May 31, 2007
Vermont Moves Closer to New Arena
CHN Staff Report
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Vermont is closer to a new 6,500-seat arena, one that would replace the often-rollicking but antiquated Gutterson Fieldhouse, which seats just over 4,000.
The university recently concluded feasibility tests, preliminary blueprints and diagrams, and the schools Board of Trustees has convened a task force to explore the possibility of moving forward.
The facility would house the hockey and basketball teams, and sit between the existing arena and basketball fieldhouse.
"This place was built for 4,000 students and we are now over 10,000," school athletic director Bob Corran told the Burlington Free Press. "The same lockers are in there as were there the day the place opened (in the early 1960s). Our fitness center is overcrowded, all the recreation space is overcrowded, our intramural leagues are oversubscribed. There is a demand for more space."
The $50-to-$60 million cost would come through sponsors, student fees and donations, Corran said.
Vermont's men's hockey program moved to Hockey East two seasons ago. Though not reaching the heights it attained while in the ECAC in the mid-'90s, when Tim Thomas and Martin St. Louis led the team to consecutive NCAA appearances and a Frozen Four berth, the team has gained stature since the move and has been on the verge of the NCAAs the last two seasons.
The team has sold out 57 consecutive home games over the last three seasons, and has a 1,000-name waiting list for season tickets.
"We've had to turn down NHL scouts who called last-minute looking for tickets," UVM hockey coach Kevin Sneddon told the paper. "So many people want to come to the games, but we can't get everyone in the door."
Sneddon believes a new facility would interest thrust the Catamounts into a national contender.
UVM's men's basketball program has also done well in recent seasons, but needs to keep up with teams in its conference too, America East.
