What are the current RAC upgrade/replacement plans?

[RUInFlorida]

I don't know. They built a movie theatre next door. They built a diner next door. In the grand scheme of things can't imagine a new concourse would be all the expensive. And basic landscaping would be nice.

Great point. Livingston Campus looks like a palace these days from what I've heard.

 

[Mr Magoo]

From what I remember, I don' think the trapezoid structure that helps keep the sound in would even be allowed today. I believe the climb to the top may be steeper than most arenas and the fans are closer to the floor also. Many of you might not be old enough to remember how loud the RAC can actually get. In the 80's and very early 90s, you literally could not hear the person sitting next you during some of the big games - even if they were shouting (West Virginia, Penn State, UNLV and Missouri come to mind).

Some day soon, I hope we again take advantage of the incredible home court advantage the RAC can be.

 

[coachkos]

We do need a new arena in a day of age where kids are catered to ( just look at the movies)and the cost of tickets you need to upgrade on how a person wants to watch a game. IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME lol You need to start making a plan where basketball and athletics can make money for now and the future. The future in a 8000 arena means cost of tickets will increase bigly Need to have a arena around 12,000

 

[e5fdny]

We do need a new arena in a day of age where kids are catered to ( just look at the movies)and the cost of tickets you need to upgrade on how a person wants to watch a game. IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME lol You need to start making a plan where basketball and athletics can make money for now and the future. The future in a 8000 arena means cost of tickets will increase bigly Need to have a arena around 12,000

Some day maybe.

But right now with the practice thing going up right next door we need just a few things on the outside and the inside + winning basketball to transform the place.

 

[Degaz-RU]

We do need a new arena in a day of age where kids are catered to ( just look at the movies)and the cost of tickets you need to upgrade on how a person wants to watch a game. IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME lol You need to start making a plan where basketball and athletics can make money for now and the future. The future in a 8000 arena means cost of tickets will increase bigly Need to have a arena around 12,000

Replacing the RAC might be the 20-year type plan, but it's not feasible in the short- or mid-term, not with all of the other sports infrastructure priorities that are out there (like the mandatory building of baseball and softball stadiums, to satisfy the B1G).

In the short- to mid-term, I'd be perfectly happy with (in this order): (1) blowing out the front of the facility, to create space for a larger concourse with full blown amenities, with associated landscaping outside, as in the rendering that somebody posted above; (2) refurbishing the exterior of the RAC; and (3) reconstructing Section 118 to go all the way up to where the offices are, essentially a mirror image of the student sections (which could add 1,500 seats);

 

[Scarlet Shack]

So many of you guys are missing the point...

A basketball ARENA to a recruit is about the HOME COURT advantage and how much they want to play in the ATMOSPHERE of the BUILDING. They don't care about the consessions and the width of the concourse.

Sure we can use improvements in these things to help create interest in the program and make a better fan experience, but for a 8,000 gym that could be expanded to 9500 or so (Reference Pernetti's plans from a few years back) ....getting those fans in the stands is about WINNING basketball. We drew 7500 per game for a Bubble bursting NIT team in the Big East in 1998-1999 and Wenzel's second and third years that had NIT and NCAA drew 7000 per game in the ATLANTIC TEN

Win game and the fans will follow....

The RAC is and remains a GREAT place to watch a college basketball game. It's been so long since the place has truly been a zoo that too many people forget that when the place is LOUD..you can't even talk to the person next to you.

The practice facilities and the lockeroom is the support stuff that the basketball program lacked badly and is being rectified. THIS IS APPEALING TO THE RECRUIT!!!

If we sell out a RAC for several years ...it means we are winning big and then can talk new arena...and the revenue the program is producing by higher attendance, donations to keep seats and higher ticker prices might justify.the new arena.

Costmetic changes would be nice....just for simple PR (even if its negative PR) but more than isn't necessary ....for now

 

[e5fdny]

In the short- to mid-term, I'd be perfectly happy with (in this order): (1) blowing out the front of the facility, to create space for a larger concourse with full blown amenities, with associated landscaping outside, as in the rendering that somebody posted above; (2) refurbishing the exterior of the RAC; and (3) reconstructing Section 118 to go all the way up to where the offices are, essentially a mirror image of the student sections (which could add 1,500 seats);

...but for a 8,000 gym that could be expanded to 9500 or so (Reference Pernetti's plans from a few years back).

****The RAC is and remains a GREAT place to watch a college basketball game. It's been so long since the place has truly been a zoo that too many people forget that when the place is LOUD..you can't even talk to the person next to you.****

Cosmetic changes would be nice....just for simple PR (even if its negative PR) but more than isn't necessary ....for now

Do the bolded and we're good.

Plus, winning basketball too.

****All true.