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STARRINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2015 / 19 two full-service concession stands and mul- tiple mobile kiosks throughout the venue. To make the Polisseni Center the complete package, a new scoreboard featuring two high-definition video boards ensures that no one misses one second of on-ice action. "Ritter was a part of the tradition and history of RIT hockey," said Mekker. "And it is a great arena, but step inside the Polisseni Center, and you'll be blown away. It's just such a step up." Despite the hockey teams' relocation into the new building, Ritter has not gone unused. "Unlike most arenas, we are open for our daily student classes that start with 9 a.m. public skates," said Stuart Hughes, ice operations manager at both the Polisseni Center and Ritter Ice Arena. "We offer the same thing at noon for staff and stu- dents. We've also done a lot of rentals to outside hockey groups, and Pittsford High School has made it their home rink. [Ritter] is the fullest it's ever been." Only 528 yards separates Ritter Ice Arena and Gene Polisseni Center. The close distance between the two arenas has students — and Hughes — shuffling back and forth often. "We have two sheets of ice, which a lot of places have, but they're not just a couple yards a part in two different arenas," said Mekker. "It's given us the chance to try some new things. This was the first year that we left Ritter Ice Arena open during the summer, so we're trying some new programming and summer intramurals. "It's been hit and miss, but it's an oppor- tunity for us to grow both buildings." Suites, Sales and Sponsors With the Polisseni Center's new ameni- ties also came new opportunities for RIT's marketing department. "A lot of the operation at this building is brand new to RIT," explains Mekker. "It's the first time we're really selling sponsorships hard. We have suites to sell. We finally have the space to focus on marketing and advertis- ing, and we're increasing our entertainment value in addition to the game on the ice." There are seven luxury suites avail- able for purchase throughout the arena, including press-level seating and a VIP "Players Experience" box next to the player's benches. Suite purchases are complete with parking passes, buffet din- ner and access to the club lounge. With such a high-end package, Mekker said the demand for suites has been through the roof, increasing sponsor sales, too. The Tiger Power Play's "Take a Seat" initiative is another successful marketing campaign. Fans can make a donation of $500 or $1,000 and then choose a seat. The seat reservation is complete with a personal- ized nameplate. Seat sales profits go toward the remaining cost of the Polisseni Center. New innovative ways to collect money , Continued on page 20 "JUST THE SHEER EXCITEMENT OF A NEW BUILDING ON CAMPUS FOR OUR TEAMS, GOING FROM RITTER ICE ARENA TO THE NEW BUILDING…IT'S BEEN REALLY GREAT." – Luke Mekker, executive director of university arenas at RIT , The Gene Polisseni Center has a seating capacity of 4,300 — up from the 2,100 at Ritter Ice Arena.