Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2012-2013 Thread
Needless to say, us OSU Hockey fans are very excited about this! We have been wanting this for a long time! Playing in the Schott (17,500 capacity) in front of 4,000 fans, along with the OSU Ice Rink being the worst facility in the WCHA hands-down, hurts recruiting for both programs.
Don't know if you've been to All Seasons in Mankato, but I'd describe that facility as pretty comparable to the Ice Rink. Also, it shouldn't be forgotten that the post-renovation Ice Rink is a significantly better situation than the pre-renovation Ice Rink. That said, your recruiting point is well taken.
I just hope they do it right and raise the funds to build something like Minnesota has, with a mens arena and a womens arena.
I would certainly like to see two ice sheets. Not only would that benefit the Varsity teams, it would be very helpful for everyone who uses the ice: Club teams, Intramurals, Figure Skaters, everybody. But whether both ice sheets need substantial seating is a separate issue. Friends from Minnesota tell me that whether or not to have seating at what became Ridder Arena was controversial. Ultimately, I agree that the Mariucci/Ridder combination is pretty much the ideal set-up. Each program has a building specifically designed for their needs. And yet, I do see the critics' side of it. As long as the new facility would be for ice sports only, a second set of seats may have a hard time surviving a cost/benefit analysis. And if this was a close call in Minnesota, isn't it likely to be a tough sell here?
I don't want to see a 5,000 - 6,000 arena for both. Build a 3,000 seater for womens and an adjacent 8,000 - 9,000 seat arena for the men. We draw that for games against Miami and Michigan in down years. If Coach Osiecki gets are program to the level he wants to, we'll sell out an 8,000 - 9,000 seat arena on a regular basis in Columbus. But yes, this is exciting news. And 3,000 will be fine for our womens program.
Over the years I've tossed around 7000 -- 8000 seats as an ideal size for my dream
Ohio Ice Center*. So we're starting out at more or less the same place.
Yet, to play devil's advocate for a moment, the 6000 size could actually work for the Men -- with one stipulation: Games against Michigan and Miami would be held in the Schott. Now after a few years of the BTHC, maybe Miami drops off that list. So if we're just talking about a couple of games a season, and the new facility is really right across the street from the Schott, (see Master Plan) maybe that's a viable arrangement.
Regardless of the Schott's availability for special occasions, I agree that 3000 is simply too small for Men's Hockey. And at 6000, Men's games might be a tough ticket for half the schedule. But would that really be such a bad thing?
For the Women's team: 6000 is too big, and 9000 is problematic. Hence your desire for a 3000 seat facility. But if we're looking at one ice sheet, take it or leave it, maybe 6,000 is the sweet spot. For the Women, anything over 2000 is going to be too roomy. But with some thoughtful architecture, creating a space compatible with smaller crowds might be achievable in the 6000 seat version. The same goal might be a mission impossible in a 9000 seat arena.
This is indeed an exciting conversation. And my thinking is very preliminary; I may change my mind on some of the particulars as I hear the arguments and evidence from all sides. But I will say this: It's extremely important that "the powers that be" get the seating capacity right this time. The question needs to be thought through backwards and forward, short-term and long-term, taking both programs fully into account. This isn't an easy call. For that reason, the fact that we're going to be waiting for a few years for such a project to be launched has its advantages. Getting this right is actually more important than getting it fast.
*Yes, part of my dream is that a new Ice Rink be named as a descendent of Ohio Stadium, rather than sold to a corporate sponsor. Realistically speaking, I know this isn't the most likely result. OK, a Powerball win has been mentioned; that'd do it. Or maybe a well-healed donor with a taste for classic names will come forward. But at least let me dream; I genuinely like the name
Ohio Ice Center.
I wouldn't buy that one from a Columbus buddy, and I'm sure not buying it from a Minnesotan.
And when I am, it's likely to be at one of the other rinks that are now available in Central Ohio. So I can't really give you a reliable personal assessment. But my understanding is that the Ice Rink is now in the middle of the pack in terms of ice quality. At the very least, it doesn't have a basketball floor on top of it half the time. Just as importantly, the post-renovation refrigeration system and improved structure now gives the rink staff a fighting chance. And for better or worse, the availability of the newer rinks has lessened the intensity of the usage at the Ice Rink.
