UCF Stadium Opening in 2006 in Jeopardy

[DawgPound]

The Convocation Center is part of the athletic village plan.  I believe all the permits are in place and they are nearing the ground breaking.  Part of the problem is that they need to finish the street with the new dorm and garage before starting on the new convo center because the driveway in front of the arena will be gone permanently.

[Hoops_McKnight]

Here's what I'm hearing on the Convo Center:

First, the developers want more of the reliable revenue producing components of the complex (dorms/retail) in place or underway prior to beginning construction of the Convo Center.  

Second (and in large part due to the above), the financing package has not been finalized yet.  The current schedule is to have that in place and groundbreaking this summer (that's what I'm hearing from an unofficial source).

Three, steel and concrete prices have dropped a bit lately after production capacity has caught up to the demand spike caused by China's modernization program.

Take it for what its worth...

[CyberBull]

Here's what I'm hearing on the Convo Center:

First, the developers want more of the reliable revenue producing components of the complex (dorms/retail) in place or underway prior to beginning construction of the Convo Center.  

Second (and in large part due to the above), the financing package has not been finalized yet.  The current schedule is to have that in place and groundbreaking this summer (that's what I'm hearing from an unofficial source).

Three, steel and concrete prices have dropped a bit lately after production capacity has caught up to the demand spike caused by China's modernization program.

Take it for what its worth...

If you had to pick one project: which would you choose and why?

[USFMikeB]

It makes more sense to wait until 2007 anyways, so that the construction schedule can be slowed down a bit to ensure quality issues.  The timetable is too aggressive, so the school would benefit in the long run by ensuring that there are no issues with the stadium.  Of course, that costs them a season's worth of revenue.  However, given that alot of the planned increase in attendance is supposed to be from students that don't pay for tickets, it isn't that big of a loss.

UCF will get its stadium and Convo Center, it just might take a little longer.

[Hoops_McKnight]

If you had to pick one project: which would you choose and why?

The "Hoops" in me wants the Convo Center because I think it'll jump start basketball recruiting and attendance, and allow us to bring in name OOC opponents more readily.  That, and Kirk deserves a break for a change.

Logic tells me the the FB stadium is more important for the revenue of entire athletic program and for the good of the campus community.

The good news is that it's almost a certainty that they'll both happen, and it's just a matter which one happens first.

[KNIGHTTIME]

If you had to pick one project: which would you choose and why?

The arena is a sure need at this point.   The stadium is a want.    The little arena has got to go.  

[DawgPound]

If you had to pick one project: which would you choose and why?

The convocation center by far.  The current arena is used for so many purposes, the new arena would be able to maximize capacity for things such as graduation and concerts/performances held there.  More seats could mean more revenue.  Plus, the higher level facility is more of an upgrade vs the arena compared to the new stadium vs the Citrus Bowl.  As it is well documented, we want to be ready for the next conference shuffle, so this takes care of our biggest hole in facilities.

[LastKnight]

The good news is that it's almost a certainty that they'll both happen, and it's just a matter which one happens first.

I believe the stadium is a 14 month project while the convocation center is a 24 month project......I would go with the stadium being done first.

[Apis Bull]

With the way construction goes, they'll probably be 20 and 30 months respectively.

[KNIGHTTIME]

Does S. Fla have room for an on campus stadium in the future?