Hockey and basketball teams often share arenas due to the high cost of building and maintaining separate facilities. Here are five facts about how they share arenas:
1. Flexible Flooring: Most arenas that host both hockey and basketball games have a flexible flooring system. The ice rink is built on top of the basketball court, and when it’s time for a basketball game, the ice is covered by a specialized flooring that can withstand the weight and movement of basketball players.
2. Quick Conversions: Arena crews are highly skilled at converting the playing surface from one sport to another. They can remove the ice and install the basketball court within a few hours, ensuring a seamless transition between games.
3. Scheduling Coordination: The scheduling of hockey and basketball games is carefully coordinated to minimize conflicts. This involves working with both leagues’ schedules, as well as other events like concerts or exhibitions, to ensure each team gets their fair share of home games.
4. Shared Locker Rooms and Facilities: In most cases, hockey and basketball teams share the same locker room facilities. This means that the teams have to coordinate their practice and game schedules to ensure smooth transitions and efficient use of the facilities.
5. Separate Revenue Streams: Although hockey and basketball teams share the same arena, they typically have separate revenue streams. This includes ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions. Each team is responsible for managing their own revenue and expenses, even though they share the same facility.
FAQs:
1. Do hockey and basketball teams play on the same day?
– It depends on the arena’s schedule and both teams’ game schedules. Sometimes, both teams play on the same day, while in other cases, they may have games on different days.
2. How long does it take to convert the playing surface from hockey to basketball?
– The conversion process can typically be done within a few hours. Arena crews are experienced and efficient in assembling and disassembling the necessary components.
3. Is it challenging for players to adjust to different playing surfaces?
– Professional athletes are highly skilled and adaptable. While there may be some adjustments needed, players are typically able to quickly adapt to the different playing surfaces.
4. How are conflicting scheduling issues resolved?
– Scheduling conflicts are often resolved through negotiations between the leagues, teams, and arena management. Compromises are made to ensure each team gets their fair share of home games.
5. Can the ice underneath the basketball court cause problems for the players?
– The specialized flooring used to cover the ice is designed to provide a safe and level surface for basketball players. The ice does not usually cause any issues for the basketball game.
6. Do the hockey and basketball teams have separate entrances to the arena?
– It depends on the specific arena. Some arenas have separate entrances and facilities for hockey and basketball teams, while others may have shared entrances and facilities for both teams.
7. Are there any restrictions on arena capacity due to the conversion process?
– Depending on the specific arena design, there may be some restrictions on seating capacity during the conversion process. However, arenas are typically designed to accommodate both hockey and basketball games with minimal impact on capacity.
BOTTOM LINE:
Sharing arenas between hockey and basketball teams requires careful coordination, skilled crews, and specialized equipment. With flexible flooring systems and efficient conversion processes, teams can successfully share the same facility while maintaining their individual schedules and revenue streams.
