Jack Vivian has developed three different plans for the renovation of the BGSU Ice Arena.
Which one becomes reality depends on how much money is raised for the project.
The renovation of the arena received a $2.5 million boost from the university Thursday.
An additional $1.5 million in funding from the state was secured earlier this summer by state Rep. Randy
Gardner and state Sen. Mark Wagoner for the project.
All $4 million for the renovations will come from capital funds. Capital funds can only be used for
building projects.
Vivian, who is overseeing a university committee evaluating the future of the arena, said the full plan
to renovate the arena will take $10-12 million to complete. He added a moderate plan will need $7-8
million and a minimal plan would require $4.5 million.
Vivian, the first coach in the history of the Falcon hockey program, runs his own rink management company
and is regarded as one of the country’s leading experts in the field.
The $4.5 million plan was based on the original $1.5 million from the state, $1.5 million from the
university and $1.5 million in private donations, Vivian said.
"For $41â„2 million, we can do a lot of things and if we get close to $6 million, there are a lot of
things we can achieve and have a really nice looking building," said Vivian, who coached at BG from
1969-1973.
Construction of the arena started in the spring of 1965 and the building was dedicated on Feb. 25, 1967.
Some of the equipment in the building is the original equipment. But the arena is now well known for its
many leaks and its ugly outside.
"The building is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, and the leaks can be repaired and the outside
panels of the building can be replaced," Vivan said.
Regardless of the plan, all of the ice making equipment will be replaced, boards will be added to the
curling sheet of ice so it can be used for hockey as well, and the studio ice will be converted into
locker rooms.
The arena has just four locker rooms with showers, although several other smaller rooms in the building
are being used as locker rooms without showers.
One of the four locker rooms belongs to the Falcon hockey team.
In addition, the Zamboni room will be moved from the south end to the southeast corner of the arena, near
the ice-making equipment room. The skate shop will remain in its current location at the south end, and
a concessions area, pro shop and merchandise area will be added.
Vivian anticipates luxury suites and club seating being added on top of the current Zamboni room/skate
shop area, and chairback seating throughout the arena.
It is believed the university’s $2.5 million commitment lead to additional donations from the community,
users of the arena and Falcon hockey alumni.
"We plan on raising more than the $4 million we already have with the campaign we anticipate having
to generate donations locally and nationally," Vivian said.
"These funds are clearly needed to keep the facility viable," university president Dr. Carol
Cartwright said in a press release. She was traveling Thursday and couldn’t be reached for comment.
"That is important for the Bowling Green community and the university."
The $4 million should guarantee the future of the arena. It was feared if the Falcon program is cut after
next season, the closing of the arena would soon follow.
"The president has made a strong commitment to the community, the hockey community and those who use
the arena," Vivian said. "She’s handled things so well during difficult circumstances."

University spokesman Dave Kielmeyer said Thursday that under the law no money or donations designated for
BG’s Stroh Center could be transferred to the arena renovation or hockey program.
The cost of the Stroh Center came in approximately $6 million under what was originally estimated.