I don't have any further information. The comment about Alumni Hall was at the tail end of an email from our program director. If I hear any more news, I'll be sure to post it here.
Thanks to eileenw for that information but our fellow alumni, Stag fans, Stag Club members and season ticket holders should be informed and updated by the University itself as to what is going on with the new arena construction. How hard is that to do? Apparently still very hard.
It’s hard to get angry the way the world Is right now. Common sense tells us there’s no way you can start a demolition project in the middle of a pandemic. Connecticut is still approaching its peak in cases and our Bridgeport hospitals are likely to be overwhelmed just like New York’s are now. People are working from home, doing their best and caring for family. We will get an official word soon I’m sure. It shouldn’t be a surprise.
Thanks to eileenw for that information but our fellow alumni, Stag fans, Stag Club members and season ticket holders should be informed and updated by the University itself as to what is going on with the new arena construction. How hard is that to do? Apparently still very hard.
Well ironically there was a brief article in the Post today concerning all the college athletic projects going on in the state, and there was a comment from Fairfield saying the work is still a go later this summer, HOWEVER there might be some problems getting the needed materials from oversees, something that Stag 74 has mentioned might be a problem.
Coronavirus impacting college athletics facility construction projects
...Fairfield University announced in September it would construct an on-campus Convocation Center to replace Alumni Hall. The 85,000 square foot venue — which will be home to the basketball programs, the volleyball team, Fairfield Prep basketball, concerts, and other events — will seat 3,500 and is scheduled to open in 2021 at a cost of $45 million. But construction has yet to begin on a building that will sit on the current site of Alumni Hall. The school has yet to delay construction plans.
“We are continuing to plan for the new Convocation Center,” Fairfield said in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the environment and the Governors moratorium on new construction which is a considerable factor for timing.” ....
UConn also has plans to build a 2,500-seat hockey arena on campus. The project was set to be completed in the fall of 2022, with construction starting in this fall. An environmental impact public meeting had been scheduled for last Friday, but was moved to April 8 and will be conducted remotely. It’s also unclear if the project — as well as Fairfield’s Convocation Center project — will be impacted by a shortage of materials because of supply chain challenges associated with the international pandemic.
Maybe Alumni Hall rose from the dead on Easter and will be with us another year?
Well I must say that thought has also crossed my mind. OTOH maybe playing at the arena next season would make more sense anyway (assuming there are games and spectators are allowed) because the 6' social distance would surely be easy to enforce without severely hindering a great view of the court for everyone there. Long way to go though before any plans can be announced.
Heard Prep is expecting to host its annual holiday tournament at Alumni in 2020. Maybe a decision on delaying construction has been made. A very challenging time to be running a college.
Post by naplesstag on Apr 29, 2020 11:10:55 GMT -5
They should start as soon as medically(safety)possible,as soon as it is safe for workers to begin,otherwise there will be issues or reasons to delay at every point.
Last Edit: Apr 29, 2020 11:11:14 GMT -5 by naplesstag
They should start as soon as medically(safety)possible,as soon as it is safe for workers to begin,otherwise there will be issues or reasons to delay at every point.
I think the issue may be loss of investment value from committed donors rather than construction issues. That is my fear....
And yet still no word from the University about anything related to the Convocation Center. Nothing at all.
And in this same vein there has been nothing that I can find about the similar type project that is supposed to occur for Sacred Heart hockey. So much uncertainty for everything brings a lot of frustration. But I guess if they (both Fairfield and SHU) aren't sure what is going to happen and when, speculation might lead to some false promises that could turn out to be an embarrassment. So in that regard I can see why they aren't saying anything for the short term. Eventually though, in the name of accountability to everyone who cares, they would have to say something I think, even if it is not what anyone wants to hear.