. I'd like to see at least one recent Basketball arena with as much of an overhang as Williams.

 

[Bad Gopher]

Tell that to the people of Seattle.

Now to address the BIG ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. Every time we disagree on a subject you come up with a new name to call me. First it was questioning what my problem was. Next I was obtuse. Now it is naive or contratian.

Let's just say 'charming' is not one of your virtues. This seems obvious, but probably not to you.

Well stated, numbnuts.

 

[station19]

I know less about architecture than basketball (which is very little), but it seems like most older building like the Barn that are long and narrow have the court set perpendicular to the arena's shape. Maybe they could turn the court and have more seats between the baselines and less seats in the corners and endlines. Hinkle Fieldhouse is this way. Even Assembly Hall has most of it's seats between the baselines, not that its ideal because I'm guessing the upper deck seats are a long way from the court. By turning the court, maybe it could create more room for those desired luxury boxes. It would be a total gut, but if it's cheaper than building a new one that is sterile, it's worth a look.

Yes turning the court would be like Hinkle and all options should be considered. Like you say that would be a major redo and I would think it that would very likely be more expensive than a new arena.........let's find out.

Also keep in mind that a major redo could result in the negative features so many people are afraid of in a new arena. Has anyone seen the designs for either yet?

 

[AO54]

I know less about architecture than basketball (which is very little), but it seems like most older building like the Barn that are long and narrow have the court set perpendicular to the arena's shape. Maybe they could turn the court and have more seats between the baselines and less seats in the corners and endlines. Hinkle Fieldhouse is this way. Even Assembly Hall has most of it's seats between the baselines, not that its ideal because I'm guessing the upper deck seats are a long way from the court. By turning the court, maybe it could create more room for those desired luxury boxes. It would be a total gut, but if it's cheaper than building a new one that is sterile, it's worth a look.

Are you talking about combing the arena with the pavilion again?

The building seems long and narrow from the outside, but the arena is pretty much a square.

 

[tjgopher]

That's a pretty small overhang at TCF. I'd like to see at least one recent Basketball arena with as much of an overhang as Williams.

Check out some images of the Galen Center at USC. It has an overhang, is nice and cozy, has all the amenities like concourses, concessions, bathrooms, escalators, elevators, etc. Plus a practice facility. The Galen Center has the interior design we should use.

http://www.clarkconstruction.com/our-work/projects/galen-event-center

Also, should take a peak at Mizzou Arena, although not quite the overhang that Williams has, there are definitely things we should copy from that facility.

 

[bemidjigopher]

How do you know that? What seems unlikely today may be totalLy different 10 years from now. Stadium,arena and ballpark design has evolved incredibly in the last decade or two. Yes there was a bunch of crap built in the 70's and 80's but look what has been built recently in the NFL and especially MLB. Does anyone really think TCF is a step down from Memorial Stadium? Would many people still prefer The Met over Target Field?

I guarantee that most would've preferred the Met for baseball and Memorial Stadium to the dome.

 

[station19]

I guarantee that most would've preferred the Met for baseball and Memorial Stadium to the dome.

Like I said before, there were a lot of crappy stadiums built in that time period. Stadium,arena and ballpark design has come so far since then.

 

[station19]

Check out some images of the Galen Center at USC. It has an overhang, is nice and cozy, has all the amenities like concourses, concessions, bathrooms, escalators, elevators, etc. Plus a practice facility. The Galen Center has the interior design we should use.

http://www.clarkconstruction.com/our-work/projects/galen-event-center

Also, should take a peak at Mizzou Arena, although not quite the overhang that Williams has, there are definitely things we should copy from that facility.

Hadn't noticed that one. Here's more.

http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/galen-center-s520/images

 

[AO54]

Like I said before, there were a lot of crappy stadiums built in that time period. Stadium,arena and ballpark design has come so far since then.

Is it the suites you're after? Seems like we could build a bunch more bathrooms and other amenities outside of the seating area on the South and East sides of the building. From listening to Teague that sounds like the likely plan.

 

[station19]

Is it the suites you're after? Seems like we could build a bunch more bathrooms and other amenities outside of the seating area on the South and East sides of the building. From listening to Teague that sounds like the likely plan.

I have no idea where the bold came from. I'm not after anything. All I'm saying is that all options should be considered and a new arena does not have to be a bad arena. I don't think that is too much to expect.

 

[ruppertflywheel]

The old Wisconsin Field House was pretty cool. The Toilet Center ( Kohl Arena ) is about as plastic as you can get.
No atmosphere at all. It is like playing.in a Mausoleum.

 

[AO54]

The old Wisconsin Field House was pretty cool. The Toilet Center ( Kohl Arena ) is about as plastic as you can get.
No atmosphere at all. It is like playing.in a Mausoleum.

Definitely Hockey's fault. They're half full for the vast majority of their puck games. You figure Wisconsin could build a separate hockey facility so you don't have to build a multi-sport hangar with the bleachers pushed back far enough for every possible activity.

 

[Gopher Placenta]

When President Kaler passed through China last summer, I asked him directly what the plans were for Williams Arena.

He stated unconditionally that the U would renovate Williams Arena; that he views it as an absolutely critical piece of the campus heritage. He seemed confident that they'd find the money to renovate it.

Just putting this out there. He didn't strike me as liar. Events may or may not force him to re-think his position, but he is strongly disposed to renovation.

 

[bott12]

I had heard that they are going to build the court out of glass, and have a student section bowl under the court. When I ran into Kaler in the Airport in Baltimore, he told me they are working on getting the permits.

 

[Gopherdrummer]

Pop spills? Better build a new $200 Million arena. We don't need the student section to wrap around the court. They have trouble filling their section now. Maybe put a row of students in just the 3rd row, forcing the sidelines to get more into the game.

I really doubt they would be able to build the same sort of overhanging second deck. The upper bowl would be much farther away from the court in a new arena for a variety of reasons. Whatever they do, I hope they don't combine it with Hockey, which would put everyone farther away from the court.

Woah, since when did anyone mention replacing Mariucci or Ridder arenas?!

 

[Gopherfan12]

Personally I have played in "The Barn" for state basketball, and I thought it was kind of crappy. I was taking shots in the corner and I couldn't even see the ball because the lights blinded me. Also when watching a game there are obstructed view seats. I don't know why anyone would want to sit in those seats. I think it would be great to build a new arena. Just my opinion

 

[Section201]

When President Kaler passed through China last summer, I asked him directly what the plans were for Williams Arena.

He stated unconditionally that the U would renovate Williams Arena; that he views it as an absolutely critical piece of the campus heritage. He seemed confident that they'd find the money to renovate it.

Just putting this out there. He didn't strike me as liar. Events may or may not force him to re-think his position, but he is strongly disposed to renovation.

I am good with this.

Williams is special. Its history and character cannot be replaced. Can a new arena be great? Yes, but it can easily just be another modern arena. The money should be spent on a practice facility, IMHO.

You can call me close minded on this issue. I also hate the white home uniforms

 

[WanderingGopher]

Screw renovations, if you want home court advantage then restore the barn to what it was -- 18,000+ capacity and none of these comfortable "chair back" seats. I remember when it was nothing but benches, and you can bet that the whole crowd was standing and a lot more into it. Even the old people in the choice seats were standing much of the time. Why? Partly because standing was more comfortable, and gave you more elbow room! But it sure made for an amazing atmosphere.

The only modern comfort that I think is an improvement is the coat check. (Back in the day, you had to just stuff it under your bench). Very crowded and somewhat uncomfortable experience overall, but yet that was part of the attraction and charm. The soda spills, and the smell of popcorn everywhere in the arena, are part of the charm. The old school announcer was part of the charm. The old scoreboard was part of the charm (I *hate* the neon lights on the underside of the new one, which reflect onto the court and create a glare on tv).

I know I'm fighting a losing battle, but it would've been nice if any renovations had only been structural.

 

[AO54]

Woah, since when did anyone mention replacing Mariucci or Ridder arenas?!

I've heard Nanne mention it before. 25 years is a pretty typical lifespan for a pro arena. Can't really compare it to many college hockey arena lifespans as there are so few, and even fewer of Mariucci's size.

 

[MadtownGopher]

Seems like Mariucci would be a much easier renovation than Williams. I haven't been in Mariucci since I was a season ticket holder about 6 or 7 years ago, but it never seemed like something that needed to be replaced or renovated. I'd put it pretty low on the list of priorities.

 

[station19]

Screw renovations, if you want home court advantage then restore the barn to what it was -- 18,000+ capacity and none of these comfortable "chair back" seats. I remember when it was nothing but benches, and you can bet that the whole crowd was standing and a lot more into it. Even the old people in the choice seats were standing much of the time. Why? Partly because standing was more comfortable, and gave you more elbow room! But it sure made for an amazing atmosphere.

The only modern comfort that I think is an improvement is the coat check. (Back in the day, you had to just stuff it under your bench). Very crowded and somewhat uncomfortable experience overall, but yet that was part of the attraction and charm. The soda spills, and the smell of popcorn everywhere in the arena, are part of the charm. The old school announcer was part of the charm. The old scoreboard was part of the charm (I *hate* the neon lights on the underside of the new one, which reflect onto the court and create a glare on tv).

I know I'm fighting a losing battle, but it would've been nice if any renovations had only been structural.

Check with the Fire Marshall on that one.

Don't forget back in the old days it was also "smoke if you've got'em".

 

[jaymil]

I am good with this.

Williams is special. Its history and character cannot be replaced. Can a new arena be great? Yes, but it can easily just be another modern arena. The money should be spent on a practice facility, IMHO.

You can call me close minded on this issue. I also hate the white home uniforms

Agreed. A practice facility is a must and should be goal #1. A renovation to the barn later on would be great, but I'm definitely opposed to getting rid of the barn and building a brand new arena. Williams Arena is unique.

 

[Gopher2017]

Just my opinion but the last thing we need is an NBA style arena like they have with Kohl Arena in Madison. You lose something special when colleges build those large generic arenas. With that said, I think the only people who love Williams Arena are the ones who sit in the lower level because trust me, if you sit up in the rafters where you can't see the scoreboard, only parts of the court, and none of the people sitting to your left and right; well, you wouldn't be a big Williams Arena fan. I'm also not a fan of the raised floor but I know I'm in the minority. If we could gut the place and rebuild with better sightlines, then I would be onboard. As it stands now, if the only tickets I can get are in the upper-level, I decline and watch the game on TV instead.

 

[Dr.Don]

Just my opinion but the last thing we need is an NBA style arena like they have with Kohl Arena in Madison. You lose something special when colleges build those large generic arenas. With that said, I think the only people who love Williams Arena are the ones who sit in the lower level because trust me, if you sit up in the rafters where you can't see the scoreboard, only parts of the court, and none of the people sitting to your left and right; well, you wouldn't be a big Williams Arena fan. I'm also not a fan of the raised floor but I know I'm in the minority. If we could gut the place and rebuild with better sightlines, then I would be onboard. As it stands now, if the only tickets I can get are in the upper-level, I decline and watch the game on TV instead.

You're boring.

 

[Gopher2017]

You're boring.

Pretty much.

 

[AO54]

if you sit up in the rafters where you can't see the scoreboard, only parts of the court, and none of the people sitting to your left and right;

Are you attempting to watch the game from a toilet stall? You can't see any people to your left or right?

 

[Gopher2017]

Are you attempting to watch the game from a toilet stall? You can't see any people to your left or right?

I'm watching from the rafters of Williams so yes, a toilet stall would be an accurate description.

 

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

I know I'm fighting a losing battle, but it would've been nice if any renovations had only been structural.

The big thing you are fighting is the Fire Marshall

Oops, I didn't see the Fire Marshall was mentioned. That's what happens when you respond befor reading the whole thread.

 

[gopherveteran]

Williams is a great place to watch college basketball.

Would you destroy Fenway?