Post by Free Agent Fan on Feb 1, 2007 16:08:14 GMT -5
This mentions the Otters, but we play there too
Will Tullio Arena get upgrades?
Published: February 01. 2007 7:00AM
Not all rebuilding efforts around Tullio Arena have proceeded forward as quickly as necessary.
The Erie Otters are heading in the right direction, despite their record. But for the arena they call home, the major renovations needed to make it among the OHL's elite again remains largely undone.
But could that change in the next few weeks?
A year-long architectural analysis of the 24-year-old arena, commissioned by the Erie County Convention Center Authority, appears near completion. Presentations could begin in a couple of weeks.
On paper, the improvements "could change the entire look of the facility," said Ross Rectenwald, of Rectenwald Buehler Architects Inc. in Erie, which has developed a more specific picture of what many have waited long to see. Private suites, restaurant, a picturesque plaza outside, horseshoe-style seating inside - the arena would have many of the amenities that keep bringing fans back.
"I'll believe it when I see it," said Ron Sertz, Otters co-owner and director of operations, "only because I've heard it all before. It's an old song that's wearing a little thin."
In August 2002, the Convention Center Authority unveiled the Erie Entertainment District Master Plan, a detailed look at proposed improvements to the arena, Jerry Uht Park, the Warner Theatre and Bayfront Convention Center.
Since, Sertz said, "The one that's on the outside looking in is the arena."
Improvements valued at more than $3 million have occurred in the past decade, most recently the $361,000 center-ice scoreboard that debuted this season. Casey Wells, the authority's executive director, envisions an accelerated step-by-step approach for remodeling.
Meanwhile, another chance to bid for a Memorial Cup passes by, Sertz said.
Today is the deadline for OHL clubs to announce their intent to bid for the CHL's 2008 championship tournament. According to published reports, Kingston, London, Oshawa and Saginaw will vie for the honor. Only Saginaw does not have a new arena or plans for a new facility, and the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Mich., hosted the OHL All-Star Classic on Wednesday.
In the past decade, Tullio Arena has fallen from the top five to the bottom five in the league. Its deficiencies hurt the Otters' chance of hosting the 2005 Memorial Cup, which took place in London's John Labatt Centre, a state-of-the-art, 9,100-seat arena. Without renovations, the Otters will continue to lose out on these events, Sertz said.
Yet, Wells remains optimistic. He has no choice.
"We've got to reinvest in our facilities to remain competitive and keep our teams and keep our touring events coming," he said. "If you stand still, you're falling behind."
VICTOR FERNANDES can be reached at 870-1716 or by e-mail at victor.fernandes@ timesnews.com.
Will Tullio Arena get upgrades?
Published: February 01. 2007 7:00AM
Not all rebuilding efforts around Tullio Arena have proceeded forward as quickly as necessary.
The Erie Otters are heading in the right direction, despite their record. But for the arena they call home, the major renovations needed to make it among the OHL's elite again remains largely undone.
But could that change in the next few weeks?
A year-long architectural analysis of the 24-year-old arena, commissioned by the Erie County Convention Center Authority, appears near completion. Presentations could begin in a couple of weeks.
On paper, the improvements "could change the entire look of the facility," said Ross Rectenwald, of Rectenwald Buehler Architects Inc. in Erie, which has developed a more specific picture of what many have waited long to see. Private suites, restaurant, a picturesque plaza outside, horseshoe-style seating inside - the arena would have many of the amenities that keep bringing fans back.
"I'll believe it when I see it," said Ron Sertz, Otters co-owner and director of operations, "only because I've heard it all before. It's an old song that's wearing a little thin."
In August 2002, the Convention Center Authority unveiled the Erie Entertainment District Master Plan, a detailed look at proposed improvements to the arena, Jerry Uht Park, the Warner Theatre and Bayfront Convention Center.
Since, Sertz said, "The one that's on the outside looking in is the arena."
Improvements valued at more than $3 million have occurred in the past decade, most recently the $361,000 center-ice scoreboard that debuted this season. Casey Wells, the authority's executive director, envisions an accelerated step-by-step approach for remodeling.
Meanwhile, another chance to bid for a Memorial Cup passes by, Sertz said.
Today is the deadline for OHL clubs to announce their intent to bid for the CHL's 2008 championship tournament. According to published reports, Kingston, London, Oshawa and Saginaw will vie for the honor. Only Saginaw does not have a new arena or plans for a new facility, and the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Mich., hosted the OHL All-Star Classic on Wednesday.
In the past decade, Tullio Arena has fallen from the top five to the bottom five in the league. Its deficiencies hurt the Otters' chance of hosting the 2005 Memorial Cup, which took place in London's John Labatt Centre, a state-of-the-art, 9,100-seat arena. Without renovations, the Otters will continue to lose out on these events, Sertz said.
Yet, Wells remains optimistic. He has no choice.
"We've got to reinvest in our facilities to remain competitive and keep our teams and keep our touring events coming," he said. "If you stand still, you're falling behind."
VICTOR FERNANDES can be reached at 870-1716 or by e-mail at victor.fernandes@ timesnews.com.
