Carver Hawkaisle Arena

[GoB1G]

I’m not suggesting gutting the entire arena. There has to be a way to just deal with the first 10 rows or so, all the way around the floor with bleachers. A walkway directly behind the bleachers that circles the floor would have access to all the vertical aisles.

There has to be away. It’s embarrassing looking at shiny, empty aluminum where our loudest fans and students should be.

I’m not an engineer, but I think it’s possible to do something like Michigan State’s setup.

 

[Mohawkeye]

Where, in downtown Iowa City, would you recommend annexing and tearing down extremely valuable property, to build an arena and suitable parking?

The English building. It's an outdated dump anyway.

 

[Mohawkeye]

I've actually been in CHA when they had a fire break out in a concessions area. There are still dangers and fire codes are not going to be changed to appease folks that have some crazy plans to change CHA that is never going to happen.

You apparently survived. Did the 8 foot aisles at the bottom of the arena save your life?

I mean, this is all half in jest. I realize it won't happen but not for any logical reason.

 

[2432Hawk]

You apparently survived. Did the 8 foot aisles at the bottom of the arena save your life?

I mean, this is all half in jest. I realize it won't happen but not for any logical reason.

there are more logical reasons than most realize. structurally there isn't much they can do with CHA w/o basically starting all over. It was/is an architectural marvel, but that comes with a cost towards modifications.

It's really not a bad venue at all, it's just getting the right bodies in all the seats, all the time (See home NIT events/Wrestling/etc...)

 

[2432Hawk]

The English building. It's an outdated dump anyway.

we gonna play 1/2 court games?

 

[2432Hawk]

really the only sites on downtown side of river that would be suitable for new arena would be south Clinton around where the old recycling spot use to be.

But that's really not much closer to downtown than where CHA is now. Is closer to Big Grove.

Personally, the University should sell off the land where softball / track complexes are and allow restaurant/bar/hotels/parking to build there (move the downtown closer to CHA and Kinnick).

move them out to area around Field Hockey and Soccer fields and HOF Building.

 

[Mohawkeye]

there are more logical reasons than most realize. structurally there isn't much they can do with CHA w/o basically starting all over. It was/is an architectural marvel, but that comes with a cost towards modifications.

It's really not a bad venue at all, it's just getting the right bodies in all the seats, all the time (See home NIT events/Wrestling/etc...)

I don't entirely disagree, but getting more people in the seats is mostly a function of location/surroundings in my worthless opinion.

 

[Mohawkeye]

we gonna play 1/2 court games?

Sure, you just have to tag the midcourt line and run back, that' what we did in elementary school.

Actually, just build partially over the river and into the Library parking lot. Its amazing what architects can accomplish these days.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url...ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCOi108KPh_UCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAL

 

[jonesyhawk982]

This is a problem. UI has 'redone' Kinnick multiple times. Perhaps they could utilize height. Whoever commented on the Wintrust Arena was onto something. I think there is a giant parking lot to the north of Kinnick and by the dental building that could be utilized for space. Heck they could even keep the offices, practice, wrestling facilities at the current location for practices and build a parking lot over the existing arena. Those two parking lots could maybe probably fit a 10-12 seat arena. Another realistic location could be the city park and the swimming pool area. Make a deal with IC to build them a new fancy aquatic center. That area is close to Mayflower, plenty of parking with Hancher and near Greek row/circle.

Focus on building up and not outwards. Carver is a graveyard.

 

[twindman]

I remember when CHA first opened, (1983?), people questioned if 15,500 seats were enough.

I think also that when built people wondered why we couldn't have more seats since we sold out all the time. And what I heard was they could actually raise the roof up and add another couple of thousand seats. Don't know if true, but sounded possible.

 

[icbornanraised]

Just went to a game at Fertitta Center where UofH plays. They did the first overhaul since the phi slamma jamma crew played. It is freaking amazing. Prior it was drab and straight out the 70's. Being there was the first time I realized Carver is really doing us wrong. All the money thrown to football, there has to be something to put into Carver. Especially since 4 sports use it.

 

[CeMar_Clone]

Just went to a game at Fertitta Center where UofH plays. They did the first overhaul since the phi slamma jamma crew played. It is freaking amazing. Prior it was drab and straight out the 70's. Being there was the first time I realized Carver is really doing us wrong. All the money thrown to football, there has to be something to put into Carver. Especially since 4 sports use it.

Place looks good, but definitely small.

 

[Ronman]

The English building. It's an outdated dump anyway.

Can only imagine the traffic congestion trying to access that area on game night. Not only that, if you look at the square foot area of Carver and the practice building and try to shoehorn it into the English Building area, you are going to have to wipe out the Journalism and Communications buildings, plus a good chunk of the library and would still need parking.

 

[Mohawkeye]

Can only imagine the traffic congestion trying to access that area on game night. Not only that, if you look at the square foot area of Carver and the practice building and try to shoehorn it into the English Building area, you are going to have to wipe out the Journalism and Communications buildings, plus a good chunk of the library and would still need parking.

I wouldn't see a need to build another practice building.

There are a fair number of parking ramps in the area and space to build another next to the Library to the South. Many people would park at Hancher and walk across the bridge. The point of having it downtown is that people are going to walk from their dorms or restaurants to the game, not try to park at the door and then leave town immediately after. Personally, I think driving to Carver is much more of a hassle.

 

[acuhawk]

Sorry if previously mentioned, but the new wrestling practice facility is set to break ground soon. The last renditions had it connecting to carver via Tunnel. I'm not sure if this requires any lower level changes or provides an opportunity. It's worth factoring into the discussion.

 

[2432Hawk]

View embedded media

This is a problem. UI has 'redone' Kinnick multiple times. Perhaps they could utilize height. Whoever commented on the Wintrust Arena was onto something. I think there is a giant parking lot to the north of Kinnick and by the dental building that could be utilized for space. Heck they could even keep the offices, practice, wrestling facilities at the current location for practices and build a parking lot over the existing arena. Those two parking lots could maybe probably fit a 10-12 seat arena. Another realistic location could be the city park and the swimming pool area. Make a deal with IC to build them a new fancy aquatic center. That area is close to Mayflower, plenty of parking with Hancher and near Greek row/circle.

Focus on building up and not outwards. Carver is a graveyard.

build a near billion dollar facility in a flood zone? what could possibly go wrong

 

[jonesyhawk982]

build a near billion dollar facility in a flood zone? what could possibly go wrong

Build up. What a thought. They did it with Hancher.

 

[2432Hawk]

Build up. What a thought. They did it with Hancher.

however the area of the city park is a natural flood plain and if they built a dike or build it up that is going to create more problems than solve. That is a large natural area for water to go when above flood stage, take that away and well...

 

[HawkRugged17]

Really? I did not know that. If he did, I'm sure he credited Lennon. Mike is a square shooter.

 

[NevadaHawk]

I think also that when built people wondered why we couldn't have more seats since we sold out all the time. And what I heard was they could actually raise the roof up and add another couple of thousand seats. Don't know if true, but sounded possible.

Interesting if true.