GMU: Where Construction is Tradition

[MasonSAE4]

I've heard that the neighbors won't let us put up lights for the baseball stadium. I imagine they'd fight the arena, too.

Don't night games start at like 7? Games would be over at like 9:30. Is this why the project has been on hold forever?

 

[GMU92]

Don't night games start at like 7? Games would be over at like 9:30. Is this why the project has been on hold forever?

Always worried about the NIMBY factor after they developed that corner by the Field House/Hap/Mason Stadium. In reality, if we want a UVA (Davenport Field) or Miami (Mark Light Stadium) style baseball complex we'll probably need to move and reorient the Hap anyway. I just don't see enough space at the existing location. Move to the other side and turn the lights toward Braddock Road.

 

[EXpatriot13]

I don't see the arena being built over there as that big of an issue. It's not like they'll be playing with all of the windows and doors open - won't be as noisy as people think. And it's not like the arena will actually be in their backyard. Most games are over by 9. They'll be okay.

The baseball stadium lights issue - I get that. That's been an issue in my hometown for my High School for years.

 

[GSII]

There are too many beds on campus to move EBA to Braddock. With attendance already weak even during a FF Run, one could argue the benefits are greater to keep EBA where it is. What they should do is build an arena right next to EBA with the amenities needed for both bball and events. Then demo current EBA. The net gain here is solely for the bball teams. Is that even enough to sway the powers at be?

 

[GMU92]

There are too many beds on campus to move EBA to Braddock. With attendance already weak even during a FF Run, one could argue the benefits are greater to keep EBA where it is. What they should do is build an arena right next to EBA with the amenities needed for both bball and events. Then demo current EBA. The net gain here is solely for the bball teams. Is that even enough to sway the powers at be?

If possible, a side-by-side build/tear down would probably be optimal. No real appreciable change in location means approvals/permitting should be easier (no change in traffic flow, patters, etc.) and I'm guessing it possible to tie into existing water, sewer, power, etc.

 

[GMUSig03]

I would think on the surface building as close to the present stadium would be ideal, however I don't think we should decide not to move the new stadium further away from the dorms because of fear the apathetic students wont make the extra .5 mile trek.

The apathy exists for reasons wholly unrelated to the location of the stadium. Sure a stadium that is closer may help, but the solution is to eliminate the cause for the apathy, not necessarily to keep the stadium as close as possible.

Plenty of other schools, if not most, have stadiums that are as far away as the intramural fields from the dorms and somehow amazingly they make it work. A shuttle may even make the trip shorter/easier, since all they will have to do is walk down to the shuttle at the entrance to the dorms rather than walk ALL THE WAY to EBA.

 

[gmujim92]

JPJ Arena is easily walkable for very few UVa students, and yet it is sold out on a regular basis.

Put a consistently successful program on the floor, market the program effectively and the kids will find a way to get there to watch it.

 

[EXpatriot13]

Put a consistently successful program on the floor, market the program effectively and the kids will find a way to get there to watch it.

This.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

This.

I love the kermit humping the sneaker avatar. He looks so happy

 

[GSII]

If they move the EBA to intramural fields side, would school be tempted to build something bigger (12-18k +) to make more money off the events side? If so, i'm not sure bball can have its "feel" and/or homecourt advantage within that size of an event type arena. Unless of coarse we are a top 25 program on the reg. And even then I have doubts. Attendance for Mason bball in ffx has been the unsolved mystery for decades. Isn't the goal to make a bball arena that benefits the programs? But Doesn't that limit your events side? This will come down to money and money always wins. So basicaly, we will get a bigger EBA that makes more money for the school and management company and leaves many seats empty during basketball games. Thus a net negative for basketball.

 

[gmujim92]

If they move the EBA to intramural fields side, would school be tempted to build something bigger (12-18k +) to make more money off the events side? If so, i'm not sure bball can have its "feel" and/or homecourt advantage within that size of an event type arena. Unless of coarse we are a top 25 program on the reg. And even then I have doubts. Attendance for Mason bball in ffx has been the unsolved mystery for decades. Isn't the goal to make a bball arena that benefits the programs? But Doesn't that limit your events side? This will come down to money and money always wins. So basicaly, we will get a bigger EBA that makes more money for the school and management company and leaves many seats empty during basketball games. Thus a net negative for basketball.

Just guessing here, but given how close Fairfax is to Verizon Center, I can't see Mason building a large venue in hopes of trying to lure major shows/concerts.

 

[MasonSAE4]

If they move the EBA to intramural fields side, would school be tempted to build something bigger (12-18k +) to make more money off the events side? If so, i'm not sure bball can have its "feel" and/or homecourt advantage within that size of an event type arena. Unless of coarse we are a top 25 program on the reg. And even then I have doubts. Attendance for Mason bball in ffx has been the unsolved mystery for decades. Isn't the goal to make a bball arena that benefits the programs? But Doesn't that limit your events side? This will come down to money and money always wins. So basicaly, we will get a bigger EBA that makes more money for the school and management company and leaves many seats empty during basketball games. Thus a net negative for basketball.

Seems like something they wouldn't go for. There's no way they think they could put 12,000 in there at present moment. Considering the school says it wants to get to 40,000+ students, maybe they'd build bigger for things like graduation but idk. Granted this is at the very least a few years down the road, and if we're putting close to capacity in there every night when the decision comes then who knows.

Does anyone know of any arenas with two tiers (upper ad lower bowl) at around 10,000 seats? Seems like it would give it a bigger feel without actually making it larger.

 

[GMUgemini]

Seems like something they wouldn't go for. There's no way they think they could put 12,000 in there at present moment. Considering the school says it wants to get to 40,000+ students, maybe they'd build bigger for things like graduation but idk. Granted this is at the very least a few years down the road, and if we're putting close to capacity in there every night when the decision comes then who knows.

Does anyone know of any arenas with two tiers (upper ad lower bowl) at around 10,000 seats? Seems like it would give it a bigger feel without actually making it larger.

ASU's Wells Fargo arena is 10,700 and has two tiers. It's about as ugly on the outside as the Richmond Coliseum, though. It also looks like the seating capacity was downgraded from 14k, though, probably to add the boxes that separate the tiers.

 

[MasonSAE4]

ASU's Wells Fargo arena is 10,700 and has two tiers. It's about as ugly on the outside as the Richmond Coliseum, though. It also looks like the seating capacity was downgraded from 14k, though, probably to add the boxes that separate the tiers.

Judging from pictures our attendance problems aren't exclusive

 

[GMU92]

JPJ Arena is easily walkable for very few UVa students, and yet it is sold out on a regular basis.

Put a consistently successful program on the floor, market the program effectively and the kids will find a way to get there to watch it.

The same ones who, as we tried to get my disabled father settled in his season ticket seat, told me "my friend is sitting there".

 

[GiantKiller_Co]

Make Mason great again?

MASON IS GONNA BE YUUUGE

 

[Pikapppatri8]

There are too many beds on campus to move EBA to Braddock. With attendance already weak even during a FF Run, one could argue the benefits are greater to keep EBA where it is. What they should do is build an arena right next to EBA with the amenities needed for both bball and events. Then demo current EBA. The net gain here is solely for the bball teams. Is that even enough to sway the powers at be?

I see your point and understand it. However, building a new modern arena in an integrated athletic compound just across 123 should more than compensate for the minor additional distance. And as I mentioned - they have fee shuttles going back and forth on campus. Add to that a successful program and you will get students. Plus - the better traffic pattern should make it easier for no student fans to attend.


Broads, Buicks, and Buckley

 

[Herndon]

MASON IS GONNA BE YUUUGE

....don't do that.

 

[MasonSAE4]

I see your point and understand it. However, building a new modern arena in an integrated athletic compound just across 123 should more than compensate for the minor additional distance. And as I mentioned - they have fee shuttles going back and forth on campus. Add to that a successful program and you will get students. Plus - the better traffic pattern should make it easier for no student fans to attend.


Broads, Buicks, and Buckley

I'd love to free up some of the land on the main campus, but I think Edwards stated when he came in his plan was renovation. I'd have to find the article but it seems he's leaning towards squeezing all he can out of the Patriot Center. Plus I'm really hoping that some day in the future that land at West Campus can be used for football (I await all of your comments telling me how it will never happen)

 

[Pikapppatri8]

....don't do that.

Trust me there is no problem there.... Look at these hands!!


Broads, Buicks, and Buckley