Alerus vs. the Ralph

[dakotadan]

It would be nice to see something done at the Westward Ho. It would definately help spruce up the Gateway Drive. That stretch of road needs some work done to it.

[star2city]

Has anyone seen this on Ralph.com, or has it been posted elsewhere?

Community Impact Report - The Ralph

In a nutshell, the report says the Ralph’s impact, conservatively, on the Grand Forks economy is equivalent to approximately $60 mill annually. The World Juniors alone are projected to have an impact of $ 29 mill beyond the annual impact . Even if the numbers were to be adjusted adjusted for the incremental differences between the old Ralph and new Ralph, the impact would be at least $40 mill annually.

For the UND athletic department, examples of the pre- and post- Ralph impact are:

. . . . . . . . Fighting . . . . . Hockey.

. . . . . . . . Sioux Club . . Tickets

2000-1. . . $ 893 K . . . . $ 390 K

2002-3. . . $ 1678 K . . . $ 2037 K

Ad Sponsorship

2001-2 . . . $ 500 K

2004-5 . . . $1100 K

Some have questioned why Ralph didn’t build an adequate $50 mill rink with the rest going to the UND Foundation. But would a $50 mill rink and $50 mill more in the Foundation have had the impact that the Ralph has had? It wouldn’t have had near the impact in luring other investment into the University Village, or in boosting civic confidence.

[Let'sGoHawks!]

WOW.

[PRO15]

The 23 Sports Grill concept is, from what I understand, an upscale bar and restaurant geared for the local market. I recently heared Kim Holmes of Sanders 1907 was invovled with the menu. Mike Kuntz designed the building.

It looks spectacular, I saw a rendering last week. Should be an exciting place.

[star2city]

The Dakota Student had this: Bronson continues rapid growth

Townhouses will also be built on the west side of the coulee, so the current soccer field looks to be its permanent location.

Student housing looks delayed:

Last spring there was a developer interested in building student apartments on the property, but nothing came of that interest. UND officials are looking at either building student housing through the university, or leasing the land to a private developer. "Anything is possible," Tonder said.

According to Tonder, new student housing could be constructed as early as fall of 2005.

[Let'sGoHawks!]

How about a sportsbar right by the arena? Mankato has several bars within walking distance of the arena, including a Buffalo Wild Wings. You'd think a bar right by campus would do great during the school year/hockey year. Has anyone thought of this? You'd think if it were viable, it would have already been done. I know the "23" restaurant is being built, maybe this will be enough, but upscale isn't for everyone. Personally, before and after a hockey game I'd like a place like BWW where I can mingle with my fellow knucklehead hockey fans.