ISU a step closer to new arena

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/isu-athletics-one-donor-confirmed-to-aid-planned-basketball-arena/article_8b038931-2a70-53ce-90bb-185a6d7af798.html

Plan is for a 4,000 seat, 20-25 million dollar, venue.

 

[WILDCAT]

Awesome for them, 4,000 isn't much, but It's much better than their current setup

 

[oldrunner]

Awesome for them, 4,000 isn't much, but It's much better than their current setup

Yes, it would be an improvement over what they have. The thing I don't get is why they are thinking so small. It seems to me like they are only thinking about basketball as it exists now at ISU. They are not thinking toward a better future, or other community uses for a facility like that. I can see them kicking themselves in the future for being so short sighted now.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Awesome for them, 4,000 isn't much, but It's much better than their current setup

Yes, it would be an improvement over what they have. The thing I don't get is why they are thinking so small. It seems to me like they are only thinking about basketball as it exists now at ISU. They are not thinking toward a better future, or other community uses for a facility like that. I can see them kicking themselves in the future for being so short sighted now.

They are trying to pay for all of it with donor money. Voters overwhelmingly voted against using tax money to pay for it. So, they are being realistic with what they plan to build. For a college like ISU, 4,000 seats is plenty. The important thing is that they are trying to upgrade. Almost anything would be an upgrade from what they currently have.

 

[oldrunner]

The voters did not vote against this new construction. They voted against renovating the Holt Arena. I suspect that, if this thing gets some legs, the voters would vote for a multiple use community center. Keep in mind that this will be a privately owned facility under the current plan. So, instead of community events happening in the off season, you will be at the mercy of the title holder to make it available for rent. I just see a lot of potential conflicts in the future if it is not partially publicly funded and owned by ISU.

 

[SWeberCat02]

The voters did not vote against this new construction. They voted against renovating the Holt Arena. I suspect that, if this thing gets some legs, the voters would vote for a multiple use community center. Keep in mind that this will be a privately owned facility under the current plan. So, instead of community events happening in the off season, you will be at the mercy of the title holder to make it available for rent. I just see a lot of potential conflicts in the future if it is not partially publicly funded and owned by ISU.

You're right on the vote. But I think they saw the voter's sentiment loud and clear and know that they would never vote for a new arena either. That's why they're trying to do it with private money. And donating money to build a campus building doesn't give you ownership of that building. It's a donation, not a purchase. The building would still be owned and operated by ISU.

 

[oldrunner]

The voters did not vote against this new construction. They voted against renovating the Holt Arena. I suspect that, if this thing gets some legs, the voters would vote for a multiple use community center. Keep in mind that this will be a privately owned facility under the current plan. So, instead of community events happening in the off season, you will be at the mercy of the title holder to make it available for rent. I just see a lot of potential conflicts in the future if it is not partially publicly funded and owned by ISU.

You're right on the vote. But I think they saw the voter's sentiment loud and clear and know that they would never vote for a new arena either. That's why they're trying to do it with private money. And donating money to build a campus building doesn't give you ownership of that building. It's a donation, not a purchase. The building would still be owned and operated by ISU.

Nope. You are wrong. They are offering title to the property in return for the donations to build it. It would be privately held if fully funded the way they are proposing. I think that is dangerous. :bad:

 

[Skippy]

The voters did not vote against this new construction. They voted against renovating the Holt Arena. I suspect that, if this thing gets some legs, the voters would vote for a multiple use community center. Keep in mind that this will be a privately owned facility under the current plan. So, instead of community events happening in the off season, you will be at the mercy of the title holder to make it available for rent. I just see a lot of potential conflicts in the future if it is not partially publicly funded and owned by ISU.

You're right on the vote. But I think they saw the voter's sentiment loud and clear and know that they would never vote for a new arena either. That's why they're trying to do it with private money. And donating money to build a campus building doesn't give you ownership of that building. It's a donation, not a purchase. The building would still be owned and operated by ISU.

Nope. You are wrong. They are offering title to the property in return for the donations to build it. It would be privately held if fully funded the way they are proposing. I think that is dangerous. :bad:

They are offering the naming rights to the building, Olds, not title to the building or the property. As to the seating capacity, ISU has only had one crowd over 4,000 in the last 19 years -- when they hosted BYU in 2008. They also hosted Utah and USU that year and drew less than 4,000. They hosted then 4th-ranked Wazzu and Klay Thompson several years ago on a Sunday and drew 2,500. Like most of the Big Sky, basketball attendance at ISU is consistently falling, to an average of 1800 last season. I think 4,000 will be plenty of seats. The big thing is getting unfettered practice time for both the men's and women's teams, not getting forced into Reed by the Simplot Games or the state wrestling meet, and creating a warmer and more comfortable fan experience.
As to community events, both Holt Arena and the Performing Arts Center will both still be available.

 

[oldrunner]

I'm not making this up!

I had to read it three times to actually start to believe what I was seeing.

'Tingey said he, ISU President Arthur Vailas, Vice President for University Advancement Kent Tingey and men’s head basketball coach Bill Evans, among others, have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the project by pitching the plans to potential donors. Tingey said pitches consist of the group offering naming rights to things such as seats, locker rooms, weight rooms, administrative offices and the arena’s title in exchange for financial aid.'

I couldn't believe it either. Go back and actually read the article. :yikes: :wall: :wtf:

 

[Skippy]

I'm not making this up!

I had to read it three times to actually start to believe what I was seeing.

'Tingey said he, ISU President Arthur Vailas, Vice President for University Advancement Kent Tingey and men’s head basketball coach Bill Evans, among others, have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the project by pitching the plans to potential donors. Tingey said pitches consist of the group offering naming rights to things such as seats, locker rooms, weight rooms, administrative offices and the arena’s title in exchange for financial aid.'

I couldn't believe it either. Go back and actually read the article. :yikes: :wall: :wtf:

I did Olds. They are offering the title OF the arena, not TO the arena. Remember, they have one $5 million donor. They need three or four more $5 million donors. Who are they going to give the title TO? No, they are offering naming rights for the right price. Bad choice of words by the reporter.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I'm not making this up!

I had to read it three times to actually start to believe what I was seeing.

'Tingey said he, ISU President Arthur Vailas, Vice President for University Advancement Kent Tingey and men’s head basketball coach Bill Evans, among others, have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the project by pitching the plans to potential donors. Tingey said pitches consist of the group offering naming rights to things such as seats, locker rooms, weight rooms, administrative offices and the arena’s title in exchange for financial aid.'

I couldn't believe it either. Go back and actually read the article. :yikes: :wall: :wtf:

I did Olds. They are offering the title OF the arena, not TO the arena. Remember, they have one $5 million donor. They need three or four more $5 million donors. Who are they going to give the title TO? No, they are offering naming rights for the right price. Bad choice of words by the reporter.

5M from a donor? That is rather impressive. Who is the donor? Just curious...nonetheless, good job by Jeff, Kent, and Bill. It is a step in the right direction.

However, and I don't mean to be a jerk, but what are the chances of this thing actually happening? Is there a chance that Jeff takes this donation and after three years nobody else jumps on board and then uses the money to fix up the Holt (wouldn't be a bad option either)? Getting 25M in donations for a school in the Big Sky will be extremely difficult. This is a herculaneum undertaking by Jeff and ISU. Would be great to see happen, but is there that much interest in Southeast Idaho to build an arena for a program that is lukewarm good at best? I think the Holt should be the top priority for the Bengals. Idalol has done a decent job of turning the Kibbie into a basketball arena.

On another note, how many folks does the Reed hold? It was filled for the game against Weber this past season. But, I understand, who wants to play DI basketball in a gym that is smaller than Highland Highs.

 

[n.ogdencat]

On a totally separate note, when will Weber be finalizing the North Endzone project?

Also, I really like the changes that have happened at the Dee over the past few years. Slowly but surely, the Dee has gone through some beautification projects. The entrances all look really classy, love the video ring, updated lighting, and board. Great additions...and I hear there are more on the way. Nothing major, just updates and things that keep the facility looking great. I will say, I think moving the students without consulting alumni, student leaders, and actual fans would be an unwise move, but could, in the future, be a major benefit. Athletics can't forget, that they do pay for their seats. It is just a shame that they don't use their seats. Guess that is something athletics can really work on right now. Figuring out a way to fill the all the empty seats. Our stadiums hold 11.5K and 18K, the goal should be to get them full while also making a profit. Don't give away the house, sell GA tickets above the portals and have the tickets $5. Portal $10 and anything else $20 simplify the process to using 1 bill. I know athletics likes ideas from this forum. Where do you think they got "We Are Weber" from?

 

[Skippy]

I'm not making this up!

I had to read it three times to actually start to believe what I was seeing.

'Tingey said he, ISU President Arthur Vailas, Vice President for University Advancement Kent Tingey and men’s head basketball coach Bill Evans, among others, have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the project by pitching the plans to potential donors. Tingey said pitches consist of the group offering naming rights to things such as seats, locker rooms, weight rooms, administrative offices and the arena’s title in exchange for financial aid.'

I couldn't believe it either. Go back and actually read the article. :yikes: :wall: :wtf:

I did Olds. They are offering the title OF the arena, not TO the arena. Remember, they have one $5 million donor. They need three or four more $5 million donors. Who are they going to give the title TO? No, they are offering naming rights for the right price. Bad choice of words by the reporter.

5M from a donor? That is rather impressive. Who is the donor? Just curious...nonetheless, good job by Jeff, Kent, and Bill. It is a step in the right direction.

However, and I don't mean to be a jerk, but what are the chances of this thing actually happening? Is there a chance that Jeff takes this donation and after three years nobody else jumps on board and then uses the money to fix up the Holt (wouldn't be a bad option either)? Getting 25M in donations for a school in the Big Sky will be extremely difficult. This is a herculaneum undertaking by Jeff and ISU. Would be great to see happen, but is there that much interest in Southeast Idaho to build an arena for a program that is lukewarm good at best? I think the Holt should be the top priority for the Bengals. Idalol has done a decent job of turning the Kibbie into a basketball arena.

On another note, how many folks does the Reed hold? It was filled for the game against Weber this past season. But, I understand, who wants to play DI basketball in a gym that is smaller than Highland Highs.

It's a local business. At one time I was told ISU had two such business donors lined up, but one had management issues and backed out. ISU's best chance at getting a b-ball arena was during its centennial campaign in the late 1990s, when the Stephens family donated about $20 million. Connie Bowen, the President's wife, hijacked the project however, and convinced the Stephens to contribute to the Performing Arts Center instead. I have to say the center is beautiful and I have enjoyed many concerts there, but I'd still love to have a basketball arena. Can they find another Stephens family donor? We shall see.
Reed seats about 3,000, give or take, and I much prefer watching basketball there to Holt, which is cold, dark and generally a lousy atmosphere, especially when you have only 1,800 people there. Folks get hung up on size and seating capacity -- give me energy and atmosphere any day.

 

[WILDCAT]

I'm not making this up!

I had to read it three times to actually start to believe what I was seeing.

'Tingey said he, ISU President Arthur Vailas, Vice President for University Advancement Kent Tingey and men’s head basketball coach Bill Evans, among others, have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the project by pitching the plans to potential donors. Tingey said pitches consist of the group offering naming rights to things such as seats, locker rooms, weight rooms, administrative offices and the arena’s title in exchange for financial aid.'

I couldn't believe it either. Go back and actually read the article. :yikes: :wall: :wtf:

I did Olds. They are offering the title OF the arena, not TO the arena. Remember, they have one $5 million donor. They need three or four more $5 million donors. Who are they going to give the title TO? No, they are offering naming rights for the right price. Bad choice of words by the reporter.

5M from a donor? That is rather impressive. Who is the donor? Just curious...nonetheless, good job by Jeff, Kent, and Bill. It is a step in the right direction.

However, and I don't mean to be a jerk, but what are the chances of this thing actually happening? Is there a chance that Jeff takes this donation and after three years nobody else jumps on board and then uses the money to fix up the Holt (wouldn't be a bad option either)? Getting 25M in donations for a school in the Big Sky will be extremely difficult. This is a herculaneum undertaking by Jeff and ISU. Would be great to see happen, but is there that much interest in Southeast Idaho to build an arena for a program that is lukewarm good at best? I think the Holt should be the top priority for the Bengals. Idalol has done a decent job of turning the Kibbie into a basketball arena.

On another note, how many folks does the Reed hold? It was filled for the game against Weber this past season. But, I understand, who wants to play DI basketball in a gym that is smaller than Highland Highs.

It's a local business. At one time I was told ISU had two such business donors lined up, but one had management issues and backed out. ISU's best chance at getting a b-ball arena was during its centennial campaign in the late 1990s, when the Stephens family donated about $20 million. Connie Bowen, the President's wife, hijacked the project however, and convinced the Stephens to contribute to the Performing Arts Center instead. I have to say the center is beautiful and I have enjoyed many concerts there, but I'd still love to have a basketball arena. Can they find another Stephens family donor? We shall see.
Reed seats about 3,000, give or take, and I much prefer watching basketball there to Holt, which is cold, dark and generally a lousy atmosphere, especially when you have only 1,800 people there. Folks get hung up on size and seating capacity -- give me energy and atmosphere any day.

:+1: