#RenovateBlackham

[JMV JustMyView]

We have got to fix CF first, but a new Blackham should be moved to the very top of the future planning.

It would be very nice if this could be partnered with construction of a new Ag building somewhere around Scott. Because, to make Blackham THE toughest venue in the country, would require dropping the floor and extending seating all the way down to it.

Opposing teams would CRUMBLE under the pressure.

Explain dropping the floor.

[JMV JustMyView]

My apologies. That $12 million figure may have been something more specific. Might have been the initial proposal. Not sure why I remembered that way. Here is a list of what was done and costs.

What can you do with $22 million and six months? Give the Cajundome a complete makeover.

Some of the renovations are immediately seen, such as the new seats in the arena and the new coating on the arena roof.

Others are less visible but equally important, such as the upgraded fire protection system and the enhanced electrical system.

These are the renovations that took place during the Cajundome renovation closure from May to November.

1. The south lobby concession stands were renovated and upgraded to include equipment to grill and fry on site, providing an enhanced menu selection.

2. The ceiling in the south lobby was elevated from about 8 feet to 12 feet.

3. The ground-level restrooms were renovated.

4. The first-aid room was moved to the south lobby for greater visibility and access.

5. All ground-level interior doors were replaced.

6. University of Louisiana at Lafayette graphics were installed in the south lobby, upper concourse and lower concourse.

7. Graphics that tell the history of UL basketball were installed in the lower concourse.

8. A hallway was installed from the arena to the east and west ground-level restrooms to ease wait times at the south lobby restrooms.

9. Half of the retractable seating was converted to permanent seating to install portals beneath seats.

10. All seats in the arena were replaced.

11. The arena lighting system was replaced with an LED lighting system.

12. The arena sound system was upgraded.

13. The scoreboard and video screens were refurbished.

14. Extra seats were installed behind each basketball goal.

15. A new seating bowl effect was created for UL basketball games.

16. The entire interior of the arena was repainted in a black and gray theme.

17. Handrails were installed on the arena steps from the lower to the upper levels.

18. Thirty-seven TVs were installed throughout the concourse and south lobby to live broadcast arena events.

19. The basketball court was resurfaced using UL's Cypress Lake as the theme.

20. New basketball goals were installed.

21. The fire protection system was upgraded and completely replaced.

22. The electrical system was enhanced.

23. All hallway, lobby and restroom lights were replaced with an LED lighting system.

24. The basketball TV lighting system was replaced with digital LED lights that are brighter and more concentrated on the court.

25. The seating capacity for basketball games was increased by 1,000.

26. The concert seating capacity was increased by 500 to 800.

27. New signage and a wayfinding system were installed.

28. Ribbon boards were relocated from behind goals to east and west of the basketball court.

29. The arena roof and metal roof were cleaned and recoated.

30. The upper-level concession stands and restrooms will be renovated (in progress).

Here is a breakdown of how the $22,175,000 was spent.

$5 million: lower level permanent seating structure
$4 million: seating replacement
$2 million: HVAC mechanical replacements and upgrades
$1.85 million: project design, management and administration
$1.7 million: fire protection systems
$1.1 million: dome and metal roof recoating
$1 million: concession stand renovations in the south lobby
$1 million: concession stand and restroom renovations on the upper level
$975,000: signage, wayfinding, graphics
$750,000: restroom renovations on the lower level
$700,000: electrical and lighting upgrades
$650,000: arena lighting replacement
$650,000: concession equipment
$300,000: audio/visual upgrades
$300,000: painting
$200,000: handrails

After number 6 I threw up.

[RaginCajun77]

Renovating Blackham would also mean having space for cameras, production, and upgrading internet connectivity. Remember streaming isn't going anywhere. I think you'd have to do considerable renovations internally to make it work.

The property Blackham sits on is extremely valuable. I'd love to see this property used to its full potential.

[JMV JustMyView]

Renovating Blackham would also mean having space for cameras, production, and upgrading internet connectivity. Remember streaming isn't going anywhere. I think you'd have to do considerable renovations internally to make it work.

The property Blackham sits on is extremely valuable. I'd love to see this property used to its full potential.

And what is your vision for full potential?

[BabbForHeisman]

Renovating Blackham would also mean having space for cameras, production, and upgrading internet connectivity. Remember streaming isn't going anywhere. I think you'd have to do considerable renovations internally to make it work.

The property Blackham sits on is extremely valuable. I'd love to see this property used to its full potential.

Fair point, but it’s not as daunting as it used to be. Heck, you could almost do an ESPN+ quality broadcast off an iPhone haha

[CajunRage]

Just food for thought. If we want to explode as an athletic department, it's not through football. Mid majors make it in basketball. A consistent NCAA tournament program translates into $$$$ in terms of tournament money as well as exposure. Basketball is where we build. Not football or diamond sports... (and I am a baseball first and foremost fan - basketball may be my least favorite sport)

[JMV JustMyView]

Just food for thought. If we want to explode as an athletic department, it's not through football. Mid majors make it in basketball. A consistent NCAA tournament program translates into $$$$ in terms of tournament money as well as exposure. Basketball is where we build. Not football or diamond sports... (and I am a baseball first and foremost fan - basketball may be my least favorite sport)

MBB is only consistent in playing weak teams and padding Marlin resume.

[CajunRage]

MBB is only consistent in playing weak teams and padding Marlin resume.

Not saying they do it now. Building a successful program that consistently makes noise in the ncaa tourney will be the best ROI of any sport. It starts with moving on from Mr. Momentum Killer Big Fish.

Edit: An investment in Blackham could pay time and time over.

[Geaux]

I agree. You only need 3-4 premier athletes on your roster to make a deep tournament run.

Look at what the University of Houston has built over the last 10 years.

Their the top basketball program in the country and they're a G5 program.

They made a commitment to their facility and coaches.

I would love to see UL go after Kellen Sampson or Quannas White as their next MBB head coach.

[CajunVic]

We will do the BBoyd thingy and all will be alright . . .