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Post by justafan on Jun 26, 2012 14:18:06 GMT -6
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Post by Hack on Jun 26, 2012 14:21:04 GMT -6
Welcome to the board. Nice first post.
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Post by Hack on Jun 26, 2012 14:25:59 GMT -6
In the meantime, I'm so torn on this.
I know the albatross the Cell bill must be for the department and how it's important to get the student body engaged ...
But damn, there are high school gyms in the metro Milwaukee area that are better than Klotsche. And it also feels like a huge step backward, 9 years backward.
I'll wait and see what "upgrades" are made.
Shall we start listing them?
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Post by FTA1982 on Jun 26, 2012 14:33:12 GMT -6
Unfortuantely, I can say there will be 4-6 less season ticket holders from my group because of this.
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Post by repoman on Jun 26, 2012 14:34:30 GMT -6
I prefer the Cell because it is more conveinent for me, close to more bars, and I loved my seats. However this program cannot continue to play at a 1/8 full arena. Yes its a step backwards but the program itself has taken a step backwards. Nobody expects them to make the tourney in any given year. Under Pearl you expected it every year.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2012 14:34:39 GMT -6
Yeah, I'm kinda torn on this as well. On one hand its so going to be so much easier for bringing extra merchandise over for games to sell. On the other, I'm going to be stuck in one of the corners during games with a crappy view of the game (no walkway TVs like at the Cell) and no storage room for our bookstore merchandise right now. I would prefer not to have to bring stuff back and forth every game. Really limits how much items we can sell especially after how successful last season was for our merchandise booth.
I totally understand everyone who won't be renewing tickets though...
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kcwhite
Redshirt
Relocated to Texas, still try to keep up with the black and gold.
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Post by kcwhite on Jun 26, 2012 14:34:54 GMT -6
I have always supported this idea. While the cell is obviously a better place to play, the students are what this team needs, and hopefully this will foster more involvement on that end.
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Post by 96brew on Jun 26, 2012 14:37:35 GMT -6
Very sad.
I get it and hope it works to getting a new place, but that gym is small time. I won't be renewing, but maybe go to one or two games a year now.
Loved the Cell.
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Post by PantherLou on Jun 26, 2012 14:44:00 GMT -6
My gut feeling is that this is a necessary evil.
Yes, it will suck for the immediate future, but I think that this is the only way that an on-campus arena becomes a reality. And ultimately, that is what we need more than anything.
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Post by PantherLou on Jun 26, 2012 14:46:01 GMT -6
FAQ's sent as part of the press release:
Why Make This Move Now?
With the expiration of UWM’s current contract with the U.S. Cellular Arena, it made sense to transition back to campus. This is a chance to enhance the on-campus student experience and campus life while creating a tremendous homecourt atmosphere. The move also makes fiscal sense, allowing the money currently spent renting the U.S. Cellular Arena to be saved or re-invested in athletic facilities UWM owns – like the Klotsche Center.
When will the move take effect?
The Panther men’s basketball team will begin playing its home games at the Klotsche Center immediately.
What will the capacity of the Klotsche Center be?
When configured for men’s basketball, the Klotsche Center will likely seat somewhere between 3,200 and 3,400 fans. The exact number will be determined based on a variety of factors, including courtside seating, seats taken for television platforms and extra media seating, as well as other overflow areas for band, cheer, dance, etc.
What will the ticket situation be? Will there be reserved seats and other plans similar to what has been offered in past years?
A full ticket pricing structure will be released shortly but reserved seating will be available, including courtside seating similar to what has been available downtown in past seasons. Plus, by playing at the Klotsche Center, tickets will no longer be subject to a U.S. Cellular Arena ticket fee. This will allow Milwaukee Athletics to continue to offer affordable, family-friendly pricing on all tickets.
What are the financial implications of this move?
The move back to campus eliminates the cost of renting an off-site building and results in a net improvement on the bottom line. It also allows for resources to be used to improve facilities owned by the University and invest in the future on-campus.
Will there be enough parking available on campus for men’s basketball games?
A recent study concluded UWM now has over 1,700 parking spots available for fans attending events at the Klotsche Center on Monday-Thursday nights, even when accounting for all students attending night classes or other events. The parking situation for events at the Klotsche Center has been specifically aided by the presence of approximately 1,400 spots added since 2003, including a 618-space parking garage adjacent to Klotsche and the Pavilion. This volume of parking spaces ensures all fans attending games on campus will be able to park without disrupting the neighborhoods and other areas around campus. Parking rates on campus are also much more affordable than those commonly found for events downtown.
What kind of concessions will be offered to fans?
Concessions at the Klotsche Center will be controlled by UWM Dining Services. Milwaukee Athletics will be working with UWM Dining Services over the next few months to create new points of sale, examine all menus and concession choices and develop ways to make the concession experience at Panther men’s basketball games a positive one.
Doesn’t the Horizon League have a rule against teams playing in buildings the size of the Klotsche Center?
The Horizon League has granted UWM a waiver to host its games on-campus.
Will UWM play its regularly-scheduled games with Marquette and Wisconsin at the Klotsche Center?
Yes, the Panthers would plan to play all scheduled home games on-campus.
Will there be upgrades to the Klotsche Center?
A variety of options for upgrading the experience in the Klotsche Center are being considered. Further information on upgrades that will be in place for the 2012-13 season, as well as upgrades that will be installed for future seasons, will be announced as plans are finalized.
What about the discussions that have taken place about building a new arena or convocation center on campus?
The University is also launching a strategic plan that will continue the examination of options for building a convocation center/arena on-campus.
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Post by wauker on Jun 26, 2012 15:08:35 GMT -6
This might be an inconvenient move for the season ticket holders and program donors, but this is a great move for the university, the athletic department, both basketball teams, and the students.
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Post by mcdadenets50 on Jun 26, 2012 15:14:00 GMT -6
Yeah, it's not ideal but I agree that it is a necessary evil.
I hope Panther fans can fill the Klotsche for every game. Our team deserves a home court advantage.
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Post by GoPanthers33 on Jun 26, 2012 15:16:14 GMT -6
Very torn on this one.
Happy to be on campus but the Klotsche isn't the greatest of places to play.
Hopefully we can get some decent student attendance and keep it loud in there!
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Post by wauker on Jun 26, 2012 15:18:10 GMT -6
Geiger said, "Students paid fees totaling $4 million to support the athletic department and fans deserved to be able to see the team on campus." JSOnline: www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/160435095.html#!page=1&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst |
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Rawls
Junior
Everyone's Entitled To My Opinion
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Post by Rawls on Jun 26, 2012 15:21:58 GMT -6
As Lou said, it's a necessary evil. The WCD deal was just not beneficial for the Panthers. The atmosphere can be great - see last year's UIC HL tourney game - but the 'big time game' atmosphere is something the K can't replicate. Amenities like those Derick noted in addition to concessions and restrooms are sub-par.
This move gives us a gauge in general student interest in the program. If the (presumed) added student interest makes up for the (presumed) drop in general fan interest, the new arena will best be built on or very near campus. Otherwise, Park East/downtown locations should be considered more desirable.
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