This is one of my semi-annual (or more frequent) bit#@ sessions about UVM's inability to fund/build a new arena for hockey and basketball. USCHO is reporting that Nebraska-Omaha hopes to have a new on-campus rink by 2015 or 2016. It will be funded through "private donations or partnerships."
This is frustrating to no end because UVM has been talking about a new rink for about twice as many years as UNO has had a D-1 hockey program. Again, why they heck can't we get our act together when everyone else seems able to do it? Do we not have any wealthy alums that like hockey or basketball? The following is from an April 14, 2012 article in the BFP:
"Chris McCabe, UVM assistant vice president of marketing and business development, said there’s been progress in plans to build a new arena at UVM."
“We are a lot closer than we were a year ago,” McCabe said. “Because we are talking about it so publicly should be an indication of how close we are getting. We are not making any announcements this weekend, but I think you can bet to see some progress reports in the coming months.”
I've been hearing these kinds of statements for years. It's been more than 6 months since McCabe said the above. Where the heck are those progress reports that we would see in the coming months? He said it's being talked about so publicly???? Seems more like radio silence to me.
Okay, assuming there was a betting line in Las Vegas for this, and the over/under was 7 years for UVM having a new rink, how would you bet? Unfortunately, I'd have to go with the over.
WCAX just did a story on this today
http://www.wcax.com/story/19844428/uvm-planning-for-arena
I'm glad to see they're planning on spending more than $60M. I was worried when they eventually did something it would be generic and be out-of-date before it even opened. Notre Dame's new rink cost $50M and looks great so it sounds like they want to do something nice.
Still, I'd take the over if the line was set at 7 years. We've heard it all before.