Friday, April 12, 2013

Mick On UC and Playing Downtown

(The question about playing downtown comes at about 1:15.  But the first part about keeping U.C. competitive in the current environment should be of interest to U.C. fans)

With "The Banks" project in full swing there is a thought that a refurbished U.S. Bank Arena would be a nice home for U.C. Basketball.  There are unconfirmed rumors that the arena would make considerable changes including lower luxury boxes and more.  It may never be the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville but some of the dollar figures thrown around in rumors would give the place a nice facelift.  I do know that U.S. Bank is hoping to make at least some changes before the NCAA Hockey Midwest Regional comes to town in 2014.  Perhaps the most interesting thing at this point is that when I asked Mick at the Basketball Banquet about U.C. possibly playing downtown, he didn't flinch.  He didn't disregard it at all.  U.C. really needs to explore this option since "The Banks" has become quite a destination.  Millions visit the area on a yearly basis and are becoming comfortable with the setup.  That has been a never-ending battle getting the casual fan, and even the more than casual fan, to Clifton.  It would not hurt perception sharing "The Banks" with a Major League Baseball team and an NFL team.  At this point, all I can say is: "Interesting, very interesting."