Gator Country

BLING · 11-30-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthCaptivaGator

Just put the cameras or the rowdies on the other side, then the place is fine like it is

It's really not. It's definitely time for this, though I thought the recent superficial changes - scoreboards, courtside LCD display boards, new seats/railings, I thought that was all intended to delay the inevitable for about 5 years (even if the new railings look like @&$).

Still, now that both USF and UCF have better arenas than ours, I think it's time for this renovation LOL.

anstro76 · 11-30-2012, 11:00 PM

naming rights has a scary sound to it. i would hate to see five star arena

GreenGatorGuy6218 · 11-30-2012, 11:05 PM

Looks good. Maybe the seats are a bit far from the action it seems. Naming rights always has me worried. I'd to for the Gators to play in the KFC Dome or Red Lobster Arena. Tacky.

Go2gtr · 12-01-2012, 08:56 AM

This isn't going to the highest corporate bidder. They aren't going to name it after some crap mass market restaurant brand. They are looking for an extremely deep pocket alum.

Row6 · 12-01-2012, 09:07 AM

We need this like an extra ... never mind. Yeah, so excited to pay more for tickets so the empty seats will look good on TV. There's nothing wrong with the O'Dome now that a make over is going to fix or that sell out crowds wouldn't. I'm especially ticked over the chair backs at courtside. Has to be less seats and those in them can nod off if they want. Hey, stay home and watch on TV. I say this as someone who sits in those bleachers, has for over 20 years, and I consider myself lucky. Part of the reason the O'Dome has it's reputation as a tough place to visit is how many people sit that close to the court and the visiting bench. Being in a bad mood from the guy behind you sticking his knees in your back only adds to the Rowdieness and makes you more likely to relish a chance to stand up and yell.

Keep it like it is and spend the money some where else.

austingtr · 12-01-2012, 09:21 AM

I think they might want to name the court Billy Donovan. I hope anyway, it would be the right thing to do.

Row6 · 12-01-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austingtr

I think they might want to name the court Billy Donovan. I hope anyway, it would be the right thing to do.

Except that I usually think the person should be dead - or at least retired - before having something named after them, I agree. But money talks.

demosthenes · 12-01-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Row6

Except that I usually think the person should be dead - or at least retired - before having something named after them, I agree. But money talks.

There's nothing wrong with honoring him while still coaching. It's a testament to what he has accomplished. He's by far the greatest coach we've had and one of the best in CBB history. His 17 years or whatever it has been have moved this school into the realm of the basketball elite. Besides, it's not unheard of to name a playing field/court after a coach still coaching.

GatorSieg · 12-01-2012, 09:53 AM

From the concept photos it does look like the bleacher seats would be moved back from courtside, allowing for court side folding chairs along the side ala a NBA arena.

Also, the seating capacity looks like more seats moved into the 2nd level but closer to the 1st level/2nd level split. Like most arenas with fixed seating, this looks like there are 'diagonal' sections in the 4 corners of the building.

The current O'Dome, the seats are retractable in the 2nd level for the indoor track/bridal show/career day, etc. This means lots of wide open space when seats extended for games and they stick first aid, etc. in there. Also the corner entrances will be much-reduced in size it looks like, with multiple section-specific entrances along the sides like (again) in most modern NBA/NHL arenas.

This should expand seating capacity which is a good thing - for those who don't know, the O'Dome is where commencement is held not just for UF which seats a ton, but also HS commencement for the schools in Alachua County, and high schools for the surrounding rural counties that don't have on-campus facilities big enough for graduation ceremonies (i.e. Levy, etc.).

The only downside is that when Orlando built the new Center, it beefed up the touring musician/show schedule instead of most everything going to Tampa simply because of better facilities. I don't think Gainesville will be getting better touring acts out of the modernized arena...the last name to play the Dome was Passion Pit.

**jjenkins5** · 12-01-2012, 10:03 AM

It's not just chairbacks and a hot dog stand. The renovation includes gutting the inside and redoing all the gate/concession areas. It also includes totally reconfiguring the Gate1 entry to give it a proper "front door". The total number of seats, I think, is reduced to about 10,000. Also, it creates some club seating and a Gator Deck (think Touchdown Terrace equivalent) for a more luxurious game experience that they obviously believe some people want and would pay for. Obviously, the locker rooms, offices and other things most of us never see in the basement of the building get overhauled, too. Anyone who thinks $50 million would be enough to start from scratch is simply uninformed about construction costs. A new building would be no less than $150 million - and it wouldn't surprise me to find out that number is way low. I for one am glad to see UF attempt to get this done. In fact, I think there is a case to be made that public money from the City could be sought as a contributing funding source, as the O'Dome serves as a venue for a ton of City events: home and garden show, concerts etc... This is a UF facility that benefits the entire town.

ufgator4ever · 12-01-2012, 11:17 AM

Lipstick on a pig. But naming rights sounds great; I'm all for selling out.

GatorPlanet · 12-01-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Row6

Except that I usually think the person should be dead - or at least retired - before having something named after them, I agree. But money talks.

Exactly. Not that I expect any skeletons to tumble out of Billy's closet, but you should always, always wait until someone is deceased before you name something after them. What if USCw had renamed a street to honor Heisman winner O.J. Simpson?

demosthenes · 12-01-2012, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorPlanet

Exactly. Not that I expect any skeletons to tumble out of Billy's closet, but you should always, always wait until someone is deceased before you name something after them. What if USCw had renamed a street to honor Heisman winner O.J. Simpson?

Umm, you change it. Big whoop.

Go2gtr · 12-01-2012, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorPlanet

Exactly. Not that I expect any skeletons to tumble out of Billy's closet, but you should always, always wait until someone is deceased before you name something after them. What if USCw had renamed a street to honor Heisman winner O.J. Simpson?

Coach K Court.

Go2gtr · 12-01-2012, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ufgator4ever

Lipstick on a pig. But naming rights sounds great; I'm all for selling out.

Like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?

Think the tax payers want to pay for it?

Universities name facilities after significant donors ALL THE TIME.

Row6 · 12-01-2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go2gtr

Like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?

Think the tax payers want to pay for it?

Universities name facilities after significant donors ALL THE TIME.

They didn't use to, with some exceptions. This is a relatively modern trend. In the past things were more often named after people with accomplishments. Now, it's an "eat at joe's stadium" world.

gatorbogey · 12-01-2012, 01:28 PM

like the idea of improving the o'dome for sure. taking out the indoor track will go a long way. i think this move opens the door for an indoor track facility that can be used as an indoor practice facility for other sports too....eh? where to put it though?

not sure i like the 'panelling' at the concessions?! i'd make it like the 'hardwood floor' / court, if you're going to do that....hoops theme...

club suites...not sure i like it. but even the jayhawks have added it to their historic venue. sign of the times.

front entrance does need a major facelift. i'd add a hoops museum too to the 'front door' experience. hope their planning that. rename the court after Donovan. seems like a no-brainer.

tilly · 12-01-2012, 02:43 PM

Whoever said you could build from scratch for 50mil is waaay off base.
My guess is you start at $200m and go upward. For reference...Louisville's new digs cost $252 million.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tablet using Gator Country

GreenGatorGuy6218 · 12-01-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorPlanet

Exactly. Not that I expect any skeletons to tumble out of Billy's closet, but you should always, always wait until someone is deceased before you name something after them. What if USCw had renamed a street to honor Heisman winner O.J. Simpson?

I agree and good point. But seeing how we have statues of three living guys outside the football stadium, they might name the court Donovan Court, put Billy's pic on the center of the floor and line of 04 statues outside. You never know.

gogators73 · 12-03-2012, 01:58 PM

There is no way that they will move an entire season away from the O'Dome for the renovation IMO. We aren't in Tampa like how USF moved their games to the Forum. We don't have that option. They will have to just start as soon as we play our last home game and finish it up before the season.