New arena - just look at the Longhorns’ new Moody center

[Wet_Blanket_Guy]

The longhorns opened the new $375m 10k seat arena that can flex up to 16k seats (for concerts / other large events when needed.

QUESTION:

How in the heck does a fan base as rabid as Texas (and as large) come to the conclusion that a smaller arena (seating wise) is better than their more historic / larger seating capacity arena…yet the gophers can’t?

- the announcers in the Texas / Gonzaga game kept talking about how it would usher in a new era for Texas and be a game changer for recruiting as it would continually fill packed and create an energetic environment versus a much larger historic arena that could feel cold and empty and certain nights (feel familiar…)

STATS:

old arena (frank erwin center *the drum*) used” sat 16k plus for basketball, was on-campus, and opened in 1977 (so not as old as our cherished Barn)

CONCLUSION:
gophers need to move into the modern age with a much smaller arena (probably 8-10k seats *don’t say much bigger as it would only be full during badger and maybe Iowa games each year then feel empty*) which would create an energy that players crave more than playing in a historic building…one of which hasn’t seen any real positive history in 25+ years.

Honestly, Mariucci would be a better arena at this point.

 

[Gophers_4life]

Interesting in that they specifically built in flexing "panels" that "cover up" the entire top ring of seats, if needed or desired for whatever event.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Couldn't agree more. A new, smaller arena is desperately needed.

 

[Unregistered User]

Replace The Barn and I’ll never set foot in it.

 

[Ope3]

Interesting in that they specifically built in flexing "panels" that "cover up" the entire top ring of seats, if needed or desired for whatever event.

Great for acoustics, I would imagine.

 

[Ope3]

Replace The Barn and I’ll never set foot in it.

I think I would go to more games in a new place, if it's done right.

If they can somehow get bathrooms, concessions, escalators into the upper deck of a remodeled Barn, that would be the best of both worlds.

 

[Zeppelin Gopher]

I

I think I would go to more games in a new place, if it's done right.

If they can somehow get bathrooms, concessions, escalators into the upper deck of a remodeled Barn, that would be the best of both worlds.

I know it's not for everyone- but I personally enjoy getting my steps in at the Barn. Sprinting up and down those flights a few times each game to get my Fresh Squeezed IPA's is a great way to burn calories

 

[GopherBlood777]

We are only asking for a smaller arena because we haven't been good enough to fill to capacity in 25 years. If you win, they will come. If the Barn was selling out regularly, we'd want more seating not less. Less seating would just provide an excuse to charge more for tickets, no thanks.

 

[Oatmeal Savage]

I like the Barn - when it's full. It is a great atmosphere.

The reality is that there a lot of competition in this market for ticket dollars. I love the flexibility that Texas' arena has. Based on recent history for men's, women's, and volleyball, the top would often be blocked off. When there's a rival or ranked opponent, open it up. If we become a consistent top 25 team it's a hot ticket, open it up. With the panels, the atmosphere would be so much better when there are smaller crowds.

 

[Wet_Blanket_Guy]

We are only asking for a smaller arena because we haven't been good enough to fill to capacity in 25 years. If you win, they will come. If the Barn was selling out regularly, we'd want more seating not less. Less seating would just provide an excuse to charge more for tickets, no thanks.

The data is against you on this one GopherBlood666 - winning hasn't filled up Williams Arena (at least post erasing of the record books).

Attendance Figures:

Williams Arena Attendance Figures - University of Minnesota Athletics

Year G Attend. Avg. BT G BT Attend. BT Avg. High 1946-47 11 132,949 12,087 7 107,399 15,343 16,519 1947-48 11 136,692 12,427 7 104,764 14,967 16,690 1948-49 ...

gophersports.com

Since the 1999-00 season, Williams Arena has seen an average attendance (per game) of 81.3%...but in the seasons in which the Gophs have gone to the NCAA tourny (2004-05, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2012-23, 2016-17, 2018-19)...the average attendance per game is actually lower at 81.01%....

So your argument that winning will bring fans back is invalid based on actual data provided on the U website.

 

[howeda7]

Replicate the Barn as best you can with a smaller capacity.

 

[Lion King]

The longhorns opened the new $375m 10k seat arena that can flex up to 16k seats (for concerts / other large events when needed.

QUESTION:

How in the heck does a fan base as rabid as Texas (and as large) come to the conclusion that a smaller arena (seating wise) is better than their more historic / larger seating capacity arena…yet the gophers can’t?

- the announcers in the Texas / Gonzaga game kept talking about how it would usher in a new era for Texas and be a game changer for recruiting as it would continually fill packed and create an energetic environment versus a much larger historic arena that could feel cold and empty and certain nights (feel familiar…)

STATS:

old arena (frank erwin center *the drum*) used” sat 16k plus for basketball, was on-campus, and opened in 1977 (so not as old as our cherished Barn)

CONCLUSION:
gophers need to move into the modern age with a much smaller arena (probably 8-10k seats *don’t say much bigger as it would only be full during badger and maybe Iowa games each year then feel empty*) which would create an energy that players crave more than playing in a historic building…one of which hasn’t seen any real positive history in 25+ years.

Honestly, Mariucci would be a better arena at this point.

RIGHT ON !!!!
SMALLER IS BETTER !!!
Old barn has to go !!

 

[GopherBlood777]

The data is against you on this one GopherBlood666 - winning hasn't filled up Williams Arena (at least post erasing of the record books).

Attendance Figures:

Williams Arena Attendance Figures - University of Minnesota Athletics

Year G Attend. Avg. BT G BT Attend. BT Avg. High 1946-47 11 132,949 12,087 7 107,399 15,343 16,519 1947-48 11 136,692 12,427 7 104,764 14,967 16,690 1948-49 ...

gophersports.com

Since the 1999-00 season, Williams Arena has seen an average attendance (per game) of 81.3%...but in the seasons in which the Gophs have gone to the NCAA tourny (2004-05, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2012-23, 2016-17, 2018-19)...the average attendance per game is actually lower at 81.01%....

So your argument that winning will bring fans back is invalid based on actual data provided on the U website.

Occasional winning seasons every 5 years doesn't bring people in to capacity. Did we win the conference in any of those years? I'm talking about real winning, not limping in to the tourney with a .500 conference record. I said we have not been good enough in the last 25 years, so you look at data from within the last 25 years to "prove me wrong"? lol okay

 

[Wet_Blanket_Guy]

Occasional winning seasons every 5 years doesn't bring people in to capacity. Did we win the conference in any of those years? I'm talking about real winning, not limping in to the tourney with a .500 conference record. I said we have not been good enough in the last 25 years, so you look at data from within the last 25 years to "prove me wrong"? lol okay

so new everything...... Isn't there a saying about people who cling to the past and keep trying things and hoping that they will turn out different....

Kevin Mchale & Mychal Thompson ain't walking through those doors.

 

[Dupreefor3]

The data is against you on this one GopherBlood666 - winning hasn't filled up Williams Arena (at least post erasing of the record books).

Attendance Figures:

Williams Arena Attendance Figures - University of Minnesota Athletics

Year G Attend. Avg. BT G BT Attend. BT Avg. High 1946-47 11 132,949 12,087 7 107,399 15,343 16,519 1947-48 11 136,692 12,427 7 104,764 14,967 16,690 1948-49 ...

gophersports.com

Since the 1999-00 season, Williams Arena has seen an average attendance (per game) of 81.3%...but in the seasons in which the Gophs have gone to the NCAA tourny (2004-05, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2012-23, 2016-17, 2018-19)...the average attendance per game is actually lower at 81.01%....

So your argument that winning will bring fans back is invalid based on actual data provided on the U website.

We only had a winning conference record in two of those seasons, not like we were doing much winning in 18-19, 12-13 and 09-10 and 08-09 when we barely snuck into the field. Pretty sure we had winning records in 01-02 and 02-03 and didn't get in. As for replacing the barn, no chance and that's not going to cure the program of it's ills. We have the state of the art practice facility where the team spends most of it's time. Barn only gets used for games and morning shoot around or evening shoot around the night before for the away team. If this team does any real winning, or puts consecutive years in a row like 2016-2017 together instead of once every ten years than suddenly the Barn becomes charming.

 

[Ope3]

We only had a winning conference record in two of those seasons, not like we were doing much winning in 18-19, 12-13 and 09-10 and 08-09 when we barely snuck into the field. Pretty sure we had winning records in 01-02 and 02-03 and didn't get in. As for replacing the barn, no chance and that's not going to cure the program of it's ills. We have the state of the art practice facility where the team spends most of it's time. Barn only gets used for games and morning shoot around or evening shoot around the night before for the away team. If this team does any real winning, or puts consecutive years in a row like 2016-2017 together instead of once every ten years than suddenly the Barn becomes charming.

I have no delusions that a new or substantially remodeled arena will help the on court fortunes for the Gophers. I would simply like better amenities to enhance the game day experience.

I would go to more games than I do currently.

 

[Dupreefor3]

I have no delusions that a new or substantially remodeled arena will help the on court fortunes for the new Gophers. I would simply like better amenities to enhance the game day experience.

I would go to more games than I do currently.

That's completely fair and I could get on board with a well done reno I just think for a variety of reasons it's not going to happen anytime soon. We don't have the donors to pull it off privately, the legislature isn't going to help us out either, we still owe money for the Athlete's Village. It's going to be a long road before it's even a consideration. I really don't mind the barn, my season tix are in 101, right on the aisle, pretty easy for me to get in and out. When I was a kid I loved climbing down the fire exits from the upperdeck. If we could raise the money and do a tear down and rebuild, like our version of a new Yankee stadium that would probably be cheaper than a renovation.

 

[jamiche]

I have loved The Barn dearly for decades. It's time to move on. There are a couple of nights a year when it is a magnificent palace. The other 363 nights it's a dump.

 

[GopherBlood777]

so new everything...... Isn't there a saying about people who cling to the past and keep trying things and hoping that they will turn out different....

Kevin Mchale & Mychal Thompson ain't walking through those doors.

So you are blaming the arena for our lack of winning? Interesting.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

it's a combination of factors.
need a winning team, but also need some "buzz" in the community.

For KFAN and SkorNorth, Gopher sports are an afterthought. KFAN will do the token interviews with coaches, but you can tell the host would rather be talking about the Vikings.

and then, there is the cost of tickets and 'seat donations.'
The Administration fooked up. they priced themselves out of the market. and once fans drop their tickets, it's twice as hard to get them back.

If I could be Coyle for a day, I would cut back the sections that require a seat donation, and I would drop the ticket prices for most games. if you want to have a 'premium' price for IA or WI, fine. But if the Gophers are playing Stewbum State, then let people in for $10 and put some butts in the seats.

 

[Ope3]

That's completely fair and I could get on board with a well done reno I just think for a variety of reasons it's not going to happen anytime soon. We don't have the donors to pull it off privately, the legislature isn't going to help us out either, we still owe money for the Athlete's Village. It's going to be a long road before it's even a consideration. I really don't mind the barn, my season tix are in 101, right on the aisle, pretty easy for me to get in and out. When I was a kid I loved climbing down the fire exits from the upperdeck. If we could raise the money and do a tear down and rebuild, like our version of a new Yankee stadium that would probably be cheaper than a renovation.

I think you are correct about having to pay down Athlete's Village first. I don't know how all the money from the new media rights package will impact the next move with basketball facilities.

At some point the U's hand will be forced. 5 years maybe? It will be 100 years old by then.

It took the HHH Dome's roof collapsing on a Viking game day to spearhead the new Zygi Dome. Maybe something like that will have to happen to the Williams Arena for sudden movement, but it doesn't seem that far fetched.

 

[MaxyJR1]

We are only asking for a smaller arena because we haven't been good enough to fill to capacity in 25 years. If you win, they will come. If the Barn was selling out regularly, we'd want more seating not less. Less seating would just provide an excuse to charge more for tickets, no thanks.

With TV and every B1G game on TV, there is no need for more than 10,000 seats.

 

[MaxyJR1]

DEVELOPERS: Oak View Group: Tim Leiweke & Irving Azoff (Azoff Music), Live Nation Entertainment/C3 Presents: Charles Attal, The University of Texas at Austin, Matthew McConaughey

PREMIUM SEATING: 44 Suites, 3 premium clubs, 1 super VIP club, 57 loge boxes

 

[GopherBlood777]

With TV and every B1G game on TV, there is no need for more than 10,000 seats.

I suppose, I would just hate to wake up one day when we're good and have to drop $200 to go see the Gophers play Central Michigan in person. I guess there are worse problems to have.

 

[Wet_Blanket_Guy]

We only had a winning conference record in two of those seasons, not like we were doing much winning in 18-19, 12-13 and 09-10 and 08-09 when we barely snuck into the field. Pretty sure we had winning records in 01-02 and 02-03 and didn't get in. As for replacing the barn, no chance and that's not going to cure the program of it's ills. We have the state of the art practice facility where the team spends most of it's time. Barn only gets used for games and morning shoot around or evening shoot around the night before for the away team. If this team does any real winning, or puts consecutive years in a row like 2016-2017 together instead of once every ten years than suddenly the Barn becomes charming.

So you are blaming the arena for our lack of winning? Interesting.

It’s a small piece of the pie. The barn is too big and it doesn’t have the energy. A modern 8k seat arena with bells and whistles better suites the 21st century.

The gophers will not get back to the winning ways you mentioned above (which were pre-internet by the way…when most regional talent really only knew their local teams…clearly not the case any more).

 

[Dupreefor3]

It’s a small piece of the pie. The barn is too big and it doesn’t have the energy. A modern 8k seat arena with bells and whistles better suites the 21st century.

The gophers will not get back to the winning ways you mentioned above (which were pre-internet by the way…when most regional talent really only knew their local teams…clearly not the case any more).

As to your last paragraph why spend millions of dollars on a fruitless endeavor? The hey we are never going to win give us hundreds of millions of dollars is one helluva sales pitch

 

[Wet_Blanket_Guy]

As to your last paragraph why spend millions of dollars on a fruitless endeavor? The hey we are never going to win give us hundreds of millions of dollars is one helluva sales pitch

It’s in the hope of getting into the top 5-6 in the big ten and not bottom 5…. Kids growing up going to a rocking place with a energetic fan experience may be more inclined to stay home versus the current location.

And parents who have young kids may want to take those kids to those really fun environments in a town where there are lots of options for your entertainment money.

 

[GopherBlood777]

It’s a small piece of the pie. The barn is too big and it doesn’t have the energy. A modern 8k seat arena with bells and whistles better suites the 21st century.

The gophers will not get back to the winning ways you mentioned above (which were pre-internet by the way…when most regional talent really only knew their local teams…clearly not the case any more).

Pretty sure we would still lose if our coach/athletics director are not good at their job. You think the team locker room is as outdated as the barn? The lack of energy in the building is due to a consistent lack of winning. A new arena is nothing more than a band aid on this problem. Let's finish in the top 3 of the conference for consecutive years and see what the energy looks like after that. A new arena would not have helped us defeat Depaul on Monday. Players go to play for winning teams and winning coaches. The internet did not change this fact. It almost sounds like you doubt Ben Johnson's ability to win and that only a new arena can save this program? People are ecstatic about the signing of Evans and rightfully so. Did he sign here because we promised him he would be playing in a new arena?

 

[disco]

Remember though, that Moody is probably going to replace Erwin as the the main arena in town, so it will serve the purpose that the Xcel and Target Center do here, for Austin. Austin is a huge city now - nearly a million people. If their primary arena was pushing 50 years old, it makes sense to build something new.

No arena at the U would ever be the primary arena for this market, so it's not really the same thing.

 

[Wet_Blanket_Guy]

Pretty sure we would still lose if our coach/athletics director are not good at their job. You think the team locker room is as outdated as the barn? The lack of energy in the building is due to a consistent lack of winning. A new arena is nothing more than a band aid on this problem. Let's finish in the top 3 of the conference for consecutive years and see what the energy looks like after that. A new arena would not have helped us defeat Depaul on Monday. Players go to play for winning teams and winning coaches. The internet did not change this fact. It almost sounds like you doubt Ben Johnson's ability to win and that only a new arena can save this program? People are ecstatic about the signing of Evans and rightfully so. Did he sign here because we promised him he would be playing in a new arena?

I do doubt his ability to win (at a reasonably high level - which last year was not at a high level so don't argue he has won anything yet).

I will give some credit that he has got some good young (Payne could be a star) talent along with transfer talent to come to the U... (Battle, Garcia situation is unique as the family health situation makes it seem like any coach at the U would've landed him due to proximity to his family).... but, let's not pretend that he has shut down the MN talent pipeline of recruits leaving the state.

List of MN HS basketball players who left the state in the last two years (Ben was supposed to shut that down):
-Will Tschetter - Michigan
-DJ Jefferson - Tennessee
-Tre Holloman - MSU
-Prince Aligbe - Boston College
-Camden Heide - Purdue
- Demario Watson - Iowa State
-Eli King - Iowa State
- Ahjany Lee - St Thomas
- Antonio Chol - Rutgers
- Elvis Nnaji - George Mason
- Kendall Blue - St Thomas
- Brenden Moss - Kent State
-Taison Chatman - Ohio State
-Nolan Winter - verbal to Badgers (buck the fadgers)
-Boden Kapke - Butler

As far as Evans, this is a big recruit to land, but I doubt he pitched him on the historic barn. I bet it was more on bring back a dormant program to glory and referenced the mid-90s...which any coach would think to do.