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Weekend observations!

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 6:11 pm
by Neckfansince71
Thought I would share some points of interest from our visit to Macomb this weekend. My wife (who has become a very interested Leatherneck “fan”) and I once again headed to Macomb Saturday morning with a stop at the Iron Spike in Galesburg for lunch. After checking in at the BW and relaxing a bit, we headed to Western Hall. I like to get to games early so that I can scope everything out and Saturday was no exception. We entered the arena through the vomitorium and I got to tell you, it really looks great with the new seats. The endzone areas actually compliment the new seating nicely. The video boards were used for the introduction of players and to be honest it was well done imo. I have seen this done at Purdue a number of times and this was close to being as good. The video boards were used for stats and such throughout the game and I really think they enhance the game day experience. The black seats were very very very comfortable! There really is not a bad seat in the inner bowl of Western Hall! The WIU pep band is great and they supplied noise and music throughout the game along with the “rockin roll” music we have all come to expect. It really was a good game day atmosphere which will only get better with more butts in the seats and student involvement and lets talk about that! The east endzone was almost filled to capacity with Leatherneck fans, except that they had no idea what their role in the game should be! People have said that the adults should cheer more but if you go to a Big 10 game, you will find that most of the people sit and watch while the student section basically becomes an extension of the basketball team. I stood for the school fight song and national anthem, I yelled at the refs, I clapped my hands loudly, and reacted to people making statements in the crowd around us while the student section slept. 712, you have said a number of times that the students should have better seats, but until they learn how to be a part of the game, I would leave them right there. Some how that part of the equation has got to be cultivated and developed like Lou Henson’s involvement in the “Orange Crush” way back when. Of course, the better the team, the better the record, the more chance for students and fans chance to get involved and fill the seats. I really think Western Hall’s makeover has made it a really nice place to play D1 basketball.

It was Mel Blasi’s turn to host the Leatherneck Club social at halftime in the Hall of Fame room and he not only was very excited about the approaching golf season, but also announced that the construction of the new club house at the Mussatto Golf Course would begin this fall. This structure is going to cost over $700,000, all from private funds. Pretty good for the state of the state at this point!!! The new facility will include areas for men’s and women’s locker-rooms, pro shop, a dining/lounge area that will double for an indoor practice area, snack bar, and coach’s offices. I grabbed a pamphlet, titled, “The Drive to Excellence” Arthur D. and Roselyn Chown Golf Learning Center and you can find it on line if you want to see a picture of the specs.

Guess that’s enough! ;) jc

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 8:42 pm
by sealhall74
Deciding where the students should sit is kind of a classic chicken and egg problem. Would they "behave" better (i.e. make more racket) given a better seat or should they stay where they are until such time they learn to behave better. My two cents, based on all the venues I have visited to watch basketball: End zone seats are generally like a morgue unless 1) arena is filled to near capacity or 2) the game is being carried on a major network giving the fans there some TV exposure. Neither one of those is likely to happen at Western Hall within the very near future. Therefore, IMO, best to move the students closer to the action. There is a certain intimidation factor when an opponent sees a mass of bodies (emphasis on mass) rise to their feet at a critical moment during the game. Also, fans who do have endzone seats should NEVER be allowed to sit while game is in progress or a player is shooting a free throw. Students should have no problem doing that. Hell, down in Frisco for FCS Natty, I think I stood for most of the game in 30 degree weather as did nearly everyone in the stadium so even old-timers can do it if they put their mind to it. ;)

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:39 am
by wiu712
The center seating sections on both sides of the main floor have many empty seats: Sections C, D, E, J, K, L.

If you look at the seating chart as shown on the link below, the Student and GA sections are the 4 extreme corners and the two endzones.
http://www.goleathernecks.com/sports/20 ... 45534.aspx

There does not appear to be enough season ticket holders to fill the 6 reserved sections. Section L (behind the Western bench) should be opened up for students and GA.

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 9:40 am
by vatusay
The first three, four, or five rows around the entire "lower bowl" should be student seating. Can keep the reserved seats in the middle with good view but having students surrounding the court would create a pretty good atmosphere. I think the closer you are the more inclined you are to get into the emotion of the game.

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 10:29 am
by Tere North
vatusay wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2017 9:40 am The first three, four, or five rows around the entire "lower bowl" should be student seating. Can keep the reserved seats in the middle with good view but having students surrounding the court would create a pretty good atmosphere. I think the closer you are the more inclined you are to get into the emotion of the game.
So if the student's stand and yell, what does that say for the experience of the reserved seat ticket buyers seated behind them who now can't see the game unless they stand.

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 10:45 am
by vatusay
Stand up and yell.

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 10:49 am
by vatusay
The reserved section should have been put behind press row.

I believe the whole experience should be favored to the students and giving them the best seats for the game.

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 11:44 am
by wiu712
A full-time Freshman taking 15 semester hours in both the Fall and Spring Semesters pays $537 in Athletic Fees ($17.90 per credit hour).

Re: Weekend observations!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:38 pm
by sealhall74
Yep, the only thing I want to see behind the basket is a damn good pep band. I am watching the Denver @ ORU game right now. I see they still have a mix of students and professionals in their pep band. These guys rock. Small in numbers but you would never know it listening to them. They were definitely the fan favorite in Sioux Falls every year I have been there.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/music/r ... e99b3.html