University of Richmond Athletics
Ask The AD!
Feb. 6, 2005
Dear Jim:
As longtime season ticketholders, my family has been pleased to see the escalation in competitiveness of men's basketball over recent years.
However, although the Robins Center is a great facility, it remains a wonder to many why the sound system and scoreboard are so sorely outdated. I feel that we should upgrade our great facility to the level of our new A-10 competition. I feel that some upgrades would put more people, especially younger fans and students in the seats.
Also, if we want more people in the seats, I believe more advertising (see VCU) would be appropriate. There is no reason for them to have a better fan base.
Finally, many appreciate the effort to get more games televised, especially away ones, and hope that they all will be televised in the future.
Go Spiders!
Dear Ken:
I agree! We have made many improvements to the Robins Center during the past few years - including offices, locker rooms, basketball floor, and the overall appearance of the building. Much of this has been done, in large part, as you stated, to raise our level of competitiveness, not only in men's basketball, but throughout our entire athletic program.
We are currently in the process of raising funds for a new scoreboard and sound system - it could be upwards of one million dollars to purchase, install and operate the quality of scoreboard and sound system that would best fit the Robins Center and serve our needs. We appreciate the support of our fans, like yourself, and our corporate partners, as we work towards this goal.
We are always looking to grow our loyal and solid fan base. Advertising and promotions is a major part of this strategy, and our budget includes extensive media buys with print, radio, and television throughout the year in the Richmond market.
Finally, one of the best ways to promote is to show our product on television. This year, no fewer than 15 of our 27 men's basketball regular season games will be shown on local, regional or national television.
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate your support of the Spiders and hope it will continue and increase in the years to come.
Jim
Dear Jim:
With Spider football's planned move to a on-campus venue - could UR particiate/benefit from possible redevelopment opportunities of existing UR (City) Stadium?
Mark
San Francisco
Dear Mark:
We are very proud of our ongoing relationship with the City of Richmond, not only with regard to University of Richmond Stadium, but also with other projects in which we have been partners together - and will continue to be in the future.
It remains to be seen what direction the City will take with University of Richmond Stadium and the surrounding land. Obviously, our first priority at the present time is to pursue our own on-campus facility. However, the City's plans for that property may impact the future of an on-campus facility.
Our commitment to partner with the City in any ventures that are mutually beneficial remains strong. As an example, we have agreed to play a home men's basketball game at the Richmond Coliseum next season, an arrangement that should benefit both the University and the City of Richmond.
We look forward to discussions with the City about future partnerships, including University of Richmond Stadium.
Jim