Bowling Green State University Athletics
Ask The AD -- March 28, 2008
March 28, 2008 | General
March 28, 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (BGSUFalcons.com) - Bowling Green State University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Greg Christopher answers a few of the many questions that have been submitted to BGSUFalcons.com. Here is the latest installment ...
Q: The hockey team has been historically the best program that Bowling Green has had and a program that used to produce many great pro prospects, NHL All-Stars and even Olympic Gold Medalists. My question to you is, when the basic improvements have been made will you have it spent on additional improvements or give it to the recruiting budget to improve the team on the ice?
T.J. in Genoa
A: The $8M renovation of the Ice Arena will most likely happen over a two or three year period, since only the summer months are options for work time. The renovation scope is still being determined, but will focus on (1) building repairs and infrastructure, (2) fan and community amenities, and (3) team improvements.
Regarding the team's recruiting budget, it does need to increase and we'll focus on that separately. Better attendance at games,an increase in support through the Falcon Club and a jump in corporate partner support are all ways we can improve our department budget.
Q: First, congratulations on the Stroh family donation. It is terrific and great for the University and Athletic program. I also really love the initial artist rendering of the Stroh Center. My first question is whether accomodations will be made in at least part of the seating for students to be as close to the action as they are at Anderson Arena? I hope you and the powers that be will ensure at least a section or two of bleacher seating that extends down to the court.
Joel in Raleigh, NC
A: Our top priority with the Stroh Center is to create a great homecourt advantage for our teams. Much of our conversation with the architects has focused on this, including an intimate seating bowl, the overall capacity, roof structure and type of seating. While things are far from final, we anticipate the student and pep band sections to be a set of bleachers, which is more conducive for standing. And yes, we'll have the students and band close to the action and at court level. Historically, we have averaged about 800 students per men's game at BGSU.
