New Illini Ice Arena?

[BananaShampoo]

I just got an e-mail asking me to take survey regarding my usage and preferences for a new ice arena on campus. I think they are looking at possibly locating it near the I-Hotel near AH.

You can take the survey here: https://illinois.edu/sb/sec/2150776

Personally, while I understand the current arena is older and that parking can be difficult to find at times, I really like the big ice surface, the seating high above the ice level, and the location within easy walking distance of campus to enjoy a meal before or afterwards or to enjoy a night out after an Illini hockey game. I prefer they keep it as it is and renovate. Just curious what others thoughts are on it if they use the ice arena.

[DrewD007]

I'd like to see it as part of an Olympic Sports complex to replace Huff and get hockey to D1 status.

[ilphotog]

They definitely need a new arena off campus even if they keep and redo the Ice Arena. The Ice Arena at times runs 24-7.

[BananaShampoo]

Originally Posted by ilphotog

They definitely need a new arena off campus even if they keep and redo the Ice Arena. The Ice Arena at times runs 24-7.

That's fine. I just wouldn't want to see the old one go away. I hope that is not what they are planning.

[illinicb]

Originally Posted by DrewD007

...and get hockey to D1 status.

As discussed in an earlier thread, that would be a huge financial commitment and very likely without anything close to enough revenue to offset it.

As for a facility itself, there may be enough demand and revenue to support a facility, but not if it was built as an "arena".

As for the current ice rink, I haven't seen it in years, but I wonder what the maintenance costs are for a facility that old. Perhaps it has been updated over the years.

[Shief]

I would have gone to hockey games more if they were playing the likes of Ohio St, Michigan, Mich St, ... in competitive hockey. The B1G is starting a hockey conference, might be time to upgrade the team. I would push for the arena to have additional smaller rinks so that free skates, ice skating/figure skating lessons, and hockey practices can all happen at about the same time. Could Huff be adjusted have hockey games and the existing arena just be rebuilt to have several small rinks? Just a few money saving ideas.

[ilphotog]

Originally Posted by Shief

I would have gone to hockey games more if they were playing the likes of Ohio St, Michigan, Mich St, ... in competitive hockey. The B1G is starting a hockey conference, might be time to upgrade the team. I would push for the arena to have additional smaller rinks so that free skates, ice skating/figure skating lessons, and hockey practices can all happen at about the same time. Could Huff be adjusted have hockey games and the existing arena just be rebuilt to have several small rinks? Just a few money saving ideas.

No. To me there is a big need for another ice rink off campus, I shoot several youth hockey games every year at the Ice Arena and parking is always a nightmare. Some tournaments can bring in 6-8 teams and people are always scrambling to find parking. Also its hard to get open ice time, thats why so many groups have things at 2-3am etc because everything is booked.
Another off campus rink could be used for all the youth teams and more public skates, and the Ice Arena could better schedule events for UI student groups.

[doho19]

First off... Div I or not, C-U needs a 2nd sheet of ice bad as some have pointed out there isnt' enough time to go around.

Second, this is the first step potential step in making the move to Div. I hockey...

With the addition of PSU, hockey is a huge priority at the Big Ten office. The potential TV revenue is huge for the network, and they are starting to lean on everyone that does not have hockey to begin to fall in line and add teams.

PSU was able to start their program after years of looking for money and donors and they finally got what they needed. The Big Ten is even going as far as helping schools that don't have hockey to find the donors and or solutions to get the money to get the programs started. They want as many schools to have a team.

For years the prime targets were PSU and Illinois due to the success and popularity of the current teams on campus, so Illinois would be next.

Also look at Indiana, where the club team is very popular, and Nebraska, where UNO already has a team, and there is a strong presence of hockey in the state with several Tier I Junior teams in the USHL drawing over 5,000 per game.

I don't know how quick it will happen, but they are goign to start looking into it for sure, and maybe in five years maybe less depending on money, Illinois will have Big Ten hockey.

[illinicb]

Originally Posted by doho19

I don't know how quick it will happen, but they are goign to start looking into it for sure, and maybe in five years maybe less depending on money, Illinois will have Big Ten hockey.

Trying to raise enough money to start and sustain a hockey team (and another women's sport) and a facility while trying to raise funds to renovate the AH, finish MS and start some of the other facilities work will be an incredible task.

There will have to be significant revenue streams from the BTN, because it would likely take awhile for men's hockey to be self supporting. Even if they don't add women's ice hockey, they would have to add another women's sport to stay in compliance and that would likely not be a money maker either. Perhaps lacrosse or field hockey would be less expensive to operate?

My son doesn't play hockey (thankfully in my case), but hockey is huge in our area and there are numerous rinks and there are still availability issues. If the UI added men's hockey, I don't know how much ice time that would give the community unless they had a separate practice facility, but I assume that would be cost prohibitive as well. Maybe a multi purpose arena for hockey games and "Olympic" sports and another facility for practices?

[ijustkrushalot]

I would love Illinois to have a hockey team, absolutely love it... but I really have a hard time thinking its even possible... especially when the Campus Rec is the one just asking people their usage habits.

Penn State has a team because some dude is giving them like $80 million... there is no way the Nitany Lions would be building a program otherwise, and they have 100,000+ subscribers to teh football program

[doho19]

Originally Posted by illinicb

Trying to raise enough money to start and sustain a hockey team (and another women's sport) and a facility while trying to raise funds to renovate the AH, finish MS and start some of the other facilities work will be an incredible task.

There will have to be significant revenue streams from the BTN, because it would likely take awhile for men's hockey to be self supporting. Even if they don't add women's ice hockey, they would have to add another women's sport to stay in compliance and that would likely not be a money maker either. Perhaps lacrosse or field hockey would be less expensive to operate?

My son doesn't play hockey (thankfully in my case), but hockey is huge in our area and there are numerous rinks and there are still availability issues. If the UI added men's hockey, I don't know how much ice time that would give the community unless they had a separate practice facility, but I assume that would be cost prohibitive as well. Maybe a multi purpose arena for hockey games and "Olympic" sports and another facility for practices?

Exactly... that is why I think putting out this survey means that those in charge in DIA or university admin see the writing on the wall and are saying "we are going to have to add hockey in the next 5-10 years so lets start getting some ideas"

There are a few way current DI facilities run...

Most are 3-6,000 seats and are really just like the current rink on campus... open to students, public session, youth hockey, figure skating etc... if the team isn't using it, its available.

The teams such as Wisconsin, OSU who play where they play basketball, the ice is not always in so they practice at the local community rinks when the ice is not set...

PSU's plan is to build a 6-8,000 seat main rink, and a 2nd sheet with about 2-3,000 seats that will be the practice rink, and the women's game arena.

There are a few ways I could see this going in CU...

1. least likely is you build a hockey only building like I said PSU is doing. But now you have 2 sheets of ice available to the students/public/youth hockey/etc when the teams are not practicing or playing.

2. Like Illinicb said, I would build a multi-use 6-8,000 seat facility, for hockey, and all the Huff sports, and I personally would go as far to put women's bball there too. Huff can be used in times of schedule conflicts, and or practice. and I would still have the 2nd sheet of ice for practice/women's hockey. And I would make the main arena ice available at times when a floor is not put over it.

ADD ON FOR #2: as this survey might be doing, I would assess the need, and I would also look into this whole thing being a joint venture with the C-U community, and look into some funds for the building come from them, and have a 3rd sheet of ice. Likely the main rink would rarely be available since it is not hockey only. The university and community would have the 2 full time sheets they need, and DIA would get its multi use olympic sport facility.

And there would be plenty of revenue generating opportunities for the facitily and in tourism dollars between all the university and community events. NCAA tournaments, Big Ten tournaments, youth hockey tournaments, speed skating meet, figure skating. A facility like this with 2-3 sheets would be a prime candidate to host a USA Hockey National Championship at various levels, USA hockey select camps and festivals, national team tryouts, not to mention the student use, and likely there still would be club teams that would use the rink

DIA has been accused on this board and everywhere of being small time and thinking small time, and for once with this survey, I think that they are thinking big for a change. Granted its just a survey, but I think with PSU adding hockey and the Big Ten starting the conference up, it no secert what they are gathering info for. If they really were just looking to replace the Ice Arena, trust me, after spending many years there it is long overdue, they would have done it a long time ago.

[KL1517]

Originally Posted by illinicb

Trying to raise enough money to start and sustain a hockey team (and another women's sport) and a facility while trying to raise funds to renovate the AH, finish MS and start some of the other facilities work will be an incredible task.

There will have to be significant revenue streams from the BTN, because it would likely take awhile for men's hockey to be self supporting. Even if they don't add women's ice hockey, they would have to add another women's sport to stay in compliance and that would likely not be a money maker either. Perhaps lacrosse or field hockey would be less expensive to operate?

My son doesn't play hockey (thankfully in my case), but hockey is huge in our area and there are numerous rinks and there are still availability issues. If the UI added men's hockey, I don't know how much ice time that would give the community unless they had a separate practice facility, but I assume that would be cost prohibitive as well. Maybe a multi purpose arena for hockey games and "Olympic" sports and another facility for practices?

The DIA has been talking about a new Olympic sports practice facility for years. They've tried to tell coaches and the recruits each of those coaches pursue every year that a new facility is in the works, but after all this time, it's not even close to a reality. I don't know what the final impetus will need to be to actually get something accomplished. Maybe the need for hockey will push it over the top, but I'd expect there needs to be a change at the top of the AD in order for things to get done. Someone who realizes the need to spend money in order to make money and have successful sports across the board.

[illinicb]

Originally Posted by KL1517

I don't know what the final impetus will need to be to actually get something accomplished.

Like everything else, it's just money. Ideas are cheap. Reality is expensive.

[KL1517]

Originally Posted by illinicb

Like everything else, it's just money. Ideas are cheap. Reality is expensive.

Strange how so many top athletic departments come up with the ideas and actually follow through with them and get facilities built. But those athletic departments realize that need to keep up with the Joneses if you want to be successful.

[BananaShampoo]

Originally Posted by doho19

First off... Div I or not, C-U needs a 2nd sheet of ice bad as some have pointed out there isnt' enough time to go around.

Second, this is the first step potential step in making the move to Div. I hockey...

For years the prime targets were PSU and Illinois due to the success and popularity of the current teams on campus, so Illinois would be next.

Also look at Indiana, where the club team is very popular, and Nebraska, where UNO already has a team, and there is a strong presence of hockey in the state with several Tier I Junior teams in the USHL drawing over 5,000 per game.

I don't know how quick it will happen, but they are goign to start looking into it for sure, and maybe in five years maybe less depending on money, Illinois will have Big Ten hockey.

As question number 5 on the survey is:

5. If the current Ice Arena were to close and a new Ice Arena were to be built at the south end of campus (near the I Hotel), how would that change your usage?

It looks like the intent would NOT be to have two sheets of ice, but still just one. I don't see how that alleviates the current problems other than solving the parking issues and just having a more modern facility. As I stated before, though, I would support a new arena only if they keep the existing one in place so that other groups could use it or it could be used for open skates - UNLESS, the new arena meant that Illinois hockey could become a Big Ten varsity sport.

[ilphotog]

And many of those schools Athletic departments are deeply in debt.

[Shief]

I think if there was to be a 2-3 rink location by the I-Hotel it would be both helpful and profitable. A main rink/Olympic sports arena with 4-6k seats (make it expandable) for hockey games/Olympic sports and 1 or 2 smaller dedicated rinks for free skating, lessons, youth games, and practices would be very helpful. The designer in me is starting to kick in and I already have some ideas for a layout.

[ilphotog]

Originally Posted by Shief

I think if there was to be a 2-3 rink location by the I-Hotel it would be both helpful and profitable. A main rink/Olympic sports arena with 4-6k seats (make it expandable) for hockey games/Olympic sports and 1 or 2 smaller dedicated rinks for free skating, lessons, youth games, and practices would be very helpful. The designer in me is starting to kick in and I already have some ideas for a layout.

Make it happen!

[BananaShampoo]

Originally Posted by Shief

I think if there was to be a 2-3 rink location by the I-Hotel it would be both helpful and profitable. A main rink/Olympic sports arena with 4-6k seats (make it expandable) for hockey games/Olympic sports and 1 or 2 smaller dedicated rinks for free skating, lessons, youth games, and practices would be very helpful. The designer in me is starting to kick in and I already have some ideas for a layout.

If you could work up some 3D models in Sketchup and perhaps a physical scale model to share with us that would be great. Just charge your time to Dan's account. Thanks.

[doho19]

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

As question number 5 on the survey is:

It looks like the intent would NOT be to have two sheets of ice, but still just one. I don't see how that alleviates the current problems other than solving the parking issues and just having a more modern facility. As I stated before, though, I would support a new arena only if they keep the existing one in place so that other groups could use it or it could be used for open skates - UNLESS, the new arena meant that Illinois hockey could become a Big Ten varsity sport.

No one in their right mind looking to build a new ice arena these days would only have one sheet of ice, it does not solve the issue of access, and my guess is that it would not be cost effective.

The question just said that the old rink would close and a new ice arena would be built it didn't say how many sheets there would be.

[carmelillini]

I hope they keep the old one as well. Lots of memories of watching games in the mid 70s. The Old Style induced crowd chants of "TORA! TORA! TORKAR!" are as real as today as the flashy Illini center, Bobby Torkar, made a rush down the ice with his waist length mane flying behind him. Good times.

[KL1517]

Originally Posted by ilphotog

And many of those schools Athletic departments are deeply in debt.

Which ones, specifically? If you believe the best policy is to try and balance the books by spending very little - and subsequently bringing in near the lowest amounts of revenue and creating apathetic fans, boosters, coaches and prospective recruits - then don't count on having good sports programs.

[Shief]

give me until the end of the weekend and maybe ill have something modeled.

[ilphotog]

Originally Posted by KL1517

Which ones, specifically? If you believe the best policy is to try and balance the books by spending very little - and subsequently bringing in near the lowest amounts of revenue and creating apathetic fans, boosters, coaches and prospective recruits - then don't count on having good sports programs.

Not our's, a person I was speaking with the other day mentioned how much in debt Michigan and Ohio State where because of building projects, that they have borrowed alot of money to build and upgrade their facilities. It's not that they cannot make the monthly payments it's just they have a lot of debt hanging over their head.

[KL1517]

Originally Posted by ilphotog

Not our's, a person I was speaking with the other day mentioned how much in debt Michigan and Ohio State where because of building projects, that they have borrowed alot of money to build and upgrade their facilities. It's not that they cannot make the monthly payments it's just they have a lot of debt hanging over their head.

Most universities simultaneously fund raise and build when they want to either revamp and existing facility or build a brand new one. Illinois preferring to raise all or nearly all of the funds ahead of time means that it takes forever to get something done, and it's very easy to fall far behind the "arms race" of facilities with that method. It's also easier to create excitement for sports (and hence, increase the ability to get more donations) when boosters can see projects under construction and the master plans for building facilities.