Facilities

[VU2014]

I always find it amusing when someone suggests others are "impatient" about facilities. I remember a number of discussions on this list about how the administration squandered the opportunity offered when Valpo made the Sweet Sixteen and received national recognition nearly two decades ago. We also had conversations on this list about excitement concerning the move to the MVC as another opportunity within a limited window to elevate and promote the program, but it also appears that is being squandered as well and complacency has already set in. Except for the banners of MVC schools replacing HL schools on the ARC wall, it seems as if nothing else has changed.

In the overall history of this program the administration has been dragging it's feet on supporting this program and has not capitalize on it's successes and pretty much just leached itself on to the Drew Family without really give them the resources to take the program to another level. Now the Drew Family is gone but they left what we hope to be a strong assistant to take over the program in Coach Lottich and Coach Gore has always been a great stalwart of the program and they've built a strong basketball brand/reputation/program, but there is a LOT to be desire from this administration in terms of support.

But in terms of the "what have you done for me lately" category they've made some moves. The Conference switch was huge for this program but I give most of that credit to the Athletics Department for that achievement. They did spend big bucks on the broadcast equipment upgrades, so thats something. We got a new court a few years ago but there is still left to be desired (NEEDS*) with these facilities.

[vu72]

I always find it amusing when someone suggests others are "impatient" about facilities. I remember a number of discussions on this list about how the administration squandered the opportunity offered when Valpo made the Sweet Sixteen and received national recognition nearly two decades ago. We also had conversations on this list about excitement concerning the move to the MVC as another opportunity within a limited window to elevate and promote the program, but it also appears that is being squandered as well and complacency has already set in. Except for the banners of MVC schools replacing HL schools on the ARC wall, it seems as if nothing else has changed.

In the overall history of this program the administration has been dragging it's feet on supporting this program and has not capitalize on it's successes and pretty much just leached itself on to the Drew Family without really give them the resources to take the program to another level. Now the Drew Family is gone but they left what we hope to be a strong assistant to take over the program in Coach Lottich and Coach Gore has always been a great stalwart of the program and they've built a strong basketball brand/reputation/program, but there is a LOT to be desire from this administration in terms of support.

But in terms of the "what have you done for me lately" category they've made some moves. The Conference switch was huge for this program but I give most of that credit to the Athletics Department for that achievement. They did spend big bucks on the broadcast equipment upgrades, so thats something. We got a new court a few years ago but there is still left to be desired (NEEDS*) with these facilities.

Air-conditioned Hilltop so we can train year round.  Are you talking just basketball?  There are a lot of non-revenue sports to support as well.

[VU2014]

Air-conditioned Hilltop so we can train year round.  Are you talking just basketball?  There are a lot of non-revenue sports to support as well.

How sad is it that we are talking about AIR-CONDITIONING in 2018 lol as a major upgrade to our athletics facilities. It's so sad, all I can do is laugh about it lol.

I'm mainly just talking about Basketball because that is the chartered sport of this University. It sounds harsh but it's the most important sport and should be treated that way. That's not to say the other sports aren't important but if you have limited resources that should be the sport you should focus your resources in.

[vufan75]

I always find it amusing when someone suggests others are "impatient" about facilities. I remember a number of discussions on this list about how the administration squandered the opportunity offered when Valpo made the Sweet Sixteen and received national recognition nearly two decades ago. We also had conversations on this list about excitement concerning the move to the MVC as another opportunity within a limited window to elevate and promote the program, but it also appears that is being squandered as well and complacency has already set in. Except for the banners of MVC schools replacing HL schools on the ARC wall, it seems as if nothing else has changed.

In the overall history of this program the administration has been dragging it's feet on supporting this program and has not capitalize on it's successes and pretty much just leached itself on to the Drew Family without really give them the resources to take the program to another level. Now the Drew Family is gone but they left what we hope to be a strong assistant to take over the program in Coach Lottich and Coach Gore has always been a great stalwart of the program and they've built a strong basketball brand/reputation/program, but there is a LOT to be desire from this administration in terms of support.

But in terms of the "what have you done for me lately" category they've made some moves. The Conference switch was huge for this program but I give most of that credit to the Athletics Department for that achievement. They did spend big bucks on the broadcast equipment upgrades, so thats something. We got a new court a few years ago but there is still left to be desired (NEEDS*) with these facilities.

Air-conditioned Hilltop so we can train year round.  Are you talking just basketball?  There are a lot of non-revenue sports to support as well.

Not an engineer or HVAC guy, and maybe it was a money thing or structural issue, but wonder why we put A/C in practice facility before main gym? Main gym used for D1 NCAA MBB, WBB, women's volleyball plus intramurals.

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[vu72]

Air-conditioned Hilltop so we can train year round.  Are you talking just basketball?  There are a lot of non-revenue sports to support as well.

How sad is it that we are talking about AIR-CONDITIONING in 2018 lol as a major upgrade to our athletics facilities. It's so sad, all I can do is laugh about it lol.

I'm mainly just talking about Basketball because that is the chartered sport of this University. It sounds harsh but it's the most important sport and should be treated that way. That's not to say the other sports aren't important but if you have limited resources that should be the sport you should focus your resources in.

Sorry but a $500,000 expenditure is nothing to sneeze at.  As for why Hilltop and not the ARC, it is a money issue and a space dedicated to basketball and volleyball training where the ARC is used by the student body for lots of activities and sports.

[VU2014]

 

[talksalot]

I tried "Hey Alexa:  build me a new ARC"... all I got was quotes from Genesis

[valpospartan]

Will upgrading the ARC, as suggested , lead to increased attendance?

[FieldGoodie05]

Will upgrading the ARC, as suggested , lead to increased attendance?

Doubtful in short term.  If it attracts and retains more quality players Tevonn or better....might improve attendance down the road with consistent Top 65 teams.

What's the condition of Evansville arena?  Aren't we most alike to them in student body and the like?  If they have a new arena, has their attendance improved?

[vu72]

Will upgrading the ARC, as suggested , lead to increased attendance?

[/b]

Of course it will!  Throwing money at facilities always helps attendance.  Just ask Loyola!  Heck, look at their packed house over the last three home games: 1904, 1914 and 1501.   

[vufan75]

Will upgrading the ARC, as suggested , lead to increased attendance?

[/b]

Of course it will!  Throwing money at facilities always helps attendance.  Just ask Loyola!  Heck, look at their packed house over the last three home games: 1904, 1914 and 1501.   

No direct correlation to increased attendance. But having said that, it would make sense to upgrade a facility 30+ years old. Why does Valpo seem to always have the worst athletic facilities for its flagship sport of MBB regardless of conference affiliation?

The ARC as is was fine for the 1980-1990's era, but it is long past time to upgrade with amenities fans expect to see now. Coach Drew years ago asked for upgrades as I recall. He knows a bit about creating an environment to maximize potential of a D1 program I'd say. He was told no years ago.

Would it help recruiting? I'd suggest yes. Recruits and families I'm sure prefer nicer facilities. How many dollars and renovations has Butler invested in Hinkle? Has it worked for them in helping grow their MBB program? I'd have to say yes.

Yes. We replaced a floor and added a video scoreboard. We have updated locker rooms. Spent per MVC requirements on updated video area and equipment. Maybe someday we will get to the fan areas. Though it seems at least 20 years away since the rec center has to be funded and built first. Only then might the ARC see any improvements some of us would like to see. But funding it and construction might take another decade unless a wealthy donor comes along.

I know. Beating a dead horse again. [emoji237]





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[crusadermoe]

If you build it they will come?   I would be a lot more energized about this if we could get a genuinely strong turnout more often.   Ya you, students! 

Prove me wrong for the first two home MVC games with students back in class!  Please prove me wrong!

In the meanwhile I suggest a large mural or a "virtual crowd" be placed on the mezzanine level that pictures a full house for TV purposes.  Might need a similar painting for the student section for most games. 

[valporun]

Well, in terms of facilities, need to weigh the variables of what the university is seeking in enrollment through academic programming and needs vs. what alums and fans of the athletic department want for visual effect for a basketball game on tv, rather than those alums/fans making the trek to the facility regularly to show that our attendance has spiked to a point where increasing/improving the seating would be beneficial to overall university/undergrad growth...

I think the President and Board of Directors are doing what works to get more people into Valpo, and not just focusing on about 4-8 basketball players that wouldn't be paying tuition. We all know the dorms and housing need vast improvement because you have to have students living on campus, compared with people coming for a couple hours of basketball, and then going home to their nice warm homes.

Do I agree that the ARC needs some improvements? Yes, I do, but not at the expense of turning away students that bring in more tuition revenue that also brings in more future donors for all programming on campus. Should we build a NEW ARC and STUDENT REC Center NOW, and watch ourselves become the next St. Joes, where the doors are closed because we're losing students and endowments?

[wh]

A facilities discussion in the middle of a game we're finally winning? lol

[NativeCheesehead]

One small cosmetic change I'd like to see:

Instead of all those Mid Con banners (A conference that no longer exists, at least by that name), I'd like to see one for Regular Season Champions, years listed, then same for tourney champs, NCAA appearances, etc. Special banners for Sweet Sixteen and NIT Runner Up. Clean up the rafters a bit.

[bigmosmithfan1]

What's the condition of Evansville arena?  Aren't we most alike to them in student body and the like?  If they have a new arena, has their attendance improved?

The answer to your question is yes: http://gopurpleaces.com/news/2016/3/9/attendance-up-across-the-board-for-mens-basketball.aspx?path=mbball

And that's including the fact that the arena is three miles from UE's campus.

[FieldGoodie05]

What's the condition of Evansville arena?  Aren't we most alike to them in student body and the like?  If they have a new arena, has their attendance improved?

The answer to your question is yes: http://gopurpleaces.com/news/2016/3/9/attendance-up-across-the-board-for-mens-basketball.aspx?path=mbball

And that's including the fact that the arena is three miles from UE's campus.

Excellent, thanks for sharing.  I wonder if the budget (costs) went up the same %....

[valpo64]

Did you notice that they closed the "upper bowl" seating area to move people to the lower arena to give a more  exciting atmosphere which also helps crowd noise and appearance of a larger crowd.

[bigmosmithfan1]

Excellent, thanks for sharing.  I wonder if the budget (costs) went up the same %....

Hard to tell, as it's a city-owned facility (as was Roberts Stadium), so presumably, the Aces have to pay some type of lease.

[usc4valpo]

If Drake University, a similar-sized and similar-academic university compared to Valpo, can build a nice multi-purpose facility like the Knapp Center, then why can't Valpo. Both schools have similar funds.

Also, at this time for an athletic facility to not have air conditioning and to have concerns about spending $500K is overly frugal.

[zvillehaze]

Did you notice that they closed the "upper bowl" seating area to move people to the lower arena to give a more  exciting atmosphere which also helps crowd noise and appearance of a larger crowd.

The Ford Center is a great facility for college basketball.  Not being on campus isn't ideal, but The Ford Center is located right downtown and near hotels, restaurants and casino.  Definitely worth the trip if Valpo plays there on a weekend in future years. 

And for those who want more/better concession choices, this is the place!  http://fordcenter.com/plan/food_beverage/

[usc4valpo]

Valpo should look at the Knapp Center as an ideal facility. If Drake can do it, Valpo can also.

[valpo64]

yes, Valpo can..........if they want to!

[VU2014]

If Drake University, a similar-sized and similar-academic university compared to Valpo, can build a nice multi-purpose facility like the Knapp Center, then why can't Valpo. Both schools have similar funds.

Also, at this time for an athletic facility to not have air conditioning and to have concerns about spending $500K is overly frugal.

The difference is that Drake was more proactive throughout the past couple decades of updating/up-keeping and building new academic buildings and dorms then compared to Valparaiso University. Valparaiso has started to see campus development & badly need reinvestment the past 6-7 years or so.

[crusader05]

yes, Valpo sat on its hands for too long regarding new facilities and needed renovations. In the last 15 years we have seen a new library, new union, two new residence halls (not including the Uptown and Promenade apts.) new softball field and tennis court. a new science center, Meteorology building and a building for the college of arts and science. Regarding athletics we now have air conditioning in Hilltop, a new roof for the Arc, the Track installed and a new court floor and sound system as well as a new refinished basketball wing and locker rooms and an updated workout room for football and the relocation to the old book store of a campus fitness center rather than having that shoved into a corner of the ARC. Oh and also the new Admissions building.

also the purchase of the hospital grounds, tearing down of Miller and Huegli, renovation of Brandt Hall and plans for updating the other freshman style dorms.

A LOT has happened in the last 15 years but part of that was cramming in projects that were necessary maybe even ten years prior. We have been playing catch-up but I've been happy with the aggressiveness we've seen in improvements