Think Tank: Colonial Life Arena Improvements.

[uscbeckham]

Since many of us have discussed some of the shortcomings of the CLA, I am starting a thread for everyone to post ideas relative to improving the arena.

I'll start by posting my ideas with some examples of other arenas:

1) New electronics - CLA electronics are very outdated. It needs ribbon boards and a brand-new central scoreboard.

2) Brighter seats - CLA seats are not garnet. They are maroon. It makes the arena feel way too dark. A brighter shade of red/garnet similar to the baseball stadium would be a great improvement. Not to mention, the seats are almost 15 years old. It's time.

3) Cup holders - Tired of storing your drink underneath you? Tired of your wife's purse or your shoes getting soaked and sticky because some twerp on row whatever spilled his Coke? Put in cup holders. This isn't 1970. A venue with chair seats and no cup holders is inexcusable.

4) Concourse improvements - I doubt that USC can build an elevated upper concourse, but as wide as the existing concourse is, I'm not sure it is necessary. It does need a facelift. We need better flooring and some other cosmetic improvements. Maybe even a dedicated team store.

5) Better exterior - Let's face it. The exterior, atrium/entrances aside is very boring. This can be solved with some small improvments along Greene Street and Lincoln Street. Maybe some signage or an extended façade.


Scoreboards:

Seats:

Cup holders:

Concourse:

http://www.jackporterdesign.com/work/texas-am-university-reed-arena/

Exterior:

 

[coolcock2001]

It would be cool if they could have at least one restaurant in the concourse that is "local" and offers higher quality food. Agree that exterior/concourses could look better. The other things you posted are pretty negligble to me; would be improvements no doubt but not sure if their payoff is worth the time/money/hassle currently

 

[martwing]

Here's one that should be easy to fix.
Illuminate or somehow make the row numbers easier to see/read. I am past frustrated with people blocking the view of the court while they float around in the aisle trying to find their row. Not really their fault...I am sure they are frustrated too. You almost have to bend over double to see the numbers. Most of us that are familiar with the CLA don't have a problem, but with all the new attendees, it becomes an issue. Should be easily resolved.

 

[DirtyCock99]

It would be cool if they could have at least one restaurant in the concourse that is "local" and offers higher quality food. Agree that exterior/concourses could look better. The other things you posted are pretty negligble to me; would be improvements no doubt but not sure if their payoff is worth the time/money/hassle currently

Turn kiki's into a sit down venue. It's not fun trying to cram chicken and waffles down in the middle of the concourse traffic.

 

[uscbeckham]

It would be cool if they could have at least one restaurant in the concourse that is "local" and offers higher quality food. Agree that exterior/concourses could look better. The other things you posted are pretty negligble to me; would be improvements no doubt but not sure if their payoff is worth the time/money/hassle currently

I like the idea. Maybe they could construct one where the old smoking balcony is. Extend it and enclose it.

 

[king ward]

I think I first mentioned cupholders in the other thread. They are sorely needed. Show up at your seat with anything requiring both hands to eat and you've got problems. Certainly we should have state-of-the-art video. Let's face it, we built a basketball arena trying to attract recruits and demonstrate relevance with size alone, size that we have seldom needed. But it was done on the cheap, and the cheapness is glaring now. No cupholders is as cheap as it gets.

 

[uscgamecock-1]

Please get a good designated student section or eliminate behind the goal.

 

[uscgamecock-1]

Question is will tanner make the improvements?

 

[king ward]

Question is will tanner make the improvements?

He'll need to do it if we want to ever host the first round games in the NCAA men's tournament.

 

[BlackMagik]

Lighter color hardwood floor
Garnet and/or Black in the paint instead of the dark brown
Less "shop-light" feel lighting

 

[67gamecock]

I think I first mentioned cupholders in the other thread. They are sorely needed. Show up at your seat with anything requiring both hands to eat and you've got problems. Certainly we should have state-of-the-art video. Let's face it, we built a basketball arena trying to attract recruits and demonstrate relevance with size alone, size that we have seldom needed. But it was done on the cheap, and the cheapness is glaring now. No cupholders is as cheap as it gets.

I am hearing this plea over and over again - 'We Want Cupholders!' Geesh!

Memo to Ray: Give the masses Cupholders! At $10/seat the total cost would be <$200,000. It's well worth the cost and will pay enormous dividends in goodwill and happier fans and patrons.

 

[Cocka-Cola]

IMO, the answer is a LED ribbon board that wraps around the stadium. They look awesome and really change how the entire arena looks. A ton of colleges are putting them in and they are really cheap. It essentially pays for itself with advertising. I think its a no-brainer.

 

[Cocka-Cola]

I also wonder if part of the reason it looks so generic is because the city kicked in funds to build it and there may be restrictions on what we can do so it stays more of a multi-purpose facility.

 

[cockhornleghorn]

I also wonder if part of the reason it looks so generic is because the city kicked in funds to build it and there may be restrictions on what we can do so it stays more of a multi-purpose facility.

No, that wasn't a stipulation, it just hasn't been updated since it opened.

My top choices:

A connected practice facility and offices for MBB and WBB. The Coliseum thing is cheap. I would py for this if I won Powerball.

Rowdy alumni sections in 101, 118 and 109 where us rowdy alumni can stand up and yell without old fogeys telling us to sit down.

Ribbon Boards

Cup Holders

New, modern cladding for the exterior

Tile floors in the concourse as opposed to the vinyl we have

 

[pollo del mar]

I do really wish we could change the center-court logo, at least a little smaller and a better font.

 

[Cocka-Cola]

Have we spent anything on basketball since building the CLA? I don't count the locker rooms because I think they were a private donation.

I guess we are about to spend a fortune on FMs new contract.

 

[uscbeckham]

Have we spent anything on basketball since building the CLA? I don't count the locker rooms because I think they were a private donation.

The Frank McGuire Club was given a facelift, but that is all. It was cosmetic.

 

[uscbeckham]

I am hearing this plea over and over again - 'We Want Cupholders!' Geesh!

Memo to Ray: Give the masses Cupholders! At $10/seat the total cost would be <$200,000. It's well worth the cost and will pay enormous dividends in goodwill and happier fans and patrons.

It would only require 17,000 cup holders. The 1,000 seats in the luxury level already have cup holders.

 

[uscbeckham]

Lighter color hardwood floor
Garnet and/or Black in the paint instead of the dark brown
Less "shop-light" feel lighting

Good point on the lighting. It has been proven, time after time, that indirect lighting does a better job of improving the luminescence of a space, and it actually creates a more-expansive feel.

 

[robertfootball]

I do really wish we could change the center-court logo, at least a little smaller and a better font.

I vote for a huge gamecock with no block "C"

 

[coolcock2001]

Good call on the center court logo. My vote would be bring back the outline of the state of SC like they had in the old Coliseum. If anyone has been in Blatt PE Center you know what I'm talking about because they have the old floor in there. Bring back rolling out the garnet carpet for player intros too. I'm too young to have seen that but it sounds like it was cool and unique

 

[DirtyCock99]

Good call on the center court logo. My vote would be bring back the outline of the state of SC like they had in the old Coliseum. If anyone has been in Blatt PE Center you know what I'm talking about because they have the old floor in there. Bring back rolling out the garnet carpet for player intros too. I'm too young to have seen that but it sounds like it was cool and unique

 

[coolcock2001]

That's a fine looking court right there DirtyCock

 

[DirtyCock99]

http://data:image/jpeg;base64,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

 

[SteelSpur106]

Maybe move reporters over from behind the basket to where the lower rows of students are now and make that whole behind the basket area the student section. I don't know why, I just feel like this would make for a much more cohesive and intimidating student section

 

[uscgamecock-1]

Maybe move reporters over from behind the basket to where the lower rows of students are now and make that whole behind the basket area the student section. I don't know why, I just feel like this would make for a much more cohesive and intimidating student section

YES, I have been saying that or take the ones behind the band. Put media up there, then have a full section

 

[coolcock2001]

Maybe move reporters over from behind the basket to where the lower rows of students are now and make that whole behind the basket area the student section. I don't know why, I just feel like this would make for a much more cohesive and intimidating student section

Haha this is how it was at first and they moved the media to where they are now to give the students more sideline space. The media were pissed about it too, I remember Teddy complaining about it many times on his show. Student section is fine how it is IMO but it would be nice if the cameras filmed the game from the other side because you don't see it on tv. However, they go the full length of the court taking up one whole sideline plus have the whole corner with the band and half the area behind the basket. Plus overflow in the upper deck above that section. That is a pretty legit student section IMO

 

[vehemon]

Got this idea from a Texas A&M fan. Lazy river around Williams Brice.

 

[DirtyCock99]

Got this idea from a Texas A&M fan. Lazy river around Williams Brice.

At the Brice? Eh.

I'd sign up for one at Founders Park. Have it circle the stadium and dump into the river.

 

[gamecockengineer2011]

1. New Center Scoreboard
2. Cup Holders
3. Move the press into the upper deck out of view. No reason to have them take up premium seats
4. New center court logo, what we have now looks tacky
5. More efficient food options with actual decent food not fried crap we have now
6. Allow beer sales

 

[nyc2usc]

I can't stand the fact that there is no street-side marquee for the CLA. Heck, now that the concrete canyon is being built right outside, the casual patron or out of town fan might blow right past it without seeing it. Plus, I never know what's coming to the arena unless I go on their website.

 

[uscbeckham]

I can't stand the fact that there is no street-side marquee for the CLA. Heck, now that the concrete canyon is being built right outside, the casual patron or out of town fan might blow right past it without seeing it. Plus, I never know what's coming to the arena unless I go on their website.

If I'm not mistaken, there is a zoning restriction in that district for marquees of that sort. For that reason, the old marquee that was erected at the old Carolina Coliseum was immediately moved to Williams-Brice.

In my opinion, the marquee rule should only apply to main thoroughfares like Blossom, Huger, Assembly, and Gervais. They should also have an allowance for venues with capacities over 1,000, such as Koger Center, CLA, CMCC, and the Tin Roof Music Farm.

I wonder if the rule applies if the scroll is applied to the façade of the facility ala American Airlines Arena:

 

[SliderUSC]

Good freakin' lord. SMGDH.

 

[uscbeckham]

Good freakin' lord. SMGDH.

Elaborate.

 

[MookieBlaylock9]

I remember when fans voted on the court design when the "Colonial Center" first opened. I'm not sure why we won't do that again. It kind of ticks me off seeing our design today. How hard is it to create a good design?

 

[67gamecock]

No, that wasn't a stipulation, it just hasn't been updated since it opened.

My top choices:

A connected practice facility and offices for MBB and WBB. The Coliseum thing is cheap. I would py for this if I won Powerball.

Rowdy alumni sections in 101, 118 and 109 where us rowdy alumni can stand up and yell without old fogeys telling us to sit down.

Ribbon Boards

Cup Holders

New, modern cladding for the exterior

Tile floors in the concourse as opposed to the vinyl we have

ALL of the above - immediately AND with the approval of Dawn and Frank both of whom could give you a clear and concise answer within seconds.

 

[dccock]

Since many of us have discussed some of the shortcomings of the CLA, I am starting a thread for everyone to post ideas relative to improving the arena.

I'll start by posting my ideas with some examples of other arenas:

1) New electronics - CLA electronics are very outdated. It needs ribbon boards and a brand-new central scoreboard.

2) Brighter seats - CLA seats are not garnet. They are maroon. It makes the arena feel way too dark. A brighter shade of red/garnet similar to the baseball stadium would be a great improvement. Not to mention, the seats are almost 15 years old. It's time.

3) Cup holders - Tired of storing your drink underneath you? Tired of your wife's purse or your shoes getting soaked and sticky because some twerp on row whatever spilled his Coke? Put in cup holders. This isn't 1970. A venue with chair seats and no cup holders is inexcusable.

4) Concourse improvements - I doubt that USC can build an elevated upper concourse, but as wide as the existing concourse is, I'm not sure it is necessary. It does need a facelift. We need better flooring and some other cosmetic improvements. Maybe even a dedicated team store.

5) Better exterior - Let's face it. The exterior, atrium/entrances aside is very boring. This can be solved with some small improvments along Greene Street and Lincoln Street. Maybe some signage or an extended façade.


Scoreboards:

Seats:

Cup holders:

Concourse:

http://www.jackporterdesign.com/work/texas-am-university-reed-arena/

Exterior:

Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena has best scoreboard by far when I attended game there in Dec.

 

[Cocka-Cola]

Maybe move reporters over from behind the basket to where the lower rows of students are now and make that whole behind the basket area the student section. I don't know why, I just feel like this would make for a much more cohesive and intimidating student section

I think we need to remove the 2-3 rows in front of the student section sold as season tickets and keep the media in the front row. Then move the cameras to the other side or swap the student section and bench sides, whichever is easier. Basically copy the Cameron indoor model.

We don't make anything off of basketball tickets anyway. I have season tickets at a good location and they basically give them away compared to football ticket prices. The loss of revenue from the 2-3 rows would be well worth it.

We'll see how much Teddy complains if its like this. I think if we win consistently and put them on the floor the students will show up.

 

[uscbeckham]

Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena has best scoreboard by far when I attended game there in Dec.

Pretty good indeed:

 

[DixieCock78]

Pretty good indeed:

That is nice. Too bad we don't have Nike money.