[NU Sports] hoops post mortem

[Jonathan Hodges]

Welsh-Ryan was built in the 1950's, I believe, but that still makes it very
old by today's standards.  Of course I just don't see Northwestern finding
the money (from private donors or corporations) to tear it down and build a
new modern arena.  The fan attendance will just never be that high to
justify it.  That's why you're seeing the modernization of the current arena
take place (locker rooms and practice area upgrades will be first).  I hope
they do find the money to upgrade some of the seating areas and the general
appearance of the arena.

The one great thing about Welsh-Ryan is that IF 'Cats fans actually pack the
arena, that can be one tough place to play.  It can get very loud, and the
fans on the lower level are very close to the court.  Of course this just
starts another circular chain of logic: if 'Cats fans packed the place it
would give NU an edge and that may push them over the edge in terms of
winning, but fans won't show up unless they start winning.

The fact that schools like Duke, Stanford, etc. do very well with older and
smaller arenas proves that you don't need a 15,000 seat corporate sponsored
arena to compete in the college game, and I would disagree with leveling
Welsh-Ryan and rebuilding because it would be a waste of money - money that
would be much better used elsewhere.  I WOULD like to see more money spent
on the arena, and it looks like they're starting that, at least.  Also, I
think to get those players to come - a winning team and the promise of
advancement take priority high over what sponsor's name is on the arena and
how nice the seats are.

Jonathan

On 3/11/07, WildElk2 at aol.com <WildElk2 at aol.com> wrote:
>
> To get those 1 or 2 players to come, build a new stadium.  Any
> field  house
> built in the 1920's beside the Palestra in Philadelphia is too
> damn  old.  As
> I'm from Pennsylvania, I suggest something like Villanova's  facility,
> DuPont
> Pavillian.  Every seat is on top of the court; what a  great place for a
> game.
> To me, Welsh-Ryan says, "second class" to any potential  recruit.  It's
> time
> to upgrade.
>
>          GO  CATS!!!            ZEric
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Jonathan W. Hodges
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