Why Replace The Coliseum??

[Mountaineer Steve]

And just because something is old doesn't mean it has any redeeming character, either. The Coliseum certainly reflects a bygone era of architecture. Whether that's good or not is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

I love the Coliseum from the outside and love the site views of the court from everywhere. Obviously the concourses and bathrooms are a disgrace. It should be very interesting to see how they use the extra space from vacated departments. Hopefully they will do something that makes the venue relevant for years to come and not do something cheap that needs updated 10 years from now.

 

[michaelwalkerbr]

I love the Coliseum from the outside and love the site views of the court from everywhere. Obviously the concourses and bathrooms are a disgrace. It should be very interesting to see how they use the extra space from vacated departments. Hopefully they will do something that makes the venue relevant for years to come and not do something cheap that needs updated 10 years from now.

Based upon recent and current upgrades as well as new construction concerning football, baseball and others, I would be shocked if improvements and upgrades to the Coliseum were less than first rate. Look at the weight room, team meeting room and especially relevant is the new basketball practice facility. Between Gee, Lyons and Huggins I don't think any changes to the Coliseum will be done on the cheap.

 

[jpf578]

we'll agree to disagree. I went to the MD vs. Iowa game earlier this year, and that was probably the best atmosphere I've personally seen at a basketball game, certainly not lacking in character that day. The only comparison I can make to that would be the BE CG we played against Georgetown at MSG

I don't doubt the atmosphere was great. I'm more referring to the buildings themselves. With some money and thoughtful planning, we could have a great facility again.

 

[Darth_VadEER]

I love the Coliseum from the outside and love the site views of the court from everywhere. Obviously the concourses and bathrooms are a disgrace. It should be very interesting to see how they use the extra space from vacated departments. Hopefully they will do something that makes the venue relevant for years to come and not do something cheap that needs updated 10 years from now.

I love the building. As a student I had a few classes at the Coliseum (always thought that was cool) and of course I attended countless basketball games there, but that's just romanticizing fun times. There are people who could say the same about any other facility.

Hopefully what ever they do, they do well.

 

[steeleer]

I'd be fine with that. Someone said WVUH doesn't want that land, I think differently though.

Make no doubt. They absolutely want that land. Frankly, they will need that land to compete with the other leading tertiary care hospitals in the area. I also think their medical research brand will expand as well. Up until recently, Ruby was considered more of a primary care based training system. Most of the docs there are more focused on teaching rather than lab work. I think that will change and that kind of research requires space.

 

[Darth_VadEER]

Make no doubt. They absolutely want that land. Frankly, they will need that land to compete with the other leading tertiary care hospitals in the area. I also think their medical research brand will expand as well. Up until recently, Ruby was considered more of a primary care based training system. Most of the docs there are more focused on teaching rather than lab work. I think that will change and that kind of research requires space.

I have zero connections to WVUH/Ruby, so I'm just discussing and speculating.

However, I have had dealings with other health care systems and have witnessed them purchase any and all property adjacent and in proximity to their flagship facility as matter of practice.

 

[steeleer]

I have zero connections to WVUH/Ruby, so I'm just discussing and speculating.

However, I have had dealings with other health care systems and have witnessed them purchase any and all property adjacent and in proximity to their flagship facility as matter of practice.

I have some connections there still. No speculation. The problem is that there is no cheap/easy solution. Essentially it won't happen until they can show that the cost of doing this will be offset by increased revenue from any Ruby expansion (research $$ and increased beds).

 

[michaelwalkerbr]

I have some connections there still. No speculation. The problem is that there is no cheap/easy solution. Essentially it won't happen until they can show that the cost of doing this will be offset by increased revenue from any Ruby expansion (research $$ and increased beds).

Allow me to interject from a layman's point of view. This may sound insensitive, but WVU has two 'cash cows' in very close proximity that both inherently require expansion for whatever reasons. The chances of the new and remodeled football facilities being torn down are very slim. There were bonds issued to accomplish a great deal of this construction giving it hands off status until those debts are retired.

The current construction projects will not even be finished until 2017 and by then someone in power is going to notice the press box is way outdated and needs replaced. I'm not saying the needs of a hospital do not trump the wants of a football stadium. But let's travel South to Charleston and observe the resolution of a similar dilemma. Charleston Area Medical Center continues to expand into a virtual medical Disneyworld, especially the Memorial Division in Kanawha City.

However, there are neighborhoods on both sides and behind the hospital that are politically untouchable. That's just the way it is. So the hospital has added wings and built upward. They have also constructed substantial facilities in nearby areas. I expect the stadium to remain intact and the hospital to expand, just not towards the stadium. It is the surrounding businesses and homeowners that should be nervous. JMHO.

 

[steeleer]

Allow me to interject from a layman's point of view. This may sound insensitive, but WVU has two 'cash cows' in very close proximity that both inherently require expansion for whatever reasons. The chances of the new and remodeled football facilities being torn down are very slim. There were bonds issued to accomplish a great deal of this construction giving it hands off status until those debts are retired.

The current construction projects will not even be finished until 2017 and by then someone in power is going to notice the press box is way outdated and needs replaced. I'm not saying the needs of a hospital do not trump the wants of a football stadium. But let's travel South to Charleston and observe the resolution of a similar dilemma. Charleston Area Medical Center continues to expand into a virtual medical Disneyworld, especially the Memorial Division in Kanawha City.

However, there are neighborhoods on both sides and behind the hospital that are politically untouchable. That's just the way it is. So the hospital has added wings and built upward. They have also constructed substantial facilities in nearby areas. I expect the stadium to remain intact and the hospital to expand, just not towards the stadium. It is the surrounding businesses and homeowners that should be nervous. JMHO.

I agree the expenses spent of the stadium have kept the status quo for another 10 years. Ruby might have to look at the Medical School building as potential expansion until that time happens.

At that time, we should be in great shape financially as a football program and it will be time to build a new stadium. Ruby benefits with better parking and more clinical space, A win-win. Personally, I don't see it happening any sooner than that.

 

[michaelwalkerbr]

I agree the expenses spent of the stadium have kept the status quo for another 10 years. Ruby might have to look at the Medical School building as potential expansion until that time happens.

At that time, we should be in great shape financially as a football program and it will be time to build a new stadium. Ruby benefits with better parking and more clinical space, A win-win. Personally, I don't see it happening any sooner than that.

I can't argue with that.

 

[Mountaineer Steve]

Allow me to interject from a layman's point of view. This may sound insensitive, but WVU has two 'cash cows' in very close proximity that both inherently require expansion for whatever reasons. The chances of the new and remodeled football facilities being torn down are very slim. There were bonds issued to accomplish a great deal of this construction giving it hands off status until those debts are retired.

The current construction projects will not even be finished until 2017 and by then someone in power is going to notice the press box is way outdated and needs replaced. I'm not saying the needs of a hospital do not trump the wants of a football stadium. But let's travel South to Charleston and observe the resolution of a similar dilemma. Charleston Area Medical Center continues to expand into a virtual medical Disneyworld, especially the Memorial Division in Kanawha City.

However, there are neighborhoods on both sides and behind the hospital that are politically untouchable. That's just the way it is. So the hospital has added wings and built upward. They have also constructed substantial facilities in nearby areas. I expect the stadium to remain intact and the hospital to expand, just not towards the stadium. It is the surrounding businesses and homeowners that should be nervous. JMHO.

You are correct, a new stadium is not in the works for minimum 15-20 years down the road. I just want to see it in my lifetime.

 

[michaelwalkerbr]

I believe you will, Steve. I just don't believe it will be in mine. And I'm good with that, as long as the improvements continue to be first class.