proposed renovations to coleman coliseum

[rjtide]

Details released for proposed Coleman Coliseum renovation, expansion

A plan to renovate Coleman Coliseum was presented to the UA System Board of Trustees on Thursday, more than two years after a new arena was discussed with the same governing body.

www.al.com

the new arena likely not gonna happen due to costs. and a shift to NIL prioritization

 

[BamaHoopsBoi]

Welp, maybe the arena will happen in my lifetime. Maybe not.

This day and age, I'd rather have the extra money flowing into NIL to keep great players coming to our program. That is what players care most about nowadays anyway. Not a new arena.

Plus, this might keep ticket prices from soaring as we all know they would if a new arena is ever built. Probably double or triple the price.

Good news for the players.

 

[TiderJack]

Details released for proposed Coleman Coliseum renovation, expansion

A plan to renovate Coleman Coliseum was presented to the UA System Board of Trustees on Thursday, more than two years after a new arena was discussed with the same governing body.

www.al.com

the new arena likely not gonna happen due to costs. and a shift to NIL prioritization

Correct, but we are going to break ground on a $58M practice facility in the fall.

Timeline, cost revealed for new Alabama basketball practice facility

.

www.on3.com

 

[BamaNation]

We can safely assume that IF a new facility is built with the plans laid out a couole years ago that the cost would be at least 50% more than budgeted at that time (~$180mm) so probably $250mm +.

this buys some time to see how the expanded playoffs and conference shifts positively impact revenue. I think SEC schools are the winners in that game but we need to be in final 4 again next year in both sports to get a larger piece of the pies.

Trying to raise $ for NIL collective AND facilities until the NIL rules are revised means NIL is prioritized.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

I think renovating Coleman is putting lipstick on a pig.

Thing is, I don’t have a better alternative. So I have to trust that the best AD in college sports knows what he’s doing.

In the brave new world of pay-for-play, re-recruiting your whole roster every year, and revenue sharing for current, past and future players, a new arena is just too expensive.

Also, I know that Byrne and Oats have been in constant communication about facilities since Oats hit campus. So I have to think Oats would rather have the revised plan for facilities, and use more money for pay-for-play.

IOW, I’d bet a lot of money that Oats blessed the proposal weeks ago, if not months ago.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

at this rate, they will never build a new arena. They keep saying that construction costs are the reason for nothing happening but we all know that is a lie. If this were football wanting/needing a new stadium, it would be approved and breaking ground tomorrow.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

at this rate, they will never build a new arena. They keep saying that construction costs are the reason for nothing happening but we all know that is a lie. If this were football wanting/needing a new stadium, it would be approved and breaking ground tomorrow.

A quarter billion is a LOT of coin...

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

We can safely assume that IF a new facility is built with the plans laid out a couole years ago that the cost would be at least 50% more than budgeted at that time (~$180mm) so probably $250mm +.

this buys some time to see how the expanded playoffs and conference shifts positively impact revenue. I think SEC schools are the winners in that game but we need to be in final 4 again next year in both sports to get a larger piece of the pies.

Trying to raise $ for NIL collective AND facilities until the NIL rules are revised means NIL is prioritized.

I thought the conference office pretty much gave everyone equal slices of that pie...(aside from expense money received for participating in those venues).

 

[DzynKingRTR]

A quarter billion is a LOT of coin...

again if it were football, it would be happening immediately.

 

[CrimsonBloodn62]

If the plan is to renovate Coleman, make the game-day experience more intimidating for opposing teams and refs by moving the students closer to the court.

 

[TexasBama]

No changes to seating arrangement

 

[bamaga]

As long as CDI starts the first phase of the renovations

 

[4Q Basket Case]

What is CDI?

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Interesting article from Chase Goodbread. He says that the renovation is worthwhile even though it will not affect the fans' gameday experience at all.

That's because it will affect the player experience, which will in turn show as better recruiting and play on the court. Which I guess does indirectly affect the fan experience.

Why Alabama's $57 million Coleman Coliseum upgrade beats waiting on a new arena | Goodbread (msn.com)

Don't know if Goodbread is right or not. But it's an interesting take.

 

[BamaMoon]

CNO seems pleased with the development. I think they view this as a way to help recruitment, player development and ultimately sustaining the program and taking it higher.

 

[JDCrimson]

There are things they could do to improve Coleman and not spend $250mm that would dramatically improve the seating experience. I just dont understand why these arent being considered?

 

[TiderJack]

Also, I know that Byrne and Oats have been in constant communication about facilities since Oats hit campus. So I have to think Oats would rather have the revised plan for facilities, and use more money for pay-for-play.

IOW, I’d bet a lot of money that Oats blessed the proposal weeks ago, if not months ago.

I believe CNO was quoted saying he would rather have the facility and $ for NIL. I heard once his deal was confirmed the b'ball NIL fund doubled.

 

[BamaMoon]

There are things they could do to improve Coleman and not spend $250mm that would dramatically improve the seating experience. I just dont understand why these arent being considered?

What are you thinking?

 

[JDCrimson]

They could demo the current seating risers and reform the site lines and add court level suites. Shrink capacity to 12,000 and put students in low level 4 corner seating.

Nothing much can be done with the ceiling acoustics except maybe install some sound reflectors. I remember when they had a drop ceiling with ceiling tiles. But that was primarily to keep the asbestos ceiling insulation from falling on the spectators.

But the good thing is the interior can be gutted and rebuild the seating arrangement and comfort.

What are you thinking?

 

[BamaMoon]

They could demo the current seating risers and reform the site lines and add court level suites. Shrink capacity to 12,000 and put students in low level 4 corner seating.

Nothing much can be done with the ceiling acoustics except maybe install some sound reflectors. I remember when they had a drop ceiling with ceiling tiles. But that was primarily to keep the asbestos ceiling insulation from falling on the spectators.

But the good thing is the interior can be gutted and rebuild the seating arrangement and comfort.

IF this can be done, structurally speaking, I like your suggestions. Biggest thing to me would be taking out the harsh corners in the seating arrangement to make the seats curve around the court for better viewing angles.

Even if it reduces it to 10-12K, it would be a better arena.