>>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Well, it was certainly fun being at an RIT hockey game tonight... but the acoustics are really pretty bad at the Polisseni. I thought they might be OK after attending the dedication and season ticket holder events, but the higher the attendance, the higher the noise level and the higher the echo. Even Rocky was hard to understand at times tonight.

Yup, I said that after the dedication. It appears to my eye that no consideration was given to acoustics at all -- that open ceiling with nothing but girders (placed at multiple angles) and a metal roof means the sound goes up, scatters, and comes back down jumbled but just as loud. Sitting in the club section, I couldn't make out a word Goon was shouting while play was going on.

Also annoying: No shots-on-goal display. No graphics on the video boards, just raw video and the occasional "Make Some Noise" sign. No (functional) menu boards for the concession stands. Ancient push-button sink faucet technology in the restrooms. The two orange girders are placed such that they can only be seen from the bleacher seats.

There's a lot to like about the place. A lot. But there are also some very obvious places where corners were cut that will make the arena less than it could have been.


Powers &8^]

 

[mar7967]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Yup, I said that after the dedication. It appears to my eye that no consideration was given to acoustics at all -- that open ceiling with nothing but girders (placed at multiple angles) and a metal roof means the sound goes up, scatters, and comes back down jumbled but just as loud. Sitting in the club section, I couldn't make out a word Goon was shouting while play was going on.

Also annoying: No shots-on-goal display. No graphics on the video boards, just raw video and the occasional "Make Some Noise" sign. No (functional) menu boards for the concession stands. Ancient push-button sink faucet technology in the restrooms. The two orange girders are placed such that they can only be seen from the bleacher seats.

There's a lot to like about the place. A lot. But there are also some very obvious places where corners were cut that will make the arena less than it could have been.


Powers &8^]

With regards to your annoyances with the graphics/video boards/menus, keep in mind that this was the first game. They are still trying to figure out logistics and I would be surprised to not see that stuff added in the next few games.

The No shots-on-goal is annoying, but most other arenas don't have that either.

 

[Scott Biggar]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Well, it was certainly fun being at an RIT hockey game tonight... but the acoustics are really pretty bad at the Polisseni. I thought they might be OK after attending the dedication and season ticket holder events, but the higher the attendance, the higher the noise level and the higher the echo. Even Rocky was hard to understand at times tonight.

Remember way back when, folks were adamantly dreading how the new rink would have no atmosphere, the huge building would be quiet as a church on Sunday, unlike the cozy confines of the always loud Ritter Arena. Now after one event, people are complaining that the new rink is TOO LOUD. Really?

We wanted a loud rink where the screaming fans could "raise the roof". RIT specifically included several features towards that exact goal expressed by so many. I thought the band sounded great, the bell had an awesome tone, and the sounds from the ice carried nicely. I even missed the goal horn and hope they add one eventually.

As for the lack of concession signage, etc, it was obviously missing and was a problem. The concession workers are also new and don't know their products yet, but they will.

Give the rink workers and management a chance. Restaurants have soft openings so that the staff (kitchen, wait, front end, etc) can all get used to the new-ness and figure out how to efficiently get people serviced. A new hockey rink is no different, even on a grander scale because you have to worry about event management, game management, security, parking, facility, etc.

Literally, there were still a few workers in the rink last night tweaking things and I expect the same to go on for the next few weeks. I've been to the rink four times in the last twelve days and every time I see something new that has been completed. They will fill in the gaps, figure out how to best use the video boards, and make adjustments and further refinements.

 

[tigerprincess7]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

How was parking yesterday?

 

[EvilTaxi]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

How was parking yesterday?

I'd say bank on S lot. I showed up at about 5:50 and was able to get a spot in U lot, but it looked pretty close to full from daytime cars.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Also annoying: No shots-on-goal display. No graphics on the video boards, just raw video and the occasional "Make Some Noise" sign. No (functional) menu boards for the concession stands. Ancient push-button sink faucet technology in the restrooms. The two orange girders are placed such that they can only be seen from the bleacher seats.

There's a lot to like about the place. A lot. But there are also some very obvious places where corners were cut that will make the arena less than it could have been.


Powers &8^]

Most of this is growing pains. Obviously the menu boards will be set up, obviously the video boards will get additional graphics packages. Shots on goal can easily be added to the scoreboard.

The building has only been officially open for 2 weeks, and this is the first full scale hockey event it has ever held. If you were expecting a polished experience like you get in other places that have been up and running for years and years you had very unrealistic expectations. I expect to see small, continuous improvements throughout the season, but most of these obvious pain points will go away.

I do hope the administration reconsiders the no-backpacks rule. Though I understand why, on a college campus it is certainly a bit of a detriment to attendance and a step back from Ritter.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Remember way back when, folks were adamantly dreading how the new rink would have no atmosphere, the huge building would be quiet as a church on Sunday, unlike the cozy confines of the always loud Ritter Arena. Now after one event, people are complaining that the new rink is TOO LOUD. Really?

I specifically didn't comment on the items that can be tweaked/fixed... and I like a loud area. In fact, even though the arena was not crowded last night, the rink felt alive and noisy... good things. My complaint is that the sound echoes and words sometimes become unintelligible rendering Rocky's announcements practically useless. I toured the rink several times during construction and was told the rink acoustics were a definite concern and that they felt they had been successfully addressed in design considerations... including the inner rink ceiling. The design needs a modification... it's a problem.

 

[dpm105]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

I really enjoyed being in the new arena yesterday for a game, even with the operational glitches (which are to be expected for sure). The staff will get better and it will improve no doubt.

I was impressed with how lively the building was (announced attendance was over 1000, not sure how accurate that is, didn't feel like 1/4 full) for a women's exhibition game. You can actually hear the band now (without mics) and even the corner crew (be it the tiny women's game version) sounded loud at times.

I can't wait to get back in there Friday night. Add a shot clock, add blinds to the club lounge to cut down on sunset glare, add a goal horn and I'm sold.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

How was parking yesterday?

I arrived just before game time, so U lot was full... that was no surprise. I parked in D lot and walked through the buildings to get to the arena. No problem.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

add a goal horn

Seriously how was this not already done...

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

The crowd was suppose to be loud enough. -RIT administration

Seriously how was this not already done...

 

[mar7967]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Seriously how was this not already done...

Because they are still working to get a lot of the details done. In the past week they put all of the ads on the boards - thats probably more of a concern to them then a goal horn because it is recognizing those companies that gave them money...I'm sure it will be there in the next few days/weeks.

 

[tigerprincess7]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Is the train horn coming back or will they be using a different sound this year?

 

[XCTiger]

I toured the rink several times during construction and was told the rink acoustics were a definite concern and that they felt they had been successfully addressed in design considerations... including the inner rink ceiling. The design needs a modification... it's a problem.

3000 empty seats can contribute a lot of echo surface. Likely (hopefully) it will be different when there is more of a crowd filling the place.

It took a lot of adjustments to get the sound in the Ritter to the point that it was "acceptable", and the announcements didn't sound like they were spoken with a mouth full of marbles. Downside was that I recall people complaining that they couldn't hear the Corner Crew across the arena.

Those who have been around for a while remember the "coffee" cans hanging from the ceiling of the Ritter, and before that when there was nothing but cement and sound bounced around forever.

 

[EvilTaxi]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

People complain that they *can't* hear the Corner Crew? Go figure, I'd figure they'd complain in the opposite direction.

 

[SmallTown]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

I do hope the administration reconsiders the no-backpacks rule. Though I understand why, on a college campus it is certainly a bit of a detriment to attendance and a step back from Ritter.

There are a few policies I hope they reconsider. Particularly the no cameras with detachable lenses rule. Where did that one come from? And no one could seem to give a real answer as to why. A school known for photography won't let its community in with cameras. Come on. I can go to an Amerks game or a Sabres game with a detachable lens camera or pretty much any other NCAA arena for that matter, so what's the issue at RIT?

I think I understand the reasoning behind the no backpacks rule, but I do agree it could be a bit of a deterrent for students. Also, I wasn't able to buy bottled water at the game as the campus is going green. They put in the water fountains where you can fill reuseable water bottles with filtered water around the rink, yet wouldn't allow water bottles in last night. Explain that one.

I don't understand where all these new rules are coming from. These things were never policies at Ritter, and as far as I know were never the cause of any issues at Ritter, so why change the rules? And why change the rules without informing the ticket buyers prior to arrival at the game.

I hope the administation rethinks some of these new rules or they could be losing ticket buyers.

Outside of the security policies that really upset me, I thought the overall experience for the first game wasn't bad. I think most things will work out as the season goes on, but I'd really like to see some of these strange security policies changed immediately.

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

There are a few policies I hope they reconsider.
.....
but I'd really like to see some of these strange security policies changed immediately.

Terrorists. Can't be too careful.

 

[Ed Trefzger]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

The weird thing for me was the concession stands. They had no menus or prices, so when you walked up, you had to ask what they had and how much it cost. And the workers had to enter the item into the cash register to tell you the price.

 

[blazer777]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

The weird thing for me was the concession stands. They had no menus or prices, so when you walked up, you had to ask what they had and how much it cost. And the workers had to enter the item into the cash register to tell you the price.

Well Ed, if you had to ask how much something cost, then maybe you should try shopping at a less expensive store!

 

[NYhockeyguy]

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Re: >>>>>RIT TIGERS... The Polisseum, just like the Ritter only more of us!<<<<<

Is the train horn coming back or will they be using a different sound this year?

there definitely will be a horn. I do not believe that it is the same one used in Ritter but I could be mistaken. Many planned features were not in place last night and are still being worked out.