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New Facilities
- Thread starter Rusty 54
- Start date
I always look at Campustown and think-- man I wish that was a dedicated Bradley basketball arena.I know it's just a dream
It would certainly be a better deal for the Bradley Renaissance project.
One of the projects Glasser was involved with at Towson was this, which is credited for generating billions for the Baltimore area:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towson_Town_Center
I've always thought Bradley should use this model (from Boston U) for their Renaissance project:
http://www.bu.edu/studentvillage2/
I don't see a private facility ever happening.
Towson is a state university with 20,000 students in a much larger city, and Boston University has well over 30,000 students with endowments that dwarf a school like Bradley. Realistically, the future lies with the Civic Center. Bradley sees that as adequate for their needs for the next couple decades.
Towson is a state university with 20,000 students in a much larger city, and Boston University has well over 30,000 students with endowments that dwarf a school like Bradley. Realistically, the future lies with the Civic Center. Bradley sees that as adequate for their needs for the next couple decades.
a little off topic...
The endowments for some of those eastern schools is truly amazing. A family member of mine graduated from a small eastern school in which any contribution under one million dollars is put into a slush fund.
2bradleyfans
New member
Where did you see that JQH Arena's capacity is 11,500?
Fundamentals
New member
The initial release from MSU from 2006 I have stated 11,500. I see now the more current information in their media guide and official project site say 11K seats. . .
But I have been told there will also be room for as many as 500 SRO. . .so perhaps that's where the two numbers are coming from.
But I have been told there will also be room for as many as 500 SRO. . .so perhaps that's where the two numbers are coming from.
Peoria Lion '77
New member
Don't know if this has ever been considered by BU, but I would like BU and the Civic Center to consider going in together to build a true basketball arena (12,000+) attached to its existing complex. This would allow the hockey team to still have their arena while bringing BU & the PCC a state of the art basketball arena for years to come. It also could help keep the boy's basketball tournaments here in Peoria instead of going somewhere else with newer facilities. I would see this as a win/win both both parties ... shared cost, more dedicated scheduling of games for BU, a true basketball arena, etc.
mike radigan
New member
You forgot one other interested party; i.e. the taxpayer. We're being stuck with too many white elephants as it is. It will NEVER happen!
This was something in the conversation oh about 8 years ago when they began talking about Civic Center expansion. . .I believe that the entire facility is now completely (or at least very close to it) entirely paid off, so it's essentially all profit.
Ideally, they wanted to have an arena that meets NCAA host site requirements (I think 17.5-18K minimum I believe). I believe it's important to do it right, so its ok to take their time, pick the right place and the right size.
In so doing, you could actually make a play at possibly even hosting the BXII or Big Ten tourney in one arena and continue hosting the IHSA tourneys or something like the Summit League or Horizon League tourney in the other. . .
Would do wonders for this basketball-mad town.
Ideally, they wanted to have an arena that meets NCAA host site requirements (I think 17.5-18K minimum I believe). I believe it's important to do it right, so its ok to take their time, pick the right place and the right size.
In so doing, you could actually make a play at possibly even hosting the BXII or Big Ten tourney in one arena and continue hosting the IHSA tourneys or something like the Summit League or Horizon League tourney in the other. . .
Would do wonders for this basketball-mad town.
Peoria Lion '77
New member
I would agree with you if the PCC was a white elephant. It has been profitable. Otherwise, it would never have expanded like it recently did. IF BU would contribute to the costs, that certainly would keep more of the burden off the taxpayer. That's part of the win/win. I also agree that it should be done right. If that means a 18,000 size arena, then let's do that.
mike radigan
New member
I never said the Civic Center was a white elephant. I'm referring to the museum, Gateway Building, Riverplex, zoo...
As Squirrely said your idea was floated 8 years ago. That would have been the time to do it. Since it wasn't done then I'll repeat, it will NEVER happen. Just my opinion.
I would think that if this were to be done, than additional infrastructure improvements around the Peoria area would have to be done to support this.
I agree with Mike Radigan... not going to happen.
N
numbr_9
Guest
Actually, the PCC expansion isn't really close to being paid off, it was done on a loan and our tax dollars will be paying it off for years to come. It also ran waaay overbudget (40% by some accounts).
And I would love to see an on-campus arena, but it's probably not going to happen anytime soon. there's not the infrastructure available to support 11k+ people going in and out of the campus area (only University and main), nor is there the parking. There's also not the same access to restaurants / bars / hotels that there are downtown. And finally, it's ridiculously expensive, and Bradley is (rightly) largely putting their money in academic facilities with the new campaign.
Plus, we can drink at the PCC and wouldn't be able to at an on-campus facility.
And I would love to see an on-campus arena, but it's probably not going to happen anytime soon. there's not the infrastructure available to support 11k+ people going in and out of the campus area (only University and main), nor is there the parking. There's also not the same access to restaurants / bars / hotels that there are downtown. And finally, it's ridiculously expensive, and Bradley is (rightly) largely putting their money in academic facilities with the new campaign.
Plus, we can drink at the PCC and wouldn't be able to at an on-campus facility.
A new on-campus arena is impossible. A larger downtown arena is impossible.
I refuse to accept impossible. At some point in the not-too-distant future, something will need to be done for not only Bradley to sustain its competitiveness, but also for Peoria to continue to draw in top-level tournaments and conventions as well.
I know it's not going to be easy, but the serious discussion must start sometime and somewhere.
I refuse to accept impossible. At some point in the not-too-distant future, something will need to be done for not only Bradley to sustain its competitiveness, but also for Peoria to continue to draw in top-level tournaments and conventions as well.
I know it's not going to be easy, but the serious discussion must start sometime and somewhere.
Peoria Lion '77
New member
I also refuse to believe it is impossible. Even if on campus and downtown can't be worked out for a new arena, there is always another option if we are willing to think out of the box. The only other choice is to keep playing in an arena that really was built for hockey, not basketball. That has been good but not the best that it can be.
personally:
Would love to see an on-campus or near campus arena.
realistically and politically:
Not going to happen as long as the civic center is active to say the least.
personally:
a separate larger arena isnt going to happen. Infrastructure needed to support more than one large attraction at a time is cost prohibitive and would take years to complete.
realistically and politically: see above...
What will probably happen down the road:
Gradual expansion of the current Civic Center facilities.
I Would like to see the Civic center expand like this. Make two seperate arenas. You have one for Hockey seating about 5-6 k and gut the current multi purpose arena making it hoops only seating about 16k. Yeah a lot of work but you'd be in line for some womens NCAA's and some first round mens games.
The hockey could be multi purpose hosting some other events, smaller concerts, practice hoops, etc.
16 k would get you bigger acts/concerts.
Sure its a dream but thats where it all starts....