LNC update

[deejay1]

There have been "focus group" meetings the last few days in Dallas, OKC and Norman with selected season ticket holders/donors. The meetings were run by reps of the consulting firm engaged by OU. The purpose of the meetings was to get feedback from the focus groups on the viability of various scenarios regarding both LNC and the football stadium.

Regarding LNC, the consulting firm rep was careful not to tip his hand on too many specifics. However, both an LNC renovation and a new building are on the table. No matter which way it goes, it's pretty clear that the end result will be an arena with smaller capacity. Suites are one option they are looking at, as well as loge boxes (like the ones behind the baskets at Chesapeake). Of course, another option is that nothing is considered economical at the current time and things remain the same.

A survey is expected to be sent in a couple of weeks to all season ticket holders regarding the potential project.

 

[TheGimper]

I'd rather they renovate Lloyd Noble since I've been going to games there since I was in elementary school, but I'd be happy either way.

Thanks for the update.

 

[okcsooner83]

I hope they choose some season ticket holders that actually attend games. I hope either way, OU makes the fans closer to the court.

 

[thegreyghost]

They need a new arena going forward, if LNC was Allen field house I could see a renovation but it is a 1970's multi purpose cookie cutter

 

[DenverSooner]

I think the practice courts really make this difficult.

I wonder if they could build a new arena behind the existing arena and still adjoining the practice courts and locker room. There is a lot of land between the LNC and Highway 9.

I don't get building a smaller arena. If I did that, I would design it with capacity to expand. Perhaps a 10,000 seat venue with boxes and other high end amenities and some undeveloped space to add 5,000 seats. They could drop a ceiling and most people would never realize it existed unless and until they wanted to use it. Or better yet build a stadium that actually expands based on the event with a ceiling that rises and falls to expose more seating. That would be really cool but I am sure it would be very expensive.

 

[BigTime]

They need a new arena going forward, if LNC was Allen field house I could see a renovation but it is a 1970's multi purpose cookie cutter

I agree. It's now or nearly forever until its done.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

There have been "focus group" meetings the last few days in Dallas, OKC and Norman with selected season ticket holders/donors.

The key phrase here is "selected season ticket holders/donors."

To get anything done, some OU basketball fans with very large checkbooks must come forward. There is likely a lot of salesmanship going on at these "focus group" meetings.

 

[Tundrasooner]

I'd be happy with either but I think OU needs a new arena more. Something that will differentiate OU basketball and make it stand out. Luxury boxes are a must. Get those cooperations off the floor and put butts in the seats instead. luxury boxes make the money as well.
I really like what Virginia built. That's a nice facility.

 

[CoachTalk]

Yes please!

 

[WTSooner]

I'm not one that has complained about LNC. I think it's fine, from a fan perspective. And I've heard it get plenty loud.

That said, there is no doubt a major remodel or a new facility would improve the perception of OU basketball. And while I wouldn't want to go too small, arenas like above are intriguing.

Joe C. hasn't made many mistakes in his time at OU. I trust that he and LK have a good read on the pulse of OU basketball as a whole, and will make a good decision on what to do in regards to a new arena.

 

[MsProudSooner]

I think the practice courts really make this difficult.

I wonder if they could build a new arena behind the existing arena and still adjoining the practice courts and locker room. There is a lot of land between the LNC and Highway 9.

I don't get building a smaller arena. If I did that, I would design it with capacity to expand. Perhaps a 10,000 seat venue with boxes and other high end amenities and some undeveloped space to add 5,000 seats. They could drop a ceiling and most people would never realize it existed unless and until they wanted to use it. Or better yet build a stadium that actually expands based on the event with a ceiling that rises and falls to expose more seating. That would be really cool but I am sure it would be very expensive.

Arenas like the BOK and the Chesapeake can block off part or all of the 3rd level with heavy black curtains. I'm not sure how many seats are in the third level of either arena.

 

[JBaker]

I think the practice courts really make this difficult.

I wonder if they could build a new arena behind the existing arena and still adjoining the practice courts and locker room. There is a lot of land between the LNC and Highway 9.

I don't get building a smaller arena. If I did that, I would design it with capacity to expand. Perhaps a 10,000 seat venue with boxes and other high end amenities and some undeveloped space to add 5,000 seats. They could drop a ceiling and most people would never realize it existed unless and until they wanted to use it. Or better yet build a stadium that actually expands based on the event with a ceiling that rises and falls to expose more seating. That would be really cool but I am sure it would be very expensive.

I think 10,000 with the ability to expand to 15,000 is still too big. We only average in the high 8,000s in reported attendance, and you know those numbers are inflated. We need to create a sense of scarcity for seats to increase demand. In terms of perception, selling out an 8,000 seat stadium seems better than selling 8,200 seats of a 12,000 seat stadium.

I really like that Virginia arena that was posted above. That's what we need. But with not nearly as many seats. Seats right on top of the court. Boxes so that big donors don't leave massive swaths of empty seats for every game but KU, OSU, and UT. I think we need 9,500 or so seats at most.

Right now, when you watch the games on TV, all the lower-level donor seats are empty, and all the actual fans in attendance are in the upper area. So even when there are a some people there, the place looks empty on TV, because you only see the empty seats around the floor.

 

[DenverSooner]

They should include a lounge that sells beer, wine, mixed drinks and nicer food. If they are worried about people getting too drunk, they could limit access to season ticket holders (eliminates students) and/or donors. They could also stop selling at the 10 minute mark of the 2nd half. I know Boren probably won't like this but we are not all teetotalers and we need to attack fans to the basketball games. If they are super worried they could limit drink sales to pre-game, and 5 minutes of either side of the half time.

In that picture you posted the lounge could be behind the visible baseline with huge windows so you could watch live as well as multiple big screens in the lounge.

 

[BoulderSooner]

I think 10,000 with the ability to expand to 15,000 is still too big. We only average in the high 8,000s in reported attendance, and you know those numbers are inflated. We need to create a sense of scarcity for seats to increase demand. In terms of perception, selling out an 8,000 seat stadium seems better than selling 8,200 seats of a 12,000 seat stadium.

I really like that Virginia arena that was posted above. That's what we need. But with not nearly as many seats. Seats right on top of the court. Boxes so that big donors don't leave massive swaths of empty seats for every game but KU, OSU, and UT. I think we need 9,500 or so seats at most.

Right now, when you watch the games on TV, all the lower-level donor seats are empty, and all the actual fans in attendance are in the upper area. So even when there are a some people there, the place looks empty on TV, because you only see the empty seats around the floor.

there were over 9000 tickets sold in the first 2 home games ... over 10k will be sold for every conf game ... we do not need a smaller arena

 

[BoulderSooner]

They should include a lounge that sells beer, wine, mixed drinks and nicer food. If they are worried about people getting too drunk, they could limit access to season ticket holders (eliminates students) and/or donors. They could also stop selling at the 10 minute mark of the 2nd half. I know Boren probably won't like this but we are not all teetotalers and we need to attack fans to the basketball games. If they are super worried they could limit drink sales to pre-game, and 5 minutes of either side of the half time.

In that picture you posted the lounge could be behind the visible baseline with huge windows so you could watch live as well as multiple big screens in the lounge.

they already started selling beer at the donor pregame event last season ..

the OU food and beverage director was hoping to have it open during half time for donors this season .. (the first pregame basketball deal is in dec so we will see)

 

[WTSooner]

there were over 9000 tickets sold in the first 2 home games ... over 10k will be sold for every conf game ... we do not need a smaller arena

Agreed. They always sell more than that are used. OU needs to find that line where they aren't leaving money on the table, just to have an arena that "looks" fuller.

 

[JBaker]

there were over 9000 tickets sold in the first 2 home games ... over 10k will be sold for every conf game ... we do not need a smaller arena

9,000 tickets sold and 2,000 in attendance doesn't help the team, recruiting, or national perception. Most of those tickets were probably sold to people who bought them to get better football seats.

 

[boksooner]

9,000 tickets sold and 2,000 in attendance doesn't help the team, recruiting, or national perception. Most of those tickets were probably sold to people who bought them to get better football seats.

That may be true, but I can't see the athletic department leaving free money on the table, just to make the arena look more full.

 

[BoulderSooner]

Agreed. They always sell more than that are used. OU needs to find that line where they aren't leaving money on the table, just to have an arena that "looks" fuller.

OU needs revenue generators .. and fan experience improvements (i think basketball is enough but 6k unused tickets speaks volumes)



i think a LNC full renovation is the right way to go ..

keep between 11 and 13k seats
reconfigure the seats into a rectangle pattern ...

add 8-16 suites at the top of the lower level ..

add lodge boxes from just behind the media all the way up behind the basket

add a bunker bar in the tunnel for the court side/ first 4-5 rows ..


this would be my plan ...

 

[BoulderSooner]

9,000 tickets sold and 2,000 in attendance doesn't help the team, recruiting, or national perception. Most of those tickets were probably sold to people who bought them to get better football seats.

again that is a myth .. buying basketball seats gives you 1 extra priority point

the same as buying tennis tickets or soccer ..

people buy the tickets so they can have easy access to the "big" games ..