STJ11Redmen
Active member
As someone who works in midtown and lives across the river, if we stopped playing the majority of our big games at MSG I would give up my tickets in a second and I'm sure many others would too.
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I agree about wanting a new on campus arena. And honestly, what would impress a recruit more, a half empty MSG or an on campus arena with 10,000 seats and a nice layout and atmosphere where the students can get to easily and fill out the place and make a lot of noise?
We want this conference to be mentioned in the same sentence as ACC, SEC, BIG 12, BIG 10, we need to stop playing in a mid major arena for half of the season, and a half empty, quiet, overpriced nba arena for the other half.
We want this conference to be mentioned in the same sentence as ACC, SEC, BIG 12, BIG 10, we need to stop playing in a mid major arena for half of the season, and a half empty, quiet, overpriced nba arena for the other half.
STJ11Redmen
Active member
We haven't sold out Carnasecca in 4 years with half the capacity of 10 thousand. It'd be like a library in there.
Avon Barksdale
Member
like playing Depaul at MSG is any better? or Xavier on a wednesday night?...its like a morgue in MSG.
I see the allure of a modern on-campus arena, but that would really limit attendance to students and "real fans", especially those for whom it is convenient to get to Queens
We are in the unenviable position of really needing to really win to draw a crowd. The casual SJU fan, the non-fan who likes hoops, and the corporate folks are not going to come if we are 20-10 or worse. Not the case for other schools, but it is what it is.
The flip side of that is that we can draw more on the non-fan and corporate crowd than many other schools...if we are good. In 10/11, we had non-SJU fans begging to get in on our tickets for the big games, I knew people taking clients to UConn and Pitt (on a Saturday!), I'm sure single game sales were at a 10-year high, etc.
This is not ideal either, and it may be a pipe dream to consistently achieve, but I think it's our best bet and we need to be at MSG to accomplish it. 12-15K even just 4-6 times a year at MSG, with some real energy and wins, generates some excitement around the program.
I suppose they aren't mutually exclusive, as Avon alluded to. Build a modern on-campus arena and play a tighter, more select slate of games at MSG (maybe Nova, GTown, and 2-3 other conference games every year, plus two bigger non-conference opponents).
I agree. For the millions of people who live in Manhattan and NJ, MSG is one of the easiest possible stadiums to access. When SJU is playing well--as they did in 2010/11--you get to enjoy a high quality product at far lower price than what the Knicks demand. That brings in all kinds of fans. But you have to produce a quality product first.
REDfan55555
Member
I'm defiantly not in agreeance with getting rid of msg as a site for home games because that is honestly the most attractive thing about this program. However tickets at msg tend to be more expensive then at the average college arena, while CA is just a downright uncomfortable place to see a game. If we had a new arena, where we could have maybe a few more games a year. (throw in a rivalry game there, while still playing many other games at msg). It would defiantly exit the students and local fan base.
This fictional arena wouldn't even have to be that big. It could seat a similar number but just look nicer and be more comfortable. I personally haven't gone to a CA game in years because every time I leave with an aching back, and so does my dad. (I'm not even that big, and I'm only 18).
Obviously the problem is finding a location for this place, and the funding as well. But a new, comfortable arena would do wonders for this program.
This fictional arena wouldn't even have to be that big. It could seat a similar number but just look nicer and be more comfortable. I personally haven't gone to a CA game in years because every time I leave with an aching back, and so does my dad. (I'm not even that big, and I'm only 18).
Obviously the problem is finding a location for this place, and the funding as well. But a new, comfortable arena would do wonders for this program.
You're dreaming or quite possibly hallucinating. Does anyone think a new basketball arena is the school's most pressing need? In a time when rising tuitions are becoming a national concern, and enrollments at the University are declining, there is no way anyone could convince the new President to commit time, money and effort towards this cause. Maybe an argument could be made after the school wins a few national championships. Change the subject.
Class of 72
Active member
You can count the teams in the northeast on one hand that have on campus arenas in the 10K capacity that are both attractive and a home court advantage. Even the Carrier Dome is a horrible basketball venue. Looks great on TV but the worst place for a fan to watch a game. It is all about winning and have a star player. The 500 billion that UCLA spent on Pauley means nothing if they can't get to the sweet 16. Unranked, and Pauley is never filled. Winning solves everything.
Avon Barksdale
Member
UConn
BC
Rutgers
UMass
Fairfield
Hofstra
off the top of my head those are on campus arenas that are better than CA in the northeast.
CA is a glorified HS gym and the Garden isnt the selling point they make it out to be, especially when there are 5,000 there for a Big East game during the week because we are playing the second game of the "Fox Sports Double Header"
And with the donors this school has they can raise the funds if they wanted to, the athletic department is completely lost when it comes to this and evolving with the rest of collegiate sports,
BC
Rutgers
UMass
Fairfield
Hofstra
off the top of my head those are on campus arenas that are better than CA in the northeast.
CA is a glorified HS gym and the Garden isnt the selling point they make it out to be, especially when there are 5,000 there for a Big East game during the week because we are playing the second game of the "Fox Sports Double Header"
And with the donors this school has they can raise the funds if they wanted to, the athletic department is completely lost when it comes to this and evolving with the rest of collegiate sports,
REDfan55555
Member
In the long term a new arena is quite important. Defiantly not as of this year, but certainly in the longterm. The quality of an arena can really say something about a schools program when it comes to recruiting high school kids. Not saying it's going to happen just because many of us want it too, but it would certainly help the program in the long run and that really can't be argued. Just look at what Nebraska did with their new venue; it's beautiful, and their program is currently on the rise. The new venue has defiantly helped them recruit. An upgrade might not be imminent for CA, but it would be necessary for the long run if we ever want this program to grow at some point.
You will NEVER fill a 10,000 seat arena at CA.
Never.
First off, logistically speaking, it'd be a nightmare (parking, subways, LIRR, etc).
Secondly, the CA/MSG split is fine as it is.
Win and they will come.
There is no home court advantage because the school does not invest in marketing the team.
There is no incentive for students, alumni, high schoolers or tourists to come to MSG. Bottom line.
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