Cool concepts for the new arena

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As RMU solidifies plans for a new convocation center/arena, it would be wise to keep an eye out for how others are innovating.

A similarly up-and-coming school (Northern Kentucky University) has recently garnered national attention with the new design of its basketball floor.

Known as the Norse, NKU designed a full-court size image of a Viking ship into the basketball floor. It is understated and does not interfere with play, but it's a novel way to reinforce the local brand. A video of the floor being assembled is available at this link:

http://nkunorse.com/news/2015/8/19/GEN_0819150129.aspx

Whether a montage of a giant colonial hat and crossed rifles or something more creative, something along these lines could be an inexpensive way to build the RMU brand.

The video also hints at the advantage of having lower bowl seats that are both retractable and removable--allowing additional space and improved access for other events.

A visit to RMU's NCAA Tournament game at the University of Dayton also reinforced the benefit of "luxury suites". Rather than traditional arena-style seats, one area includes what amounts to a glass-enclosed restaurant overlooking the arena.

We sat in regular seats, but with the benefit of food and beverage service, a sound system, and flat screen TV's, the luxury suites seemed like a cool place to watch the game, a good place for alumni groups to gather, and a great place for recruiting--without breaking the bank.

The use of high-top tables lends itself to a "sports" feel, and allows great flexibility in its configuration. My recollection is that UD has fixed plate glass windows, but taking a page from luxury suites at professional football stadiums, windows that can be slid out of the way for "open air" access may allow even better use.

 

[ColonialCrazy]

Great update. Hope to see some of these ideas implemented.

 

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Xavier is undertaking a $25 million renovation to the 15-year-old Cintas Center - designed primarily to improve hospitality and gathering areas along the lines of some of the concepts discussed above.

Other improvements are designed to reduce congestion in the concourse, improve the ability to watch replays with more flat screen TVs and tablet computers in upgraded areas, and improved Wi-Fi access.

One of the things that I have not seen mentioned with the new center is improved training facilities. It may make more sense to do that in the Sewell Center, but the current weight room is a competitive disadvantage. New and larger training facilities should definitely be part of the arena project plan - whether or not they are in the new facility.

Here's an example of the type of gathering place that Xavier is adding. It will host pre and post-game shows and a similar space will allow for increased access to coaches and players. Space like this with a view of the floor (and perhaps a step down to the bar stools) would be a great place to watch Basketball and other events.

 

[ColonialCrazy]

That is a

Xavier is undertaking a $25 million renovation to the 15-year-old Cintas Center - designed primarily to improve hospitality and gathering areas along the lines of some of the concepts discussed above.

Other improvements are designed to reduce congestion in the concourse, improve the ability to watch replays with more flat screen TVs and tablet computers in upgraded areas, and improved Wi-Fi access.

One of the things that I have not seen mentioned with the new center is improved training facilities. It may make more sense to do that in the Sewell Center, but the current weight room is a competitive disadvantage. New and larger training facilities should definitely be part of the arena project plan - whether or not they are in the new facility.

Here's an example of the type of gathering place that Xavier is adding. It will host pre and post-game shows and a similar space will allow for increased access to coaches and players. Space like this with a view of the floor (and perhaps a step down to the bar stools) would be a great place to watch Basketball and other events.

That is awesome. Would love to see improvements like this on campus. Also, any update on how the fundraising campaign is going?

 

[R-M-U-h-o-o-p-s-f-a-n]

That is a

That is awesome. Would love to see improvements like this on campus. Also, any update on how the fundraising campaign is going?

I heard that they have raised about 29 of the 50 million so far which is pretty darn good (so far) in my book.

It should definitely help in recruiting and maybe getting a Local TV deal too.
Plus more games on ESPN....

 

[ColonialCrazy]

That's awesome! Hope they meet their mark and get the project in full swing

 

[AutoB4]

Tomorrow, Northern Kentucky University opens its new campus rec center - a brand new $43 million 169,000 square foot complex with 677 windows and 3 swimming pools. NKU is helping cover costs and build commitment by opening up memberships to alumni, family members, local businesses, and members of the local community.

The publicity it is receiving reminds me of the one big draw for students that RMU does not yet offer - highly appealing recreation facilities.

The new arena should create opportunities for much-improved rec facilities in and around the Sewell Center. I'm not advocating another project costing tens of millions of dollars any time soon, but improved student rec facilities should probably be next on the list of upgrades.

One could argue that such things add little to the quality of education received, but they can add substantially to the college experience for resident students and make an immense difference in how a university is perceived by potential students during college visits, as well as other visitors. Peer schools like University of Dayton, Butler University, and the vast majority of large public universities have recognized this and invested in outstanding recreation facilities that host many diverse sports and activities.

With the new arena, the Sewell Center will open up lots of space. The downside is that Sewell is largely devoid of natural lighting, with almost no windows other than the west plaza. I wonder how practical/expensive it would be to add windows to Sewell in strategic areas to brighten and expand its ambiance. Another option would be an addition along the east end of the complex with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Swimming pools would be an expensive addition, but modest offerings might include running tracks, weight and cardio facilities, climbing wall, "studios" for group fitness and dance classes, ping pong, billiards tables, darts, Wii and/or X-Box Kinect areas, a foosball table, flat screen TVs, gathering areas, collaboration areas, study areas, snack/juice bar, possibly a racquetball/wallyball court or two, and perhaps even a large whirlpool. More basketball courts - even if outside or in a different area, might also be worthwhile, and eventually, a turf field for student use might make sense.

Considering all the woods along the north and eastern borders, blazing a nice hiking trail or two through the woods might make sense as well.

Rec facilities are one of the few competitive disadvantages that RMU still faces as it competes for enrollment and to enhance the caliber of students it attracts. If RMU wants to grow enrollment, its reputation, and long-term alumni support, competitive recreation facilities would be a strategic way to do so.

 

[AutoB4]

Tomorrow, Northern Kentucky University opens its new campus rec center - a brand new $43 million 169,000 square foot complex with 677 windows and 3 swimming pools. NKU is helping cover costs and build commitment by opening up memberships to alumni, family members, local businesses, and members of the local community.

The publicity it is receiving reminds me of the one big draw for students that RMU does not yet offer - highly appealing recreation facilities.

The new arena should create opportunities for much-improved rec facilities in and around the Sewell Center. I'm not advocating another project costing tens of millions of dollars any time soon, but improved student rec facilities should probably be next on the list of upgrades.

One could argue that such things add little to the quality of education received, but they can add substantially to the college experience for resident students and make an immense difference in how a university is perceived by potential students during college visits, as well as other visitors. Peer schools like University of Dayton, Butler University, and the vast majority of large public universities have recognized this and invested in outstanding recreation facilities that host many diverse sports and activities.

With the new arena, the Sewell Center will open up lots of space. The downside is that Sewell is largely devoid of natural lighting, with almost no windows other than the west plaza. I wonder how practical/expensive it would be to add windows to Sewell in strategic areas to brighten and expand its ambiance. Another option would be an addition along the east end of the complex with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Swimming pools would be an expensive addition, but modest offerings might include running tracks, weight and cardio facilities, climbing wall, "studios" for group fitness and dance classes, ping pong, billiards tables, darts, Wii and/or X-Box Kinect areas, a foosball table, flat screen TVs, gathering areas, collaboration areas, study areas, snack/juice bar, possibly a racquetball/wallyball court or two, and perhaps even a large whirlpool. More basketball courts - even if outside or in a different area, might also be worthwhile, and eventually, a turf field for student use might make sense.

Considering all the woods along the north and eastern borders, blazing a nice hiking trail or two through the woods might make sense as well.

Rec facilities are one of the few competitive disadvantages that RMU still faces as it competes for enrollment and to enhance the caliber of students it attracts. If RMU wants to grow enrollment, its reputation, and long-term alumni support, competitive recreation facilities would be a strategic way to do so.

 

[ColonialCrazy]

As a recent grad, I could not agree more. A needed upgrade.