I think Barclays Arena would be a small enough seating arrangement and would work for the Rangers affiliate. Even as a Devils fan, it's hard to ignore that the Rangers fan base is pretty big and I'm sure a good amount of fans will go see a game because it is so close to the Rangers actual fan base, although CT has a good amount of Rangers fans.
Just a curiousity, but could Louis Brown Atheltic Center, Rutgers arena for basketball, by any chance make ice? Don't know how compatible that arena would be as an ice hockey arena, but if it could even do maybe 6.5-7k (right now it holds 8k for basketball, it could work. Although I did go there one time, I'm not too sure hockey would fit.
I will say I really believe the Devils should advocate for a 7-9k arena to be built in mid-state NJ, like around Woodbridge. I believe there was some sort of a proposal to build something around exit 120 on the parkway or close by to build a housing development and a 8k arena fit for hockey and/or basketball. Would be practically right in the middle of the Devils fan base and would be a lot better of a draw then Albany or Lowell.
I will say I really believe the Devils should advocate for a 7-9k arena to be built in mid-state NJ, like around Woodbridge. I believe there was some sort of a proposal to build something around exit 120 on the parkway or close by to build a housing development and a 8k arena fit for hockey and/or basketball. Would be practically right in the middle of the Devils fan base and would be a lot better of a draw then Albany or Lowell.
I have yet to see any evidence that the Devils care about drawing at the AHL level (or ECHL level for that matter). Their level of marketing in both Lowell and Albany is probably the lowest of all of the AHL teams that I have witnessed.
For an AHL team in Greater New York, if the Izod Center still has an ice plant, that would be a potential landing spot for the Rangers' AHL team; their lease on the XL Center expires after the current AHL season, and MSG lost the contract to operate that arena to Anschutz. I cannot see AHL hockey at Barclays, whereas the NJSEA actually needs to fill dates to justify not imploding the Izod Center, for when the MSG renovations are complete, the Izod Center will be sorely outdated.
Last edited by aemoreira1981: 09-17-2012 at 11:54 PM.
Just a curiousity, but could Louis Brown Atheltic Center, Rutgers arena for basketball, by any chance make ice? Don't know how compatible that arena would be as an ice hockey arena, but if it could even do maybe 6.5-7k (right now it holds 8k for basketball, it could work. Although I did go there one time, I'm not too sure hockey would fit.
Never in my 20 years as student/staff/alumni have i heard of them making ice in the RAC, so i doubt they have the ability. I dont remember where the Rutgers club plays their home games. (south mountain?)
If one day they did go into Division I i would actually respond to one of their many requests for donations.
Last edited by frisland: 09-19-2012 at 09:18 AM.
Reason: typo
I could be wrong, but my understanding of mobile ice shows is that they bring their own ice plant with them so the ice is consistant for the skaters at each venue. They lay pipes on top of the concrete floor in the arena. They also bring the special effects like fog machines and extra lighting. Their ice is always smaller than the 200' x 85' standard NA rink. It would fit the info of the ice plant being removed from Izod.
Lots of incorrect info there. They usually play arenas that have ice already. They do need "different" ice, but generally just lay another layer on top of the hockey ice, paint it white, and then put another layer over that to achieve the necessary thickness, softness, and look. When the show is over the building crew dry scrapes with the zamboni back down to the original thickness.
I'm not saying no ice show ever uses a mobile ice plant, but it isn't the standard procedure for most of them.
Wasn't the Baraclays Center rumored to be a possible new location for the Islanders?
Ratner's trying to woo Wang, get the isles to Barclays.
Wang would rather be the #1 tenant in his own building, not the #2 tenant in another building.
After touring Barclay's, Bettman told the press it's now an option.
Wouldn't happen here - the NHL has no interest in Brooklyn for anything more than the occasional pre-season game, and based on the way they configured the place, the feeling is mutual.
This looks a little silly in hindsight
(no offense, Rumblick -- I just thought it was funny)
But seriously, demolition's probably more likely long-term. Not thinking that any AHL team will move, rent will probably too much for ECHL and junior, and I doubt that anyone else is really interested.
Wouldn't happen here - the NHL has no interest in Brooklyn for anything more than the occasional pre-season game, and based on the way they configured the place, the feeling is mutual. Any AHL team that might come in here would be the secondary tenant to the Nets (though they might very well outdraw them )
Quote:
Originally Posted by _Del_
This looks a little silly in hindsight
(no offense, Rumblick -- I just thought it was funny)
AHL is like minor league baseball teams (e.g. Camden RiverSharks in Camden, NJ). it's meant for areas with little or no competition of sports, meaning areas where people would normally have to drive hours for the same entertainment... If there are arenas in those areas (which in most cases, since the AHL only averages 9-10k per game), they are most likely able to be filled.
That being said, IZOD is a horrible, horrible arena. Everything about it is completely outdated.
Newark is NOT a hockey market. The only reason the devils moved there is because of mass transit and easier access from NYC... Not to mention the fact that IZOD center SUCKS major peepee...
Brooklyn is NOW a hockey market, and that being said, no... AHL will not occupy it, since the Islanders just announced there moving-in to the building
Nassau County is dead in the water. Won't be surprised to see that building destroyed in the coming years...
Again, that leaves only a few small arenas in non-metropolitan areas of NJ/NY... And those arenas are either too far, or two small for most people to travel.
Lastly, Hockey is a niche sport... These are not locations for niche sports to nip fans out of a dead pond... these people care about baseball and football.. not hockey.
So no, there will never be an AHL team less than an hour outside of Northern NJ... Which is fine. I have no problem driving 1.25 hours from Northern NJ to Bridgeport Connecticut whenever the Whale plays the Soundtigers
But seriously, demolition's probably more likely long-term. Not thinking that any AHL team will move, rent will probably too much for ECHL and junior, and I doubt that anyone else is really interested.
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