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2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
- Thread starter UnionHockeyManiac
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thank you thank you.....
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Pet peeve time again. We need a new rink per Ken Schott. I agree if for no other reason than to get Aspydad off our backs.
Granted, it's a tough place for opponents to play, but it's equally tough on the fans. Something has to give.
http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs...e-hockey-slap-schotts-time-has-come-for-unio/
Pet peeve time again. We need a new rink per Ken Schott. I agree if for no other reason than to get Aspydad off our backs.
Granted, it's a tough place for opponents to play, but it's equally tough on the fans. Something has to give.http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs...e-hockey-slap-schotts-time-has-come-for-unio/
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Kepler
Si certus es dubita
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
I far prefer old barns to the new generic ones, but Union does actually need a new home.
The idea that a new rink will pay for itself with increased capacity is absurd, however. Find a donor with more cents than sense and kiss that money goodbye.
I far prefer old barns to the new generic ones, but Union does actually need a new home.
The idea that a new rink will pay for itself with increased capacity is absurd, however. Find a donor with more cents than sense and kiss that money goodbye.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Traveled there for the first time this year and will not be back. No seatbacks and 12" per arse is not worth it. Qualifying this as a CT State certified Fire Marshal with 32 years experience. The place is a firetrap. Home ice advantage is great, but when the fans comfort is horrible and safety is at risk, I have to agree with Mr. Schott.
Pet peeve time again. We need a new rink per Ken Schott. I agree if for no other reason than to get Aspydad off our backs.
http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs...e-hockey-slap-schotts-time-has-come-for-unio/
Traveled there for the first time this year and will not be back. No seatbacks and 12" per arse is not worth it. Qualifying this as a CT State certified Fire Marshal with 32 years experience. The place is a firetrap. Home ice advantage is great, but when the fans comfort is horrible and safety is at risk, I have to agree with Mr. Schott.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
When the idea of a new rink was floated around in 1997-ish, I was fully against it. The location of the proposed rink and the cozy, yet intimidating nature of Achilles (the name at the time) were my main arguments. I even likened Achilles to Clarkson's old Walker Arena - for those who don't know it, that was was even "more cozy" than Messa is now. You were literally right on top of the ice.
Now, I'm on the bandwagon of a new rink. I know there were significant upgrades to the facility recently, which was great for the players and coaches, as well as the quality of the ice. However, I'm not getting any younger and sitting on those bleachers doesn't help my back. My biggest complaint is the lack of parking. I get a "parking pass" as a season ticket holder, which is supposed to allow me to park in front of the rink. But those spots are always taken (by faculty, staff, or students) 45 minutes before game time. I usually park on Lenox Ave behind the rink and (as evidenced during the last home weekend) parking there is a crap shoot with so much snow on one side. I'd really like to know the advantage of a parking pass when you can't even get into the Nott St. entrance by 6:15.
When the idea of a new rink was floated around in 1997-ish, I was fully against it. The location of the proposed rink and the cozy, yet intimidating nature of Achilles (the name at the time) were my main arguments. I even likened Achilles to Clarkson's old Walker Arena - for those who don't know it, that was was even "more cozy" than Messa is now. You were literally right on top of the ice.
Now, I'm on the bandwagon of a new rink. I know there were significant upgrades to the facility recently, which was great for the players and coaches, as well as the quality of the ice. However, I'm not getting any younger and sitting on those bleachers doesn't help my back. My biggest complaint is the lack of parking. I get a "parking pass" as a season ticket holder, which is supposed to allow me to park in front of the rink. But those spots are always taken (by faculty, staff, or students) 45 minutes before game time. I usually park on Lenox Ave behind the rink and (as evidenced during the last home weekend) parking there is a crap shoot with so much snow on one side. I'd really like to know the advantage of a parking pass when you can't even get into the Nott St. entrance by 6:15.
SlyFoxMan7
Registered User
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
The rink was okay ten years ago when Union would draw half capacity and each spectator had two "seats" each but when it's anywhere close to capacity as it often is these days, it's unbearable and I prefer to watch on TV over going to the games when they are televised. The number three team in the country plays in a high school quality rink.
The rink was okay ten years ago when Union would draw half capacity and each spectator had two "seats" each but when it's anywhere close to capacity as it often is these days, it's unbearable and I prefer to watch on TV over going to the games when they are televised. The number three team in the country plays in a high school quality rink.
Kepler
Si certus es dubita
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Clarkson is also a cautionary tale of how not to fix the problem. They went from one of the best atmospheres in college hockey to one of the worst. Cheel is the poster child for how not to build a new facility.
It will be interesting to see the new Colgate building. The exterior drawings look a lot like Bright, which as modern buildings go is the best (more of a comment on the lameness of modern barns). It's almost impossible to create the intimacy of old barns (fire codes and fatter fans) but hopefully if/when Union does rebuild they do it with sensitivity and aesthetics.
Clarkson is also a cautionary tale of how not to fix the problem. They went from one of the best atmospheres in college hockey to one of the worst. Cheel is the poster child for how not to build a new facility.
It will be interesting to see the new Colgate building. The exterior drawings look a lot like Bright, which as modern buildings go is the best (more of a comment on the lameness of modern barns). It's almost impossible to create the intimacy of old barns (fire codes and fatter fans) but hopefully if/when Union does rebuild they do it with sensitivity and aesthetics.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
I think it's safe to say that a brand new facility is out of the question for a variety of reasons, the largest of which is financial. I think a top to bottom renovation of the existing facility is the only viable option and even that is going to take a major financial commitment in the multi million dollar range. The bleachers have to go and that would probably mean a further decrease in capacity, but the character of the college is still athletics on a smaller scale despite the hockey monster that has been created, so a new mega facility would be out of character. That being said, there is no reason that fans can't be catered to with video boards, rest rooms, concessions, and full accessibility. If that happens, the days of walk up ticket sales will be dead and gone as the place will go fully season ticket sellout. As it stands now the facility is fully ADA noncompliant. So far as parking, that needs to be addressed also, but I'm not sure how without building new lots or at least more closely monitoring the availability of the existing lots which as observed are useless after 6:00.
I think it's safe to say that a brand new facility is out of the question for a variety of reasons, the largest of which is financial. I think a top to bottom renovation of the existing facility is the only viable option and even that is going to take a major financial commitment in the multi million dollar range. The bleachers have to go and that would probably mean a further decrease in capacity, but the character of the college is still athletics on a smaller scale despite the hockey monster that has been created, so a new mega facility would be out of character. That being said, there is no reason that fans can't be catered to with video boards, rest rooms, concessions, and full accessibility. If that happens, the days of walk up ticket sales will be dead and gone as the place will go fully season ticket sellout. As it stands now the facility is fully ADA noncompliant. So far as parking, that needs to be addressed also, but I'm not sure how without building new lots or at least more closely monitoring the availability of the existing lots which as observed are useless after 6:00.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Union is a beautiful but the campus is the size of a postage stamp. You are right about the only option being a complete renovation of the existing facility, or maybe we could all pitch in and buy the car wash down by the turf field, demolish it, and come out of the ground there. At least there would be more parking.
Union is a beautiful but the campus is the size of a postage stamp. You are right about the only option being a complete renovation of the existing facility, or maybe we could all pitch in and buy the car wash down by the turf field, demolish it, and come out of the ground there. At least there would be more parking.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Postseason media day was today - videos up on the blog with Gostisbehere/Stevens, Carr/Bodie and Rick Bennett:
http://bit.ly/1fojZNd
It seems like the team will be healthy going into the weekend. "As far as I know, we're good to go," Bennett said.
With all the talk about Messa lately, there's a poll on the blog asking what (if anything) should be done with the rink.
Personally, a comfortable 3000 seat venue on little-used Garis Field would seem to be the most ideal long-term option. The room is there. 3000 is a nice increase from what Messa has, but at the same time, not too many seats. It's what the program needs long-term.
Postseason media day was today - videos up on the blog with Gostisbehere/Stevens, Carr/Bodie and Rick Bennett:
http://bit.ly/1fojZNd
It seems like the team will be healthy going into the weekend. "As far as I know, we're good to go," Bennett said.
With all the talk about Messa lately, there's a poll on the blog asking what (if anything) should be done with the rink.
Personally, a comfortable 3000 seat venue on little-used Garis Field would seem to be the most ideal long-term option. The room is there. 3000 is a nice increase from what Messa has, but at the same time, not too many seats. It's what the program needs long-term.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Max will be back !!!! Great to have another playoff vet in the lineup !!!! Lots of respect for Dartmouth ....
Max will be back !!!! Great to have another playoff vet in the lineup !!!! Lots of respect for Dartmouth ....
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Kepler
Si certus es dubita
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
At Lynah they did a series of renovations that eventually fixed the roof (which was going to cave in... probably a wise investment), extended the staff office, and completely remodeled the locker-rooms and training facilities. It wasn't cheap but it was all accomplished without hurting the atmosphere or changing the fan experience. They even added a few hundred seats in the process.
It can done, and buildings can last a long time (look at Hobey Baker Rink).
At Lynah they did a series of renovations that eventually fixed the roof (which was going to cave in... probably a wise investment), extended the staff office, and completely remodeled the locker-rooms and training facilities. It wasn't cheap but it was all accomplished without hurting the atmosphere or changing the fan experience. They even added a few hundred seats in the process.
It can done, and buildings can last a long time (look at Hobey Baker Rink).
I think renovations are the only viable alternative.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Yale did it too, they actually had to go underground to find the space for the new locker rooms, offices and training facilities, to the tune of 23 million donated dollars. The Union building needs to be fire sprinklered above some hopefully revamped comfortable seating with proper egress stairs and exit paths. I was so stuck in my seat at the sold out game that I really did not get to see the whole building. The only thing I found distinctive about the building was the roof, which is actually the biggest hinderance to an expansion of the space. It would be interesting to see what is actually under the upper wooden bleachers where i sat, there has to be a company out there that can create some sort of modular seating plan that will replace the high school bleachers. Sorry for the rant, of all the teams in the ECAC that I have seen this year including my home boys, I think U has the best shot at going all the way, good luck this week.
Yale did it too, they actually had to go underground to find the space for the new locker rooms, offices and training facilities, to the tune of 23 million donated dollars. The Union building needs to be fire sprinklered above some hopefully revamped comfortable seating with proper egress stairs and exit paths. I was so stuck in my seat at the sold out game that I really did not get to see the whole building. The only thing I found distinctive about the building was the roof, which is actually the biggest hinderance to an expansion of the space. It would be interesting to see what is actually under the upper wooden bleachers where i sat, there has to be a company out there that can create some sort of modular seating plan that will replace the high school bleachers. Sorry for the rant, of all the teams in the ECAC that I have seen this year including my home boys, I think U has the best shot at going all the way, good luck this week.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Only 3 days left to get your Quarterfinal Round Picks into the ECAC Pick The Playoffs.
You have until 7PM Friday.
http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?108745-ECAC-Pick-The-Playoffs-2014
Only 3 days left to get your Quarterfinal Round Picks into the ECAC Pick The Playoffs.
You have until 7PM Friday.
http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?108745-ECAC-Pick-The-Playoffs-2014
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
I don't know. With all the movement of outdoor athletic facilities to the old Ramada sight, I think there is room. I personally think a new 3,000 seat arena, designed similar to Messa is in order. Have seatbacks, more bathrooms and concessions, an alumni room and still keep a low roof, seats on the glass intimidating type of building. Money, as always, is obviously an issue. Maybe they should start a capital campaign for a new building now! They actually should have about 3-4 years ago. Get the alumni and local businesses involved.
I don't know. With all the movement of outdoor athletic facilities to the old Ramada sight, I think there is room. I personally think a new 3,000 seat arena, designed similar to Messa is in order. Have seatbacks, more bathrooms and concessions, an alumni room and still keep a low roof, seats on the glass intimidating type of building. Money, as always, is obviously an issue. Maybe they should start a capital campaign for a new building now! They actually should have about 3-4 years ago. Get the alumni and local businesses involved.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
The college just closed the books on a $250,000,000 capital campaign. Can't they spare $10 or $15,000,000? Price Chopper should be name sponsor and put the place up right across the street from their corporate HQ.
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
Good feedback.
I say they should drop the ice to the basement (street) level, push the bleachers (better yet, real seats) against the glass, use the vertical space to add a second level of seats, even just a couple of rows deep (press box style, Ken will be happy) and have a concourse at the top of the bleachers (like at Quinnipiac or Harvard, where you walk down to your seat). The current stairs are way too tall for older folks or people who have joint issues. You can have a handicapped accessible entrance at street level (which is really the basement), and the concession stand can be where it is now, somewhere under the seats. Also under the seats, locker rooms. New bathroom can be built towards the football field (there is a bit of space there), and the spirit shop can go in the entrance (they can get a permanent display so they don’t have to use camping tables), right next to the new ticket office (also at street level)… While they’re at it, get a video board. The roof, which is a big part of the atmosphere of the building will stay as is, provided the team adds an NCAA title banner.
Build a new building to house the office space and the gym, on the old soccer field for example.
Good feedback.
I say they should drop the ice to the basement (street) level, push the bleachers (better yet, real seats) against the glass, use the vertical space to add a second level of seats, even just a couple of rows deep (press box style, Ken will be happy) and have a concourse at the top of the bleachers (like at Quinnipiac or Harvard, where you walk down to your seat). The current stairs are way too tall for older folks or people who have joint issues. You can have a handicapped accessible entrance at street level (which is really the basement), and the concession stand can be where it is now, somewhere under the seats. Also under the seats, locker rooms. New bathroom can be built towards the football field (there is a bit of space there), and the spirit shop can go in the entrance (they can get a permanent display so they don’t have to use camping tables), right next to the new ticket office (also at street level)… While they’re at it, get a video board. The roof, which is a big part of the atmosphere of the building will stay as is, provided the team adds an NCAA title banner.
Build a new building to house the office space and the gym, on the old soccer field for example.
Kepler
Si certus es dubita
Re: 2013-2014 Union Dutchmen - Can U Three Peat? (Part II)
I'll bet it's already spent. Budgeting at that level is an elaborate game of catching up for past sins and planning white elephants to ensure the next promotion.
I'll bet it's already spent. Budgeting at that level is an elaborate game of catching up for past sins and planning white elephants to ensure the next promotion.
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