Bowling Green State University Athletics
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The BGSU Ice Arena And Convocation Center
How will these projects be funded? The $8 million Ice Arena renovation and the $36 million convocation center facility will be funded through a combination of debt service and private gift support. The private goals for the Ice Arena and convocation center are $4 million and $14 million respectively.
When will work begin on the Ice Arena and convocation center? Ice Arena... Programming is being confirmed internally and the university will select an architect in the first quarter of 2008. Given the timing for A&E work, plus the fact that summer is the only down time for the ice arena, it's realistic that improvements for the Ice Arena will begin in the summer of 2009.
Convocation Center... Much like the Ice Arena, an architect will be announced in the coming weeks. Because of the large scope for the project, construction will likely begin in 2010 with completion in 2012.
We heard that a multi-purpose facility that supported both hockey and basketball was considered. Why isn't that the direction BGSU is headed? One facility that met all needs - Athletics, Rec-Sports and the community - would cost more than $90 million. Given other capital priorities on campus (and thus use of debt), coupled with the results of the fundraising feasibility study, that project cost is more than BGSU can afford. Another option was a conversion arena that would support basketball and volleyball, along with hockey competing in the new facility but practicing in the Ice Arena. After much consideration, it was decided that was not BGSU's best option. The cost of operating and maintaining two ice facilities, the challenge of scheduling a conversion floor/ice facility, and an analysis of the two existing buildings (Anderson and the Ice Arena) pushed BGSU in the direction of a new convocation center and a renovation of the Ice Arena.
How will the new convocation center be run? Intercollegiate Athletics will coordinate the facility, with time available for outside events (concerts, trade shows, etc.) and high school games. The Ice Arena is currently and will continue to be managed by Rec Sports.
How many fans will the new convocation center seat? That is still being discussed and determined, but an approximate capacity of 5,000 is the working number.
Regarding the Ice Arena, what exactly will be done in the renovation? The renovation will address three separate areas: infrastructure needs, cosmetic improvements and fan/community amenities, and varsity team needs. An exact list of improvements will not be finalized until an architect is selected and has had the opportunity to complete an analysis of priorities and costs; however, an initial list of priorities does include the following:
Replace refrigeration system and all mechanical elements tied to the systemRepair roof and building insulation
Ice plant repairs
Clean-up the exterior of the facility
Landscaping
Re-pave the parking lot
Replace or improve the interior lighting
Renovate the existing locker areas
Renovate studio ice space into new locker rooms
Convert the curling ice into a multi-purpose facility for skating and curling
Address any ADA access shortcomings
Seating improvements, including some sort of premium seating
Paint the ceiling
New scoreboard(s)/video board
New sound system
Update varsity team areas
Hospitality lounge
Lobby/Main concourse
Concession areas
Media/Press area
Area that celebrates the history and tradition of the BGSU hockey program
What will the convocation center house?
The Convocation Center will serve as home to the women's volleyball, and men's and women's basketball programs. Depending on funds and A&E design, it is our hope to include a practice court for these teams. The building will also include the following:
Locker rooms and meeting rooms for each of the three teamsOffice suite that houses all three programs and coaching staffs
BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame
Merchandise store
Athletic ticket office
Media/Press area
Hospitality lounge
What will happen to Anderson Arena?
Gymnastics and Student-Athlete Support Services will move to Anderson Arena.
For information on the overall athletics facility master plan, please visit the athletics website www.bgsufalcons.com and click on the picture/link "Athletics Facility Master Plan: A Blueprint for Our Future"