Where to put the Arena?

[PantherU]

Debating the Columbia and Klotsche possibilities for a basketball arena:

Land Grab: Arena on CSM or KC?

[uwmfutbol]

You have some pretty good ideas. It makes zero sense to have both the KC and a new arena.

[PantherU]

At least, if the KC were expanded west and south, we could house the arena as well as committed practice facilities

[Rawls]

Good points, BPM. You may have swayed my opinion.

[panthersteve]

Jimmy. you go my vote. Makes all the sense in the world. Steve

[BBFran]

Let's all hope that the question quickly comes down to "where on campus should we build the arena?" Personally, I prefer the CSM site (or part of it, actually) for a couple reasons, but whether it's there or on the Klotsche site, just do it!

[DunneDeal]

Either or IMO. The KC space would be nice because you can just expand and renovate. But a whole new building in a more prominent area would be amazing.

I do have to say either place they decide to do this, the neighborhood associations will be there saying NO

[Super King]

It won't be CSM. The sheer size and built-in office space is way too valuable.

And Duerstein can go f**k himself. I'm sure the university can work out an agreement where a certain portion of that massive facility is used for academic purposes, especially once they realize that filling the entire building otherwise is for all intents and purposes impossible.

Centralized registration, enrollment, and payment services are particularly alluring, plus potential dorm and lab space. I really don't foresee a development plan that leaves the school of health out in the cold.

But one way or another, thank god for that parking garage.

[Pounce Needs Pals]

Can we use the same chant the Brewers used to build Miller Park, BUILD IT NOW, BUILD IT NOW!!

[repoman]

I agree that the KC site is the better option. Also, there is far more renter occupied housing in that area than the areas around Columbia so neighborhood opposition might not be as strong (though it will be there)

[uwmplanner]

Thinking of the arena did the $25 student fees kick in this semester? I am a huge fan building an arena and finally giving the basketball programs a real home on campus, nothing against the KC but it is more fitting for a D3 school rather a D1 school. I think the facility upgrade will make our programs more competitive and it will make us more money.

I tried to google the new arena efforts and see if their is a website where they are taking private donations and have info about the proposed arena but I can't find one. Is their one? I would gladly chip in a couple dollars and I am sure their are others out their who would as well.

[uwmfutbol]

Slightly off topic: they're finally getting rid of that day care for sure?

[raar]

I think I speak for the majority of the alum (people who pay to go to games) when I say keep the games downtown. How about in the Park East?

I am already dreading going to the games on campus because there is nothing to do before or after the game and no beer at the game. Being able to make a "night out" out of game days is part of the reason I get tickets. Without that I am not sure I would buy season tickets anymore.

[PantherLou]

Sept 23, 2010 9:11:47 GMT -6 raar said:

I think I speak for the majority of the alum (people who pay to go to games) when I say keep the games downtown.

You don't speak for me, that's for sure. And I don't think you speak for the majority in the least.

Every donor who I have spoken to is is favor of having an on campus arena. Yes, some have concerns about the parking situation, but believe that this is not an obstacle that cannot be overcome.

[uwmplanner]

I get what your saying and the lack of night life near campus will be a factor. But as an alum I go to watch the game and not party it up, sure I will have a Beer or 2 before the game but that is not why I go to the games.

If your going to keep it downtown you might as well not even build an arena then and just continue to Lease the Cell.