RAC renovation phase 2

[MCKnight2004]

"We have to do something, obviously, with the RAC,'' Hobbs said. "In phase two, I'd like to look at doing something to change the facade. Also in phase two, we're going to take that space in front of the RAC and we're going to create a nice plaza. And that plaza will not be just for athletics but it's going to be for the Livingston campus. The rendering will include that even though we'll need to get another gift to complete the plaza. In front of the RAC, we'll consider the use of some LED (video boards), so we can have some outdoor entertainment and messaging and branding going on.''

When will phase 2 begin? 2021?

 

[scarletrat]

sounds similar to what Pernetti released renderings for when he was AD here.

 

[PaKnight]

Whenever Phase 1 is done and paid.

 

[RUJMM78]

Whenever Phase 1 is done and paid.

There is need for enlarging the lobby walking space and for additional bath rooms in the RAC which is far more important than a plaza outside the arena.This could be accomplished by extending the lobby outward into the circular driveway 20' which also would provide larger concession space.

 

[RU-ROCS]

There is need for enlarging the lobby walking space and for additional bath rooms in the RAC which is far more important than a plaza outside the arena.This could be accomplished by extending the lobby outward into the circular driveway 20' which also would provide larger concession space.

Agreed. Plaza suggests just outdoor space. But, the RAC could really use the type of entryway/lobby expansion that Pernetti envisioned.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Whenever Phase 1 is done and paid.

He already said we start fundraising immediately for Phase 2 so there's really no need to wait for Phase 1 to be "done" if we reach Phase 2 goals prior.

 

[RU MAN]

Agreed. Plaza suggests just outdoor space. But, the RAC could really use the type of entryway/lobby expansion that Pernetti envisioned.

I really like this, but RUJMM78 is right. The RAC itself needs more space as well including enlarging the seating capacity, bathrooms and refurbishing the concourse area.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Is the official name of the RAC still The Louis Brown Athletic Center ? If not, when did it change?

 

[ScarletDave]

Is the official name of the RAC still The Louis Brown Athletic Center ? If not, when did it change?

It is no longer officially named the Louis Brown Athletic Center. It was maybe the year before we entered the Big Ten. I believe simply it was for branding purposes. But the arena is officially named "The Rutgers Athletic Center".

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

It is no longer officially named the Louis Brown Athletic Center. It was maybe the year before we entered the Big Ten. I believe simply it was for branding purposes. But the arena is officially named "The Rutgers Athletic Center".

Okay, so naming rights are available. Maybe the Rutgers Rivals Athletic Center....lol

 

[PaKnight]

He already said we start fundraising immediately for Phase 2 so there's really no need to wait for Phase 1 to be "done" if we reach Phase 2 goals prior.

Still have $45M to raise to pay for Phase 1.

 

[bac2therac]

the whole area in front of the RAC is deplorable...so much neglect by the university in not planning to beautify that area and it should not fall under atlhletics it should have been part of the Livingston construction

 

[soundcrib]

Pernetti's vision rendered above also included a practice facility in that attachment on the front of the RAC. Obviously that's no longer necessary so it can be scaled down from Pernetti's vision.

 

[e5fdny]

"We have to do something, obviously, with the RAC,'' Hobbs said. "In phase two, I'd like to look at doing something to change the facade. Also in phase two, we're going to take that space in front of the RAC and we're going to create a nice plaza."

In the meantime I'd settle for a paint job.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Pernetti's vision rendered above also included a practice facility in that attachment on the front of the RAC. Obviously that's no longer necessary so it can be scaled down from Pernetti's vision.

Agreed. Nicest part of the Pernetti design was the rotunda entryway, which could be used in a smaller renovation, along with an expansion of the front of the RAC for concessions, extra stands, etc.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Still have $45M to raise to pay for Phase 1.

So what? We raised $30+ in less than 4 months. In a part of the year when most people a) don't donate b) donate to ear-marked projects and c) haven't gotten their returns and/or bonuses (7/1) yet.

RELAX.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Agreed. Nicest part of the Pernetti design was the rotunda entryway, which could be used in a smaller renovation, along with an expansion of the front of the RAC for concessions, extra stands, etc.

Who CARES what Pernettti's "version" had. Who CARE what Julie's version had? I am friends with Tim and had a nice relationship with Julie but neither are here anymore Move on, let's get this done, woooohoooo!

 

[RUPartisan]

Who CARES what Pernettti's "version" had. Who CARE what Julie's version had? I am friends with Tim and had a nice relationship with Julie but neither are here anymore Move on, let's get this done, woooohoooo!

He was simply pointing out a nice design feature of Pernettis previously released plans which I also agree are nice I don't see this as some sort of knock on Hobbs or pumping up of pernetti. Is there a rule in place that Hobbs can't use any similar ideas of his predecessors?

 

[PaKnight]

So what? We raised $30+ in less than 4 months. In a part of the year when most people a) don't donate b) donate to ear-marked projects and c) haven't gotten their returns and/or bonuses (7/1) yet.

RELAX.

I am relaxed, just pointing out that Phase 2 won't get started until the $100M for Phase 1 is funded.

CHILL.

 

[biazza38]

Anyone else think we should invest all of our money in Facebook on a dip and pray the market doesn't crash in order to raise the remaining money we need?

 

[AreYouNUTS]

I am relaxed, just pointing out that Phase 2 won't get started until the $100M for Phase 1 is funded.

CHILL.

My point was: we'll get that raised quicker than many here expect and move on, immediately, to the next Phase. All good!

 

[red sail]

Building out the front of the RAC would be a complete waste of money and space. They need to reconfigure the seating inside first before they work on the plaza. Be honest, how often are any fans going to be standing outside in the freezing cold winter to look at an LED board?? We would be better off knocking the RAC down and starting from scratch. Construct lower level seating that wraps around, second level of suites, club seats/hospitality, and mezzanine level above the suites. Get rid of bench seating and put proper seats in place ... be it cushioned leather seats or plastic bucket seats.

 

[RUJMM78]

Anyone else think we should invest all of our money in Facebook on a dip and pray the market doesn't crash in order to raise the remaining money we need?

The smart investor bought Facebook a couple years ago when the price was around $40 dollars .

 

[RU-ROCS]

Who CARES what Pernettti's "version" had. Who CARE what Julie's version had? I am friends with Tim and had a nice relationship with Julie but neither are here anymore Move on, let's get this done, woooohoooo!

Simmer down, fella. I couldn't care less whose name was on the design. I referred to it as the "Pernetti" design so everyone would know which one I was talking about. I happen to really like the rotunda and frontward expansion of the RAC in those plans and I hope that Hobbs goes with something similar, if a new arena is out of the question. It's as simple as that.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Simmer down, fella. I couldn't care less whose name was on the design. I referred to it as the "Pernetti" design so everyone would know which one I was talking about. I happen to really like the rotunda and frontward expansion of the RAC in those plans and I hope that Hobbs goes with something similar, if a new arena is out of the question. It's as simple as that.

lol my bad was just trying to make a point...sorry!

 

[RU-ROCS]

lol my bad was just trying to make a point...sorry!

No offense taken. It's all good. We all want the same thing - a program and a facility to be proud of.

 

[biazza38]

The smart investor bought Facebook a couple years ago when the price was around $40 dollars .

or thirty. But yeah of course.

 

[koleszar]

the whole area in front of the RAC is deplorable...so much neglect by the university in not planning to beautify that area and it should not fall under atlhletics it should have been part of the Livingston construction

That is so true. It's like they drew a little border around anything to do with the RAC and proclaimed it the country of Rutgers Athletics. We can fix everything on this side of the border but that country has to pay for everything themselves. Such a crock of sh*t.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

That is so true. It's like they drew a little border around anything to do with the RAC and proclaimed it the country of Rutgers Athletics. We can fix everything on this side of the border but that country has to pay for everything themselves. Such a crock of sh*t.

Yeah, they paved an entire parking lot and then left a 50 foot cracked, mud-puddled walkway with no lighting leading to the front of the RAC.