$44M to be invested in BGSU facilities

Toledo Business Journal, May 2008

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is moving forward on plans for $8 million in renovations to its ice arena as well as construction of a $36 million convocation center - called the Stroh Center. The school is currently in the process of naming an architect for the two projects; the ice arena project is expected to begin in the summer of 2009 and the convocation center will likely begin in 2010 withcompletion in 2012.

The ice arena and convocation center will be funded through a combination of debt service and private gift support. The private goals for the two facilities are $4 million and $14 million for the ice arena and Stroh Center, respectively.

Initially, BGSU considered building a multi-purpose facility to support both hockey and basketball. However, one facility to meet athletic, recreational sports, and community needs would cost more than $90 million, according to the school.

Another option was a conversion arena that would support basketball and volleyball; the hockey team would compete in the new facility and practice in the ice arena. But, it was decided that, due to-the cost of operating and maintaining two ice facilities and the challenge of scheduling the use of the facility, the conversion arena was not the best option for BGSU.

Ice Arena

The ice arena renovation will address three separate areas: infrastructure needs, cosmetic improvements, fan / community amenities, and varsity team needs.

Once the architect is selected and has the opportunity to complete an analysis of priorities and costs, an exact list of improvements will be finalized. An initial list of priorities includes: replacement of the refrigeration system and all mechanical elements tied to the system, repair of the roof and building insulation, repairs to the ice plant, clean-up of the facility exterior, improvements to the landscaping, repaving of the parking lot, replacement or improvement of interior lighting, renovation of existing locker areas, renovation of studio ice space into new locker rooms, conversion of the curling ice into a multi-purpose facility for skating and curling, assessment of ADAaccess shortcomings, painting of the ceiling, improvement of seating, and updating of varsity team areas.

Additions to the ice arena may include a new scoreboard / video board, a new sound system, a hospitality lounge, a lobby / main concourse, concession areas, a media / press area, and an area that celebrates the history and tradition of the BGSU hockey program.

The ice arena is currently and will continue to be managed by Rec Sports.

Stroh Center

The Stroh Center is named after Kermit F. and Mary Lu Stroh and their family. The Strohs donated $8 million to BGSU in early March to support several initiatives. Approximately $7.7 million will be used for construction of the convocation center. According to the school, the $8 million donation is the largest single private gift in BGSU's nearly 100-year history.

While announcing the gift in March, Kermit Stroh discussed the convocation center and explained that it is a key project and a chance for BGSU to move beyond its current basketball facility, Anderson Arena. "Anderson Arena is a great venue with wonderful memories, but now is the time for the university to move ahead," he stated. "Our family decided we'd like to lead the charge in creating a new convocation center for the university."

The Stroh Center will serve as home to the women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball programs. Depending on funds and design, a practice court for the teams may also be included. The facility will have locker rooms and meeting roomsfor each of the three teams, an office suite that houses all three programs and coaching staffs, the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame, a merchandise store, an athletic ticket office, a media / press area, and a hospitality lounge. Gymnastics and student-athlete support services will move to Anderson Arena.

An approximate capacity of 5,000 seats is the working number for the convocation center.

"The impact that the Stroh Center will have on programs such as men's andwomen's basketball and volleyball is significant also," added BGSU athletics director. Greg Christopher, at the announcement of the Strohs' gift. "As we work to advance our athletic programs, our facilities are key to recruiting and attendance. The Stroh Center will be a shining example of BGSU's commitment to quality."

Intercollegiate Athletics will coordinate the facility. Additionally, time will be available for outside events (concerts, trade shows, etc.) and high school games.