DePaul might build an on campus arena. (Chicago, Lincoln: neighborhood, university)

[ChikidII]

Supposedly they are looking to build a basketball arena on the parking lot at Fullerton and Sheffield. Although they suck, it would be nice to have College BB of a major conference play within the city. DePaul is certainly making a lot changes to the Lincoln Park neighborhood (imo in a good way).

Thoughts?

[Aleking]

would be smart move and is long overdue

[TheYO]

I imagine having an on-campus arena would do wonders for recruiting. Hopefully better recruiting can lead to them becoming a player in the Big East.

I think it'd also increase attendance. Last season DePaul had an average attendance of 7,676, good for 67th highest in the country. That's not awful, but considering the Big East averages 11,323 as a conference, it's not too good. Also considering they are in the third largest city in the country and the Allstate Arena holds 17,500 for basketball, it's doesn't look good that they are averaging a half empty arena.

I love college basketball, but if I was a student there, I'd be hard pressed to get up to Rosemont for a game, especially on a weeknight. Something on campus would probably increase the buzz amongst students and make games the thing to do in Lincoln Park.

[ChikidII]

Originally Posted by TheYO

I imagine having an on-campus arena would do wonders for recruiting. Hopefully better recruiting can lead to them becoming a player in the Big East.

I think it'd also increase attendance. Last season DePaul had an average attendance of 7,676, good for 67th highest in the country. That's not awful, but considering the Big East averages 11,323 as a conference, it's not too good. Also considering they are in the third largest city in the country and the Allstate Arena holds 17,500 for basketball, it's doesn't look good that they are averaging a half empty arena.

I love college basketball, but if I was a student there, I'd be hard pressed to get up to Rosemont for a game, especially on a weeknight. Something on campus would probably increase the buzz amongst students and make games the thing to do in Lincoln Park.

I am an alum, and yes more students will definitely go. How could you not when the game is literally across the street from class? It will give students another reason to drink and party and then go to the game.

The Allstate Arena is horrible. It's just such a pain in the ass to get out there, and if the team isn't even good why even bother?

This would do wonders for DePaul's program, I am confident of that.

[ChiGuy2.5]

I live a block north. Where did you hear this? Just curious to see how "serious" this is...

[ChikidII]

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

I live a block north. Where did you hear this? Just curious to see how "serious" this is...

Exact location is not confirmed. Fullerton and Sheffield I imagine is the desired location, but they will have to deal with a lot of NIMBYs and it will cost a lot of $$$$, but it looks like either way it will be located somewhere in Lincoln Park.

Quite a few sources:

DePaul University Plans to Build New Basketball Arena on Fullerton and Sheffield, Pending Trustee Approval: FOX Chicago Exclusive (http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/sports/fox-chicago-exclusive-depaul-to-build-new-arena-on-fullerton-and-sheffield-20120327 - broken link)

DePaul looking to build new arena, land Chicago area stars

https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/...es/DePaul.aspx

DePaul Looking To Build New Stadium Near Lincoln Park Campus, According To Report - SB Nation Chicago

[OhAcid]

The red line is going to be nothing but a view of stadiums.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Certainly would be a key selling point for recruiting.

[reppin_the_847]

I agree that All-State Arena is a major pain in the ass to get to from Lincoln Park (esp. for those without a car). The United Center is easier to get to, but the venue is way too pricey and overbooked between the Bulls (NBA), Blackhawks (NHL), and numerous concerts that take place in the building. Does DePaul ever play at the UC? I know that a few high profile NCAA b-ball games do take place at the UC, but it's not too often.

On the other hand, the Bradley Center in Milwaukee doesn't host NHL hockey, so they are able to host both the Bucks (NBA) & Marquette (NCAA - Big East).

Originally Posted by ChikidII

I am an alum, and yes more students will definitely go. How could you not when the game is literally across the street from class? It will give students another reason to drink and party and then go to the game.

The Allstate Arena is horrible. It's just such a pain in the ass to get out there, and if the team isn't even good why even bother?

This would do wonders for DePaul's program, I am confident of that.

[edsg25]

Wouldn't parking be a major problem in Lincoln Park. Not everyone would be taking CTA. What about suburban Blue Demon fans? Dense, urban neighborhood....seems to me that location could be a nightmare.