OSU is probably the most well funded athletic program in the conference. There's no reason that I can think of that they couldn't afford to build a dual ice arena with the larger seating capacity for the men's side.
Of course that would be a dream come true. Essentially you're saying build a new "Mariucci" for the Men, and a new "Ridder" for the Women. But I'm focused on what's doable. My crystal ball says that just isn't happening. Still, it's not wrong to dream; sometimes dreams become reality. Maybe my crystal ball is too pessimistic.
Then there would be the debate of how much seating for the women's. A number of people have the mindset it's best to be small enough to have sellouts, well we have that now don't we? Why people lament that people are turned away at the door then you have to have a facility large enough so that doesn't happen so that means sellouts won't happen. You can't have it both ways.
Agreed that you can't have it both ways. And I hope the disagreement between us is always respectful. But I despise the "ocean of empty seats." My ideal set-up is a near sellouts for most games, hard sellouts for the biggest games. Can reasonable people differ? Of course. But will I ever change my mind, and opt for the "laid back living room" atmosphere of a facility that's much too large for normal games? I will not.
The problem with the number of seats at the Ice Rink is not that it's designed for sellouts. The problem is that it's literally too small. At least when the team is contending for a National Title and tickets are free. FWIW.
Now I would certainly agree that 900 seats (or whatever the absolute maximum is currently) is too small for a new Women's Hockey Rink. At the other end of the spectrum, note that Ridder's capacity is 3,400 seats -- as per D2D. For me, that would be the absolute highest I would want to go for the Women's team. More numbers soon.
I would advocate for an arena large enough that we would be awarded hosting WCHA tournament finals...
The WCHA Final Face-Off doesn't currently rotate. And don't forget we are a geographic outlier in our conference, far removed from at least six of our conference mates. Wisconsin is the only school that's readily driveable from Columbus.
Another geographic point, when starting out from the Minnesota schools, Madison is only 1/3 or 1/2 of the way to Columbus. If the Final Face-Off won't rotate to Madison, what makes you think it would rotate all the way to Columbus?
But suppose it was held here. The event would have a major challenge in terms of attracting fans of the traveling teams. Let's say we wind up building a rink that seats 2,150. I'm not settled on that number, it's simply halfway between 900 & 3,400. 2,150 seats would accommodate a "one-off" Final Face-Off, IMHO.
... and NCAA tournament rounds. That would in my opinion be more advantageous for our program than always being at capacity.
The most committed fans will make it to NCAA regional games. But those games are played on 4 days notice, precluding large contingents of visiting fans. And because of the inevitable conflicts with Hoops March Madness, you aren't going to get the local casual fans. Frozen Four? Similar analysis. Though at least for a FF, neutral fans can plan well in advance.
But in either case, the arbitrary 2,150 seats would likely be enough. The 3,400 number certainly would be. And what about a once in a lifetime event where 3,400 is much too small? The 8,000 - 9,000 configuration at the Schott would be available.
On a side note, if they quit scheduling the women's home games overlapping the men's we would have more fans in a larger building!
Of course I strongly agree with this. Good to conclude on a note of agreement.
