Ratner V.P. Details Arena Plans; Confirms NHL Hockey Not Possible

In what was described as a "a nuts-and-bolts description of the challenges faced by construction managers" Forest City Ratner's executive VP of construction gave some new insights into the look and challenges of Barclays Center at a lecture last week to Pratt architecture students and faculty.

Robert P. Sanna reiterated the arena redesign prevents it from being used as an NHL venue, other than for a few games. One problem, beyond the arena's reduced capacity, is poor sightlines for hockey. Among other points Sanna made...as reported by Norman Oder, Atlantic Yards critic and chronicler:

--"We think eight to ten thousand people will probably come by public transit." The arena seats 18,000 for basketball.

--The lower bowl will be 20' below street level making the scoreboard visible to passers-by. Half of those entering the arena won't have to climb up stairs, as they do at Prudential Center.

--The oculus at the arena entrance, which will provide promotional signage, allows for views from multiple angles, rather than simply facing the arena.

--The arena will have 200 Wi-Fi points as well as a DAS (Distributed Antenna System) to ensure the building's wired for visitors.

• Forest City executive says shrinking arena to preclude major league hockey was conscious choice - Norman Oder - Atlantic Yards Report