MIke Thomas on Nippert and Fifth Third Arena

By Bill Koch
bkoch@enquirer.com
An architectural study that estimates it would cost up to $240 million to build a new basketball arena and expand Nippert Stadium is not an indication that the University of Cincinnati is about to move on those projects, UC athletic director Mike Thomas said Sunday.
“That study was begun before my arrival and was completed after I arrived,” Thomas said Sunday. “Varsity Village hasn’t been paid off yet. We have incurred a great deal of debt that we need to pay off. We’ve got to bring some financial stability to the daily operation of our department. These are projects that are probably not going to come to fruition anytime soon.”
The Georgetown News-Graphic released details of the study, which was done by Trahan Architects of Baton Rouge, La., in a story published Sunday. According to the paper, the master plan was obtained from a source on the condition of anonymity.
The study estimates that it would cost $159 million for new, 16,001-seat basketball arena with 40 suites to replace Fifth Third Arena, which opened in 1989 and seats 13,176. It would cost $81.9 million to renovate and expand Nippert Stadium from its current seating capacity of 35,000 to 40,001 with 29 suites.
The Nippert expansion would include removal of the Reed-Shank Pavilion, which would be replaced by an expanded upper deck.
But Thomas said the study is only one idea on how to proceed if and when the school decided to move on those projects, which probably won’t be anytime soon.
“I have great respect for the people that did it,” Thomas said, “but much like when you go to see someone in the medical profession, you’re looking for a second opinion. The point is it’s a long way off.”
Thomas also said the study did not take into consideration the possibility of renovating Fifth Third Arena, an option that he said would have to be explored before deciding to build a new facility.
“Right now, we’re not in a position financially to build a new basketball arena or expand our football facility,” Thomas said. “The situation that we have in our department is that we don’t do any facilities projects regardless of the magnitude unless we have the money in hand.
“We’ve got to have some sanity to our day-to-day budget and pay off our Varsity Village debt before we worry about these other things down the road.”