UGA

By Jonas Hayes

February 15, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Yes, build a new arena ASAP. UGA 2006 Basketball Champs!

By godawg

February 15, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

They’ve talked for years about replacing the Stegesauraus but keep coming back to the money and what to do about a venue in the time between implosion and opening day of the new facility. Georgia is both worthy and capable of building a state-of-the-art facility. The longer they wait the more it’s going to cost but UGA Athletics is a Billion dollar industry so they can afford it.

I remember when they put the rebar fences on the concrete arches over the roof of Stegeman to keep the students from riding motorcycles over the top to the other side. Talk about a crazy thing to do… well…it was the 60’s.

By Robby

February 15, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

I think that there is actually something to “barn charm” in NCAA bball. While the women’s bball and gymnastics programs win and deserve the finest, they would not be able to pay the bills as far as I can see. There are few gymdog events each year and 45 luxury box reservations for Coach Landers crew isn’t likely. So who’d pick’em up (those lady dawgs) to get a new building? Not the men’s bball embarassment.

Those dogs fight hard on the hardwood to be sure, but surprise outta town guests have a better shot at good tix to Bernie’s dream on Centennial Olympic Park than the Georgia men’s basketball does at winning consistently. Yes one or two players can shoot you to NCAA nirvana, but my goodness there are so many out there fightin’ for that. Folks there is a ton of established power out there that wants to and will maintain their position.

For the near/long term, it just makes sense to make Athens a gritty, old school place for the opposition to try and win.

BTW, how ‘bout Coach Richt and those Georgia Bulldogs……..hehe

By david

February 15, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

An old fieldhouse does not keep Duke from winning

By paulwesterdawg

February 15, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

we would never, ever, never ever be able to financially support a $100 million facility. nor would we ever get the money back. And even if we do DO build a new arena, we still need a world class practice facility and it isn’t clear to me that the $100 million covers that.

In reality, Steg isn’t holding the program back. It’s everything else surrounding it.

Namely the hiring and retention of coaches. We hire a great one w/ Tubby and he splits. Then we hire a moron and follow that with an an outlaw. It isn’t Steg that’s our problem.

Since 1996, football has gotten around $45 million in new facilities. With this new practice facility, the total for hoops gets up to $35 million.

All of that said….your response to the Felton vs. Damon stuff was classy. Thanks for that. Also, I actually do look forward to you asking the two of them why we’re not building a new arena at the ground breaking.

That should be a blast.

Paul Westerdawg Georgia Sports Blog http://georgiasports.blogspot.com

By Harry

February 15, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

I think if the Men’s basketball team could recruit big men and win more games that people would come more regularly to games. But right now since the team is vertically challenged it is going to be hard for them to win 20 games every year. And it would take winning 20 games every year to put more sell out more. Then, I would consider building a new arena. Give me a track to run on before you start putting your hand out.

By geechee

February 15, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

Paul is absolutely right. There is no chance of a new arena anytime soon. The new training facility shows the school is serious in backing the programs but the additional funds won’t be there. That could change once the hoops team starts winninng and filling the house on a regular basis but anything else is a crap shoot. A new arena with the same size crowds would be a huge drain on the operating expenses. I’m sure there are many winning programs in NCAA hoops with even worse facilities. The current facilities don’t seem to hinder the winning percentage of the ladies team or the Gym Dawgs.

By John Floyd

February 15, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Back in the early 60’s, Red Lawson said we could win if we had a new arena. It did not work then and I wonder if building a new arena today would make us winners. If we cannot fill a 10 thousands seat arena, how are we going to fill one of 20 thousand. However, if one is build, do not build one less than 20 thousand capacity.

By phatfilphulmer

February 15, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

the stegesaurus doesnt need to be rebuilt until the basketball team learns how to make it to a tourney not called the nit, how about build an indoor facility for the football dawgs who actually bring home the bacon after those bcs games. now there is a thought??

By Dawgamegaplex

February 15, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

The Dawg fans really packed into Stegman for the game with UT and made a ton of noise for the Dawgs drwoning out those orange hillbillies. The Dawgs played as hard as they could but could not quite pull off the major upset after pushing the overranked Vols to the limit. Felton got a look at the potential UGA fans can give. All he has to do is keep up the good work, I am sure he’ll build a first class basketball program and the fans will respond. We’ve never had a consistent winner in round ball to get the fans hooked. If Felton stays he can make it happen.

By John

February 15, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

First, it’s up to the basketball program to prove that it will win on a consistent basis. Next, it’s up to the fans to show that it will support the basketball program on a consistent basis.

The athletic department also needs to find ways to fill the new arena besides basketball, like concerts, because it will take more than basketball games to pay for the cost of a new arena.

By Mark

February 15, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

I have gotta say that Stegeman should definitely be replaced. Forget about the barn charm, finances,etc. Whether it is feasible or not, the gym is a joke and I have seen high school gyms more impressive.

By DAWGWILD

February 15, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Let’s put it this way. The football skyboxes that are only used for 6-7 games and only holds maybe 3,000 seats generates more revenue than the men’s basketball program.

If UGA would pimp out the building like Maryland did (Comcast Center) then the cost would go way down. Atlanta has more Fortune 500 companies than just a handful of cities in America. It seems like we could give Coke, UPS, BellSouth, Southern Co, Aflac, Home Depot, Beazer Homes or SunTrust lifetime exclusive naming rights that could fund a large portion of the cost. With today’s low long term interest rates UGA could fund some of the cost with muni bonds. We have used this a lot in the past.

The cost is only going up so we might as well build it while the economy is strong and rates are low. Tear down Stegeman, play in the Gwinett arena for a year or two to get it built on the same site.

By Ed

February 15, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

The last news I heard was that a viable improvement of the coliseum would be $30 million, however, I would think by another couple of years it would be $40-50 million. I cannot see the Athletic Department having $100-$120 million to spend and where would they put a new building? I say spend the $30-$50 million.

By mr negative

February 15, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

UGA a BB power??? pffttttttt (coke up the nose)

By Bryan G.

February 16, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

They could really use a new home. If you build it, they will come. They: recruits/better players, coaches will stay, and fans will come to see the better team.

By sparky

February 16, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this

Please don’t ever compare Cameron Indoor Stadium to Stegeman Coliseum…that’s like comparing the Fox Theatre to an old run-down XXX movie house. Dennis Felton is a class act and a heckuva basketball coach. It’s too bad UGA will lose him as they did Tubby because most Dawg fans think basketball is a “girlie game”. The rest of the SEC “football schools”(Gators, Bama, USC, Tenn, LSU) get it.

By GW

February 16, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

Build a new gym to look like the ocean. Maybe the Dogs could hit it with the ball occasionally. Last night’s shooting vs. Kentucky was awful.

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

Sparky, are you saying that fans come out in bigger numbers if the team is doing well recently? That attendance is higher for top 20 teams than a team that won 2 conference games last year? (and picked last in the conference this year) WOW, thats amazing.

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

and Tubby only left to take his dream job at KENTUCKY, how is that some rag on the UGA program?

By Ron Roberts

February 16, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Athens-Clarke County SORELY needs an arena for large-scale concerts, ice shows, etc., as it is, so I don’t see why the city/county government AND the University of Georgia don’t come together to build an arena somewhere near the campus and downtown.

By GaGirl

February 16, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

The cost of an arena right up 316 from Athens was $65 million. That includes every peice of furniture and kicthen appliance that they put in it. That also includes a basketball court, an ice floor (which costs a lot), all of the landscaping, locker rooms for hockey and arena football players, etc. If they are already spending $30 mil, scrounge up another $35 mil and just get us a new arena. Get some sponsors to help offset the cost. Find a naming sponser that will pay $5 million to have their name on the building. Build a better facility, and you will not only have a nice place for our teams to play, but you will attract concerts and family shows. As for where to put it, they should put it right where the coliseum is now, and play at Gwinnett for a year.

By DirkDawggler

February 16, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Stegman has come a LONG way since I attended UGA. I remember walking by the adjacent stockyard and stepping through and around all kinds of farm animal manure while waiting for the North/South bus to take me to class. Of course, that was back in the day when you could park behind Stegman and Foley Field. I had not attended a Georgia basketball game since about ‘85…the year I graduated. I went to a game earlier this year and was amazed at how good Stegman looked. Back in the day, Stegman was a bleak, cavernous sarcaphagus…much like Chernobyl. Today, the lighting is great, it’s got atmosphere, and with a little bit of creativity could be even more special. Why not create a sunken floor? Make it a “pit.” No way can the school justify $100 million on a new arena (that will end up costing more with the cost overruns that always happen.) Just keep a good coach and start locking down the state borders, Georgia will become a power. There is not a bad seat in the house at Stegman.

By gator the dog catcher

February 16, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, Kentucky didn’t beat you last night, Rupp Arena did. Give me a break! If they built UGAY a new gym it would scare people enough that you might win some games!!! Why would you build a new gym when you can’t even fill the one you have? Coach Sinbad just needs to quit his whining.

By Bill King

February 16, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

For the opposite opinion to what Chip says about replacing Stegeman, check the Junkyard Blawg.

By Bulldawg4life

February 16, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

At the end of the day, we are a Football school FIRST.

During my UGA tenure between 1993 & 1997, I witnessed that first hand and frankly, I am not bothered too much by it. MOST schools pour more dedication into football or Basketball (not both) but it’s very hard to maintain high levels for both—-I hate to admit it (Because I hate the school) but Florida the last ten years has been one of the few major schools that has been successful in both sports. That’s very tough to maintain. Look at USC in Football or Duke or UConn in Basketball…none of them are good at the other sports. (in the vein of USC, Texas is one of a handful of schools like Florida that has managed to pull off consistent success in both sports).

That said, there’s no reason to spend the money on a new arena…right NOW.

If Coach Felton sticks with the program a while and it’s established that Felton/Evans provide hoops with long term stability (and considering how young both are as well as Mark Richt, that bodes well for the future in the big money sports) I think Felton will eventually land some studs here and then we can start consistently winning and filling up Stegemen.

It does take time, especially after Mr. Harrick singlehandedly humiliated and brought down our proud University. There needs to be a restraining order against that slimebag from coming within fifty feet of Athens EVER again.

But with Coach Felton, you have a young, smart, up & coming coach and I think over time, he can turn us into a consistent and established program.

And let’s face it, with hoops, we can afford to be more patient. Mark Richt does not have that luxury. If he ever has more then one down year in a row, he’s out of a job and frankly, I would understand that. The Dawgs football program has to be maintained as a Top 10, Top 20 program just about every year. (and I think Coach Richt will do that).

By Ron Roberts

February 16, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

By the way, for the record, I don’t necessarily AGREE that UGA needs a new basketball arena, I’m just saying that if the Athens-Clarke County metro area needs an indoor venue (and there are those that say the area could support one, getting some good concerts targeting college towns, some of the touring ice shows, large-scale industry conventions, etc.), and the school would make use of such a venue, then why not get Athens-Clarke to chip in upwards of $40 million towards the project, then have the University ante up the $30 million they’d be putting into Stegman’s additions, etc. and voila, ya have a state-of-the-art arena for the basketball programs, the gymnastics program, and something the city’s convention and visitor’s bureaud could definitely find uses for, as well.

But I love Stegman, think they’ve done great things to her, need to tweak her a little bit more (brighten the upper half of the arena, for one, maybe bring a little light to the ceiling, itself, (it’s an architectual marvel), and update the councourses (maybe build onto it to widen it with some updated amenities), and I think the facility would be just fine as she is.

By NVAbully

February 16, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

I graduated in Stegeman and I agree its not the best arena in the country, but with the improvements starting this spring it will be well on its way. If I rememeber right Stegman wasn’t built only for sports but for all events like rodeos and such, but now is used exclusively by the UGAA.

Coach Dooley used to say that you have to have a tempered growth when it comes to UGA. I believe that ten thousand plus would see the big gymnastic matches but for both basketball programs it would be a hard sell. While the womens program is awesome and deserves much more fan support than it receives and Coach Felton and the mens team are representing UGA nicely and deserves more fan support, until these programs can continually sell Stegman out there is no need for a new one.

If the programs begin to see an increase in attendance that can be held on campus they could do like Georgetown, “a basketball school” (at the MCI arena in DC) does and play at the large arena downtown or even in Gwinnett and it might make more for more national TV coverage that brings recruits.

By Dawg73

February 16, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

its about time that the current structure was replaced by something with modern ammenities. I do agree, Chip, that the millions that have been spent in renovating “The Barn” over the years would’ve been better spent on a first class venue. Therefore, I have a solution that may knock out a few problems at once.

1.Instead of a 30 million dollar renovation, begin construction on a building on Whitehall Road for agriculture shows, the rodeo, and other events. This could be near the equestrian center. 2.Make arrangements for UGA basketball and gymnastics to hold games and meets at Gwinnett Center. This would allow for (a)having a place to play, and (b) giving both sports easy access to the North Atlanta market, which is where most students (and dollars) come from. This would increaase interest, especially in men’s basketball because of the closer proximity (that additional 50 miles on 316 can be a big deal for some people; perception is reality). 3.Implode the existing structure and build a state of the art facility with 15000 seats, luxury boxes, and a Hall of Fame for gymnastics. Is this possible? Yes! Affordable? Yes! Just one thing…please do not bulid a stage at one end of the court (THANK YOU)

By GW

February 16, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

The Athletic Association would not have total control of a joint Clarke/UGA facility. That would not be good. While we are dreaming up farfetched ideas why don’t they just put a roof over the east end of Sanford Stadium and a court in the east endzone? Barring what the Waltons did at Arkansas happening at UGA I don’t think we’ll see a new arena in the next 20 years or so. The men’s program has to become a consistent winner and sellout the Stege every game for years first.

By gator the dog catcher

February 16, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

The next game is a sellout!!! Woops that’s the gym dogs. Sorry for the mixup.

By godawg

February 16, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Stegeman used to host a lot of events. My high school graduation (my UGA graduation was in Sanford), the rodeo every year, dog shows, and I saw the Allman Brothers there to name a few. Also knocked my younger brother unconsious playing raquetball on the courts downstairs. Good memories.

By Micael

February 16, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Damon Evans top two priorities when it comes to faculties should be getting the indoor practice facility (IPC) for football built & replacing the Stegosaurus. For the IPC they need to work on a temporary solution that would suffice for now. for example using a inflatable ‘bubble’ (as used by some teams up north) on one of the fieldturf fields or even constructing something temporary over one of those fields for now. Another option would be to build the football field part of the IPC now then construct the rest of what Richt wants incorporated into in phase’s in-between football seasons. One of the things he wants is a LARGE parking deck to enhance the game day experience, being a season ticket holder I’d say the IPC Richt wants is total win for UGA & the BullDawg Nation. I’m sure some sponsor could be sold on the value of being the reason the IPC was built, to be a little creative why not include a food court &\or shops into the parking deck to help pay for it & the IPC. As far as replacing Stegman, I agree with a lot of the other post let the Gwinnett Area be used while a new area is built on the same site, once again mainly with sponsorship dollars. However they should explore all possibilities then decide on the best option. At first the thought of partnering with Athens-Clarke County sounds like a promising option but this plan has too many future potential pitfalls especially considering having to deal with the city government. I know UGA has been acquiring land off campus that’s nearby so there could be a possibility that one of those tracts could large enough for a new arena to be built on it along with some additional parking. If one of those tracts doesn’t have enough acreage fro something on that scale then they could seek a donation of land that could be used for this & if the tract is big enough for other new facilities that might be needed be it academic or otherwise. If a new facility is built on a new site then afterwards Stegman could still used as a smaller venue for some events as is or even renovated then be used for that purpose. Many other campuses have more than one arena. There would also be the option of tearing it down so something new could be built in its place or so that the new facility that’s currently being built could be added on too. At any rate UGA needs a IPC for football & a replacement for Stegman ASAP!

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Is this really a valid discussion. No new basketball venue is going to be built any time soon. Why would they do that? It has nothing to do with success or attendance. its just not needed. A few good seasons and everyone will be in love with the “steg”.

Why the big mystery on the attendance issue lately? What am I missing. Is this really shocking that a team dead last in the league last year and near there this year isnt packing them in? Its not about love or loyalty, or the venue. Folks its sports and fans react very predictably. They turn out more if its exciting.

KY is KY. Tennessee has done better than most but look at Knoxville. Its 5 times bigger than Athens. Think that might have a bit to do with it?

Basketball isnt like football, you dont load up the family and drive to Athens for a couple of days, specially mid week , for a basketball game.

Every school suffers low attendance during bad runs. Florida had attendance in the 6-7 thousand back int the late 90s. Now with stabilities its around 10,500. (which still ranks well below top 25 in country) UGA did that during the better runs too. Its not hard to sell out smaller venues, we have plenty, just win a few. In fact prior to the fallout from Harrick, UGA was right there in the upper part of the SEC in attendance. Way down lately, but , come on!

I am going to make a strange and mysterious predictions here……UGA basketball attendance improves next year.

By GW

February 16, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

Please don’t tell me Coach Richt is even thinking about parking decks. Did I just read that?

By NVAbully

February 16, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

An IPC for the Junkyard Dawgs, when Mr. Evans was making his rounds supporting the current fundraising, he consistently stated that he didn’t fully support the IPC because you needed the elements to practice because that was where you played. He did however support an indoor facility of a lesser nature to train in to reduce the occurance of injuries when conditions were really bad. Damon appeared to leaning towards a lesser indoor practice facility not the multi-million dollar facility presented at first.

Again where is the need for a new arena? With the addition that is being built with practice facilities for gymnastics, WBB and MBB, it is going to go a long way in enhancing Stegman without destroying it.

Vanderbilt plays in that crappy arena in Nashville and always has a good crowd. Let Coach Felton build the program up and the fans will come but never to effect of Indiana, Connecticut, or Duke, but htne again you can allways get a football ticket at those institutions.

Have the UGAA and SEC increase the national TV coverage not just the regional coverage that is available now and recruits would be more likley to sign no matter what arena the game is played.

By Matt Price

February 16, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Some people are under the impression of “if you build it, they will come”. We have a hard time filling Stegeman except when Kentucky comes to town. Many of these fans are wearing blue. What is the purpose of building a 12,000-15,000 seat arena when we can’t fill the one we got.

There is nothing wrong with Stegeman Coliseum. It is old no doubt. However, it has just recently been renovated. There are all new red seats. Not very long ago many of the seats were wooden. They even have a huge jumbotron.

Then again “if you build it, they will come”. They meaning recruits. And “if they come, then and only then the fans will come……..

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 16, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Hey while we are at lets rip down the North campus and put in a skate board park. All the trees could be used for the ramps. There are plenty of top basketball teams playing in old facilities. Embrace the place. Renovate but don’t hate.

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 16, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Don’t look for college basketball programs to thrive in todays market place anyway. The NBA by raising the age limit just put dozens of kids into college (where they don’t want to be in the first place) that are going to leave as soon as they reach the minimum age. So you’ll see kids one maybe two in the program if they are of NBA caliber.

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

did they raise or lower the age?

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 16, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

they raised it. not sure if it is 19 0r 20 now. just enough to make the kids have to go somewhere to keep their game at a high level. i say just let them go to the NBA and have a rip at.

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

I asked that wrong. I meant did they agree to do that? did that pass?

By R.DANKO

February 16, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Plain and simple folks, the Dawgs need a NEW hoops facility. If we cannot afford it…. How ‘bout a fundraising drive. Aint no reason why TEXAS can have top team in football and hoops or better yet use our rival FLA GATORS as an example… Quit making excuses and overanalizing the situation ala the VP Cheney quayle hunting accident.lets demolish Stegman and build a new House with new Winning Tradition. GO DAWGS

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

Looks like it did at 19, man was that hard to find info on. Prabably great for prep schools. Not sure that changes a lot in D1 college ranks. Doesnt change the guys going early and I think coaches take all that into consideration while giving out scholarships. If they are that good to leave after one year they could now. Plus how many players are we talking that this affects?

Plus future NBA players cant hurt recruiting of other longer term players. Would have luved to have had Williams for one good year , just for the exposure.

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

How is Fl an example?

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Uf had attendance of 6/7 thousand in Billys first couple of years when he failed to win half his games. If fact it took sweet 16 and runner up NCAA in late 90’s before the attendance starting increasing. They average a lil over 10,000 now with a top 10 team. We were doing a couple of year back. We will again.

They play in a arena built in 1980, renovated recently.

So what are we to learn from our rivals R.Danko?

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

And Fl hadn’t been top 10 in football…I cant remember.

By Nate

February 16, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!

By AltamahaDawg

February 16, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Texas plays in an arena built in late 70’s, recently renovated. Whats your point?

By Ron Roberts

February 16, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

When was Cameron Indoor Coliseum built?

When was Assembly Hall built at IU?

Florida’s a bad example, as that building’s now 26 years old.

It’s about the product on the court, folks, not the product around the court. Recruits don’t seem to mind the rickety old Duke basketball facility. They seem to notice the stability at the head coaching position, the rabid fan base, and the legacy of winning. We can’t “invent” a legacy til we have some winning history, but we can sure do our best to make sure Felton’s A) the right guy and B)t the guy that stays here long enough to make Georgia a basketball power CONSISTENTLY!

I spoke earlier about a joint venture between the University and Athens-Clarke County, and somebody mentioned the UGAA wouldn’t go for it since they wouldn’t have complete control over the venue.

We only need look to North Carolina State University, where they share a massive arena (it is basketball country, there) with an NHL hockey team. The arena’s used for mens’ & women’s college basketball, NHL hockey and concerts, trade shows, etc.

Again, I’m not advocating such a venture, but if both sides saw the necessity (and both sides could argue such a need), that’s one way of accomplishing the task.

But I’m in the “leave Stegman and upgrade it” camp. Build wider concourses and upgrade the upper section lighting, as well as the roof (show it off… it’s an architectual marvel, and TV loves that!) and Stegman’s as good as any venue. Then, let Felton keep the quality players coming in, keep building the program up and competing at a high level, and the fans (even the fairweather ones) will show up and claim they were there all along.

Ya know… like Braves fans do.

By Josh

February 16, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

The Dawgs should not play in Gwinnett… even if for only one season. What’s so great about the Steg is it’s right on campus; an easy place for students to get to. The key to helping the team is to pack the place with students… plaing in Gwinnett would not help that at all. Besides the Steg has a nice atmosphere to it, ESPECIALLY when you can get the almost 11,000 in there. Renovate, but don’t replace it yet.

By redlawson

February 16, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

iz jawja still playing in that barn…i liked the old one better…adolph didn’t like it/especially when it rained and he had to bring his share of buckets….N.I.T. hugh followed up the cow shows with one of his on