|
Post by dansimms on Nov 27, 2013 19:25:11 GMT -5
I read recently here that the eventual end game for the Iona Gym may include an updated look, perhaps with seating that surrounds the court, potentially moving the seating capacity up in the range of 3,700. So I took a look at the schools in the MAAC that have larger home facilities, Siena, Fairfield, Monmouth and Quinnipiac and found it interesting that none of them are scheduling opponents from power conferences at home, with the possible exception of the weaker A10 schools. Fairfield even just had a 'home game' versus Richmond at Mohegan Sun, where they drew over 8000. So I wonder if it is just wishful thinking that Iona with a modestly enlarged home could schedule home and aways in successive years against more perennial basketball powers? The answer may be 'no'....based on this small sampling. I was hoping that once a year, that Iona could lure a stronger program to play at the new and improved Hynes center. In a year where Iona creates a lot of buzz on campus and with Alums, I wonder how often we would see a crowd of 3500 or more? I am thinking that it would take a pivotal MAAC game late in the season to secure the Regular Season title or a game against a team from out of conference that either had a dynamic star player or players, or a team ranked in the top 25 or so. Thoughts? By the way, I think Mohegan Sun would be my first choice for the MAAC Championships. I would expect the tournament to draw perhaps double what ever we have seen in the many past years, without the price the league paid in giving Siena a home court advantage in those past years. The walk up gate would be the key.
|
|
|
Post by Cjb on Nov 27, 2013 19:46:57 GMT -5
... I wonder if it is just wishful thinking that Iona with a modestly enlarged home could schedule home and aways in successive years against more perennial basketball powers? The answer may be 'no'....based on this small sampling. I was hoping that once a year, that Iona could lure a stronger program to play at the new and improved Hynes center. ... Thoughts? dan, the answer IS no. The primary reason is because those types of teams rarely travel ooc anymore. They'd rather stay home playing 18-19 home games paying guarantees. Siena and FF have played in 10,000+ seat arenas for a number of years and you could probably count on one hand how many high-majors they've gotten to come in and play them. The primary purpose to renovate Hynes would be to give it an updated bowl look - a facility renovation sorely needed to attract the players our coaches want to bring in.
|
|
|
Post by ic1983 on Nov 27, 2013 21:15:12 GMT -5
Where are we with the planned renovation?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2013 9:48:56 GMT -5
I think we would benefit more by playing in a westchester county center(wcc) drawing bigger crowds with a better venue. WCC holds 5,000 fans, offers better amenities and i think would also appeal to bigger recruits who want to play in a better venue. I mean hynes center is nice but equal to my high school gym. I think we need to renovate or move to a bigger venue. Also not to mention those bleachers at hynes are a killer for my back.
|
|
|
Post by ic59 on Nov 28, 2013 10:52:35 GMT -5
gordan, I believe that Hynes holds more than WCC, but it's close. I DO KNOW that WCC doesn't hold close to 5,000. Unfortunately.
|
|
|
Post by IONA86 on Nov 28, 2013 11:00:36 GMT -5
The 5,000 number is for concerts not a hoops game. WCC was last renovated in 1988.... it needs a lot of work to make it a relevant facility. Westchester needs to partner with a private enterprise like the racetrack to develop a proper facility. It is tougher than it used to be because the county Industrial Development Agency does not have the autonomy to make these deals happen that it used to have.
|
|
|
Home Gyms
Nov 28, 2013 11:39:00 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by iona05 on Nov 28, 2013 11:39:00 GMT -5
Preference would be to keep it on campus and just make it a little more tv friendly with 360 degree seating if possible. Hopefully we can raise the money and get it done.
|
|
|
Post by oldtimer on Nov 28, 2013 11:41:22 GMT -5
I believe that Hynes holds more than WCC, but it's close. I DO KNOW that WCC doesn't hold close to 5,000. Unfortunately.[/quote
On target IC59...When WCC puts up stands on stage area and allows extra seats in some corner area its capacity is 2700...When capacity is met, it gives the appearance of a much large arena especially on T.V. I remember a game against Villanova there many years ago, and a victory not to long ago which I am pretty sure was against North Carolina State with Papa Welsh the coach. One or our forgotten players B. Mustafaj led the Gaels. Enjoy games played there and wish County would expand it to about 5,000...Would be a major solution to our needs...
|
|
|
Post by Cjb on Nov 28, 2013 15:23:45 GMT -5
Where are we with the planned renovation? Courtesy of Tootie's post on the Off Topic board. It appears that everything at this point is conceptual. From the Ionian 10/16/2013 article regarding Master Planning... "Athletic facilities all around campus would also receive a major upgrade...
Mazzella Field would receive field lights and an upgrade to the press box, the Rice Oval softball field would receive an overall upgrade in appearance, and the Hynes Athletic Center would get an updated look, as well as the inclusion of 1,000 more seats." www.ioniannews.com/news/article_cb52cce0-365a-11e3-8fbb-0019bb30f31a.html
|
|
|
Home Gyms
Nov 28, 2013 15:25:56 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by iona05 on Nov 28, 2013 15:25:56 GMT -5
I'm probably in the minority here but I would prefer to remain in Hynes rather than take our arena off campus. Don't want to suffer the same fate as Fairfield, St. John's etc
|
|
|
Post by gaeloarsman on Nov 29, 2013 0:45:50 GMT -5
I'm probably in the minority here but I would prefer to remain in Hynes rather than take our arena off campus. Don't want to suffer the same fate as Fairfield, St. John's etc I agree. Playing the games off campus would be an awful idea. I think you'd see LESS people at the WCC. Few students would go. In my 14 years involved at IONA I've been to ZERO baseball games. Why? I have no idea where the hell they play....and that's a problem.
|
|
|
Post by imagael on Nov 29, 2013 9:19:13 GMT -5
I agree. Keeping it on campus keeps it part of the "Iona experience" for students,alums and fans.
|
|
|
Post by ic59 on Nov 29, 2013 10:43:08 GMT -5
In my lifetime I DOUBT VERY MUCH that I'll ever see much change to the HAC. I am hoping that at least we'll put up giant TV's at each end of the court, diagonally from each other, somewhat like Marist. Though Marist has wrap around seating. At least the tv's could show replays as well as the stats. and while expensive, I would think it's doable. Of course wrap around seating is my ultimate wish, but I really can't envision it happening.
|
|
|
Post by oldtimer on Nov 29, 2013 12:41:41 GMT -5
In my 14 years involved at IONA I've been to ZERO baseball games. Why? I have no idea where the hell they play....and that's a problem.[/quote]Gailoarsmen
The well kept mysterious Iona baseball program continues...It without doubt the worst in the nation...When I was able, I attended as a baseball lover a few of their games at Salesian...I was often the only spectator...In the past 10 years I am sure they have won no more then 10 percent of their games if that...I am equally sure my High School team of years ago would trounce them...
Any questions about this dismal program will not be answered...They seem to have complete immunity and go about their business as usual...If one was to attend one of their games they would walk away embarrassed and in wonder why the program is allowed its shameful ways...If there is, please respond......I will stand by my thoughts....Over 95 percent of students do not know there is a baseball team, care less, or that they now play on a new city field 10 minute walk away...Shut it down and use the dough towards a new field house that will properly represent the college......I rave, but I am sure their sandlot game will continue...
|
|
|
Post by hawaii bill on Nov 29, 2013 12:48:06 GMT -5
When I read the title of this thread I thought it was about Bow Flex
|
|