The realistic way to increase RAC capacity to the 10,000 range is;
1) Add temporary bleachers in the corners and on concourse above section 118;
2) Convert section 118 and the student section into
safe standing and
rail seats;
3) Shrink the width of the scorers' table and shift the team benches deep into the baselines. Add floor seats. These will be the most premium seats in the building. The Knicks and other NBA teams do it this way.
4) Throw plans for 200 level premium seating into the garbage.
This plan would:
1) Cost in the 7 figures versus a major renovation or new arena in the 9 figures, lowering the financing hurdle which has been an insurmountable obstacle to a renovation;
2) Increase capacity, a higher priority for the fanbase than premium seating, evidenced by the debacle of section 118 and reaction to Pat's premium seating survey and focus group feedback;
3) Be buildable quickly and with minimal disruption to arena activities; and
4) Enhance the game experience by bringing more true Rutgers basketball fans into the arena.
Thoughts on premium seating:
1) Fifteen years ago, Pernetti hired Populous who created a
renovation plan featuring premium seating. That plan went nowhere.
2) Fast forward to 2020. Hobbs
hired AECOM to design a facilities master plan. Although this plan has not been released, the RAC component pushed by Hobbs featured premium seating. Based on
reaction on TKR forums, the fanbase hated it.
3) Where would the demand for RAC premium seating come from? Section 118 does not seem to be overflowing. People traveling to the RAC on a winter weekday night are going to see college basketball, not show off and network in premium seating boxes.
4) The most premium seats at basketball games - NBA and college - are the floor seats, not the luxury boxes.
