Rahul Miryala
Staff Writer
Renovation plans are in the works at Hofheinz Pavilion, but UH Athletics Director Chet Gladchuk said he is not sure when the actual construction will begin.
"Chances are good it's going to happen," said Gladchuk.
"Let me put it this way: It's going happen at some point in time."
Gladchuk said the capacity will be decrease in the near future in order to make room for luxury suites.
"We are looking to remove the top four rows in the arena," said Gladchuk, "and in that space create 28 corporate suites."
Hofheinz Pavilion has a seating capacity of 10,500 with 28 sections, and the top four rows constitute 1,500 of those seats. The box will be a 12-by-25-foot rectangular box, with a seating capacity of 16.
"Even with these new boxes we will still be able to sell 9,000 tickets at adequate prices.
"We will also open wider opportunities for advertising by placing advertising space on the (luxury boxes) themselves," Gladchuk said.
Each box will cost about $12 to $15, but Gladchuk said the figure could still change, depending on the situation when the season begins.
"When you look at the revenue generation possible in that space per square foot," said Gladchuk, "the fiscal return far exceeds what we could generate with it staying the way it is."
Funding for the project will come strictly from external sources like donations, gifts, investments and advertisements.
"I am glad that they aren't using school funds for this (renovation)," said sophomore Wilbert Benitez.
"It's okay with me as long as they use private donations and stuff like that."
Gladchuk's main reasons for renovations are to generate revenue and to spur fan interest.
"The key here is that we are going to build (the boxes) as we sell them," said Gladchuk.
"The only boxes that you will see are the boxes that were sold."
The boxes are going to be sold at three-year leases to prospective buyers.
"Right now we are stuck in neutral," said Gladchuk.
"We need to get the juices flowing. We need to get people excited again. The facility hasn't been (renovated) in 20 years.
"This plan, if it goes through, will be a huge step towards advancing the program, making it competitive and commensurate with the competition."
In addition to the luxury boxes, other improvements may include a new scoreboard allowing video replay, a new gift shop, and upgrading on the lighting and general appearance of the interior.