Carnesseca Arena

[rcatalano]

I dont think that a new arena is necessary, appropriate or even wise for many of the reasons mentioned already. However, improvements are necessary. Anyone who attended the Butler game can attest to how much of a nightmare it was. First, it took almost twenty minutes to enter the building. And since it was raining that that the fans were standing in the rain. That was the first sell out in a while and not exactly the welcoming feeling that many fans were looking for that hadnt been in a while. Next the lines for the bathrooma were unacceptable. For fans with families, that was reason enough not to return. Then, along the sams lines (pun intended) the concessions were an absolute joke at half. The wait, selection, under staffing and everything else was more indicative of a somewhat high level high school game than a major Ncaa event. Next, theyve got to figure out better parking. I know thats a meaningful investment, but they should at least have more staff around campus directing traffic, maybe allow for parking elsewhere on campus and provide a quick shuttle to the arena. Last, they need to do something to get more students involved. It needs to be more of a full campus event for students. Im not suggesting a full campus tailgate, but bands, contests, celebrations, cheerleaders, famous alumni etc should all be a more prominant part of the show.

All lf these are factors that controvute to the poor on campus attendence.

Note: When is rains I carry an umbrella or wear rain gear, or both. Are we now blaming SJU for the weather or post 9-11, post Boston Marathon bombing security. FWIW, when I went to a BC football game this year it took about 25 minutes to get through security at the Colorado State game. Where I park I can always get out of CA in 5 minutes from my car, so that's not a problem for me. Commensurately for BC football, from the point the game ended until we got to our car and out of the lots, about 90 minutes had elapsed.

Anyone who parks in the lot next to the soccer field is a fool. Park in the garage, it's the same walk to the arena and theres no traffic backup at all because you can turn right onto 3 different roads without being held up by a light.

Better yet, I always park on the street. Never had a problem finding a space. Easy in and out!

 

[rcatalano]

I agree, I believe a rework of CA with seating at the baselines, and seating with backs through out the facility would be wonderful. Maybe some modifications at the entrance as mentioned by 72 would be something to also consider, as well as upgrading the refreshment and bathroom areas. Speaking of the bathrooms, I don't believe they have changed much since I was there in 68! But seriously, I think these upgrades could be facilitated with far, far, less expense than the 50 mil people were referring to with regard to a new arena!

 

[ZanMan]

I dont think that a new arena is necessary, appropriate or even wise for many of the reasons mentioned already. However, improvements are necessary. Anyone who attended the Butler game can attest to how much of a nightmare it was. First, it took almost twenty minutes to enter the building. And since it was raining that that the fans were standing in the rain. That was the first sell out in a while and not exactly the welcoming feeling that many fans were looking for that hadnt been in a while. Next the lines for the bathrooma were unacceptable. For fans with families, that was reason enough not to return. Then, along the sams lines (pun intended) the concessions were an absolute joke at half. The wait, selection, under staffing and everything else was more indicative of a somewhat high level high school game than a major Ncaa event. Next, theyve got to figure out better parking. I know thats a meaningful investment, but they should at least have more staff around campus directing traffic, maybe allow for parking elsewhere on campus and provide a quick shuttle to the arena. Last, they need to do something to get more students involved. It needs to be more of a full campus event for students. Im not suggesting a full campus tailgate, but bands, contests, celebrations, cheerleaders, famous alumni etc should all be a more prominant part of the show.

All lf these are factors that controvute to the poor on campus attendence.

Note: When is rains I carry an umbrella or wear rain gear, or both. Are we now blaming SJU for the weather or post 9-11, post Boston Marathon bombing security. FWIW, when I went to a BC football game this year it took about 25 minutes to get through security at the Colorado State game. Where I park I can always get out of CA in 5 minutes from my car, so that's not a problem for me. Commensurately for BC football, from the point the game ended until we got to our car and out of the lots, about 90 minutes had elapsed.

Anyone who parks in the lot next to the soccer field is a fool. Park in the garage, it's the same walk to the arena and theres no traffic backup at all because you can turn right onto 3 different roads without being held up by a light.

Better yet, I always park on the street. Never had a problem finding a space. Easy in and out!

Easier to have your car stolen on the street, too. Unfortunately I know first hand as does some other redmen.com posters as well. Not saying the lot is 100% safe, but the streets around campus are notorious preying grounds for car thieves.

 

[rcatalano]

I dont think that a new arena is necessary, appropriate or even wise for many of the reasons mentioned already. However, improvements are necessary. Anyone who attended the Butler game can attest to how much of a nightmare it was. First, it took almost twenty minutes to enter the building. And since it was raining that that the fans were standing in the rain. That was the first sell out in a while and not exactly the welcoming feeling that many fans were looking for that hadnt been in a while. Next the lines for the bathrooma were unacceptable. For fans with families, that was reason enough not to return. Then, along the sams lines (pun intended) the concessions were an absolute joke at half. The wait, selection, under staffing and everything else was more indicative of a somewhat high level high school game than a major Ncaa event. Next, theyve got to figure out better parking. I know thats a meaningful investment, but they should at least have more staff around campus directing traffic, maybe allow for parking elsewhere on campus and provide a quick shuttle to the arena. Last, they need to do something to get more students involved. It needs to be more of a full campus event for students. Im not suggesting a full campus tailgate, but bands, contests, celebrations, cheerleaders, famous alumni etc should all be a more prominant part of the show.

All lf these are factors that controvute to the poor on campus attendence.

Note: When is rains I carry an umbrella or wear rain gear, or both. Are we now blaming SJU for the weather or post 9-11, post Boston Marathon bombing security. FWIW, when I went to a BC football game this year it took about 25 minutes to get through security at the Colorado State game. Where I park I can always get out of CA in 5 minutes from my car, so that's not a problem for me. Commensurately for BC football, from the point the game ended until we got to our car and out of the lots, about 90 minutes had elapsed.

Anyone who parks in the lot next to the soccer field is a fool. Park in the garage, it's the same walk to the arena and theres no traffic backup at all because you can turn right onto 3 different roads without being held up by a light.

Better yet, I always park on the street. Never had a problem finding a space. Easy in and out!

Easier to have your car stolen on the street, too. Unfortunately I know first hand as does some other redmen.com posters as well. Not saying the lot is 100% safe, but the streets around campus are notorious preying grounds for car thieves.

Wow! Was not aware of that! Been parking on the street for years with no incident. I guess I have been lucky that my 3 BMW 750's were never tampered with! I guess I have to rethink my parking arrangement! Thanks!

 

[Class of 72]

I agree, I believe a rework of CA with seating at the baselines, and seating with backs through out the facility would be wonderful. Maybe some modifications at the entrance as mentioned by 72 would be something to also consider, as well as upgrading the refreshment and bathroom areas. Speaking of the bathrooms, I don't believe they have changed much since I was there in 68! But seriously, I think these upgrades could be facilitated with far, far, less expense than the 50 mil people were referring to with regard to a new arena!

The atrium like concourse would be easy to construct and opening the wall into the fitness center would add over 500 seats but that will never happen. The bottom line is if the team is ranked the fans will come. Some better pricing structure for CA games is also overdue.
Beast mentioned Boston College and they are proof that in college basketball unless you are in the right market with a legit chance to go to the post season you are not going to sell out your arena even a relatively small one like Conte Forum that holds over 8,600. I love Conte, bleachers and all. The campus is beautiful but like Beast mentioned, driving to games there is torturous. It is easy for the students however but they seem to have little interest especially after joining the ACC.
Yesterday they played #2 ranked Virginia and they were still short 600 for a sell out. They played Pitt in front of 3600 and the game against Marist drew 1,700.

 

[Chris7]

Quit blowing up CA parking secrets!

 

[room112]

With the Big East schedule fully underway, we get to see first hand how inferior CA is compared to every team in the league. I was watching the Xavier game today and there arena, and I got to tell you CA is an embarrassment! The so called upgrade to CA was a proverbial joke! Compared to every other arena it is a dump, and I am being kind by saying this! I probably attend 3 to 5 games a year with both of my son in laws, and frankly I find it embarrassing taking them to this facility. It is time to place some serious money into CA to at least put it on par with the other facilities in the league. It is a travesty that our esteem coach has this dump named after him!

I'm been pretty vocal about this over the years as well. I guess the tipping point was when I brought my wife to a game a couple of years back (mind you, she never complains about attending any sporting event with me), and her back was in serious pain by the end. She vowed never to return unless I got seats with the seat backs. Also, the concession stand situation is a complete joke, I'm sorry. Overall, the "arena" has an extreme amateur/mom & pop feel to it, and it doesn't feel like a real home court.

I know this is a very poor example, but UConn. I know it's a state school and we can't compare, but Gampel was built on campus in the early 90's. It has a serious pro feel to it and it's not just because of the seating capacity (nor we do even have a need to have our capacity more than it is). They have plenty of seats without seat backs too, especially student sections.

Another thing I think that helps create this mom & pop feel to the arena is some of the sponsors. You're telling me that St. John's can't get bigger names to advertise on the arena? You've got local owned companies like "Sunrise Chevrolet" of Forest Hills with their chicken logo prominently displayed throughout the arena. Now I have no issue with supporting local/independently owned companies, but having them visible in many spots in the arena cheapens the allure, in my honest opinion.

 

[simplyred]

I dont think that a new arena is necessary, appropriate or even wise for many of the reasons mentioned already. However, improvements are necessary. Anyone who attended the Butler game can attest to how much of a nightmare it was. First, it took almost twenty minutes to enter the building. And since it was raining that that the fans were standing in the rain. That was the first sell out in a while and not exactly the welcoming feeling that many fans were looking for that hadnt been in a while. Next the lines for the bathrooma were unacceptable. For fans with families, that was reason enough not to return. Then, along the sams lines (pun intended) the concessions were an absolute joke at half. The wait, selection, under staffing and everything else was more indicative of a somewhat high level high school game than a major Ncaa event. Next, theyve got to figure out better parking. I know thats a meaningful investment, but they should at least have more staff around campus directing traffic, maybe allow for parking elsewhere on campus and provide a quick shuttle to the arena. Last, they need to do something to get more students involved. It needs to be more of a full campus event for students. Im not suggesting a full campus tailgate, but bands, contests, celebrations, cheerleaders, famous alumni etc should all be a more prominant part of the show.

All lf these are factors that controvute to the poor on campus attendence.

Note: When is rains I carry an umbrella or wear rain gear, or both. Are we now blaming SJU for the weather or post 9-11, post Boston Marathon bombing security. FWIW, when I went to a BC football game this year it took about 25 minutes to get through security at the Colorado State game. Where I park I can always get out of CA in 5 minutes from my car, so that's not a problem for me. Commensurately for BC football, from the point the game ended until we got to our car and out of the lots, about 90 minutes had elapsed.

Anyone who parks in the lot next to the soccer field is a fool. Park in the garage, it's the same walk to the arena and theres no traffic backup at all because you can turn right onto 3 different roads without being held up by a light.

Better yet, I always park on the street. Never had a problem finding a space. Easy in and out!

Easier to have your car stolen on the street, too. Unfortunately I know first hand as does some other redmen.com posters as well. Not saying the lot is 100% safe, but the streets around campus are notorious preying grounds for car thieves.

That is news to me. St. John's is actually in a pretty nice and safe area. I may not be as affluent as many on these boards but sometimes the neighborhood is made to sound like a run down ghetto. It isn't.

 

[Class of 72]

I dont think that a new arena is necessary, appropriate or even wise for many of the reasons mentioned already. However, improvements are necessary. Anyone who attended the Butler game can attest to how much of a nightmare it was. First, it took almost twenty minutes to enter the building. And since it was raining that that the fans were standing in the rain. That was the first sell out in a while and not exactly the welcoming feeling that many fans were looking for that hadnt been in a while. Next the lines for the bathrooma were unacceptable. For fans with families, that was reason enough not to return. Then, along the sams lines (pun intended) the concessions were an absolute joke at half. The wait, selection, under staffing and everything else was more indicative of a somewhat high level high school game than a major Ncaa event. Next, theyve got to figure out better parking. I know thats a meaningful investment, but they should at least have more staff around campus directing traffic, maybe allow for parking elsewhere on campus and provide a quick shuttle to the arena. Last, they need to do something to get more students involved. It needs to be more of a full campus event for students. Im not suggesting a full campus tailgate, but bands, contests, celebrations, cheerleaders, famous alumni etc should all be a more prominant part of the show.

All lf these are factors that controvute to the poor on campus attendence.

Note: When is rains I carry an umbrella or wear rain gear, or both. Are we now blaming SJU for the weather or post 9-11, post Boston Marathon bombing security. FWIW, when I went to a BC football game this year it took about 25 minutes to get through security at the Colorado State game. Where I park I can always get out of CA in 5 minutes from my car, so that's not a problem for me. Commensurately for BC football, from the point the game ended until we got to our car and out of the lots, about 90 minutes had elapsed.

Anyone who parks in the lot next to the soccer field is a fool. Park in the garage, it's the same walk to the arena and theres no traffic backup at all because you can turn right onto 3 different roads without being held up by a light.

Better yet, I always park on the street. Never had a problem finding a space. Easy in and out!

Easier to have your car stolen on the street, too. Unfortunately I know first hand as does some other redmen.com posters as well. Not saying the lot is 100% safe, but the streets around campus are notorious preying grounds for car thieves.

That is news to me. St. John's is actually in a pretty nice and safe area. I may not be as affluent as many on these boards but sometimes the neighborhood is made to sound like a run down ghetto. It isn't.

I haven't had a problem in 47 years. Campus is located in a beautiful part of Queens and folks just like to bitch about any negatives when it comes to SJU. Some of these knuckleheads have never been to Fordham. Try parking on the west side of the campus or even dare to walk the streets after a game. Other than on the south side in the Belmont area, Rose Hill makes Hillcrest look like Beverly Hills.

 

[SJU14]

I dont think that a new arena is necessary, appropriate or even wise for many of the reasons mentioned already. However, improvements are necessary. Anyone who attended the Butler game can attest to how much of a nightmare it was. First, it took almost twenty minutes to enter the building. And since it was raining that that the fans were standing in the rain. That was the first sell out in a while and not exactly the welcoming feeling that many fans were looking for that hadnt been in a while. Next the lines for the bathrooma were unacceptable. For fans with families, that was reason enough not to return. Then, along the sams lines (pun intended) the concessions were an absolute joke at half. The wait, selection, under staffing and everything else was more indicative of a somewhat high level high school game than a major Ncaa event. Next, theyve got to figure out better parking. I know thats a meaningful investment, but they should at least have more staff around campus directing traffic, maybe allow for parking elsewhere on campus and provide a quick shuttle to the arena. Last, they need to do something to get more students involved. It needs to be more of a full campus event for students. Im not suggesting a full campus tailgate, but bands, contests, celebrations, cheerleaders, famous alumni etc should all be a more prominant part of the show.

All lf these are factors that controvute to the poor on campus attendence.

Note: When is rains I carry an umbrella or wear rain gear, or both. Are we now blaming SJU for the weather or post 9-11, post Boston Marathon bombing security. FWIW, when I went to a BC football game this year it took about 25 minutes to get through security at the Colorado State game. Where I park I can always get out of CA in 5 minutes from my car, so that's not a problem for me. Commensurately for BC football, from the point the game ended until we got to our car and out of the lots, about 90 minutes had elapsed.

Anyone who parks in the lot next to the soccer field is a fool. Park in the garage, it's the same walk to the arena and theres no traffic backup at all because you can turn right onto 3 different roads without being held up by a light.

Better yet, I always park on the street. Never had a problem finding a space. Easy in and out!

Easier to have your car stolen on the street, too. Unfortunately I know first hand as does some other redmen.com posters as well. Not saying the lot is 100% safe, but the streets around campus are notorious preying grounds for car thieves.

That is news to me. St. John's is actually in a pretty nice and safe area. I may not be as affluent as many on these boards but sometimes the neighborhood is made to sound like a run down ghetto. It isn't.

Yeah the area that the campus is in is actually a pretty nice area. With that said, I have had a few friends that have had their cars broken into while being parked on the streets. None stolen, but broken into. For the most part, these cars were parked on the other side of campus from CA, by 168th st. Unfortunately, most of the traffic in this area is students so it could be some students doing these things.

 

[GardenCity62]

CA season is divided in two. The Big East portion is all that posters have complained about. The Nov/Dec period is actually very enjoyable.
A half hour ride from 12 miles away(garden city), free parking within a thousand ft , two scalpers selling ten dollar tickets every game and if you are willing to sit in top level you can have your own section.
If your back hurts sit in top row and you can lean back on the supporting bars. Now if only the Red Fox Inn would reopen.

 

[mjmaherjr]

CA season is divided in two. The Big East portion is all that posters have complained about. The Nov/Dec period is actually very enjoyable.
A half hour ride from 12 miles away(garden city), free parking within a thousand ft , two scalpers selling ten dollar tickets every game and if you are willing to sit in top level you can have your own section.
If your back hurts sit in top row and you can lean back on the supporting bars. Now if only the Red Fox Inn would reopen.

you live or work in GC ?

 

[Avon Barksdale]

Regarding the parking, auto theft and vandalism is notorious on the SJU campus. I like to park on Union Tpke when we have a game and I walk right in then and I avoid the disasterous parking lot exit post game.

Regarding CA its a shame it is such a dump. 99% of the teams in college be play the bulk of their games on campus and it would be nice for us to invest in a 8-10k on campus arena ( like Gampell Pavillion). Make the upgrades to CA. Put sets behind the hoops so there can be a student section. Play GTown Nova Duke the Cuse and other big time opponents at MSG. The rest of the games should be on campus which would also provide us with more of a home court advantage than MSG. CA was rocking for the Butler game. All the games can/should be like that.

Between our "big games" and the big east tourney we will still play more games than any team I college bb at the Garden, but at this point it really doesn't have the "aura" it had to have. Everyone plays in MSG now so it's not a great selling point anymore.


Again, this would be a HUGE job for the athletic department to undertake, and with Chris Monasch lucky he can walk and chew gum at the same time, I don't expect any good news about an upgraded arena coming anytime soon.

Enjoy today's game everyone,....Go SJU!! ( and Green Bay and the Colts)

 

[ZanMan]

The surrounding neighborhood is a very good area. That is what attracts car thieves and other criminals. Besides having a car stolen, I've also witnessed an old lady get mugged just outside of campus.

For car thieves, there are quick escapes with Union and Grand Central Pkwy close by. It's a car thief's dream due to that and the nice cars people drive there.

That being said, my car was stolen quite a long time ago (Louie was still our coach!) and it was during the day when I was in class as a student. Maybe things have improved since then, but I wouldn't bet on it.

I'm in no way saying people shouldn't park on the street there. I still do from time to time. I just think your chances of having issues with crime increase if you park off campus. Doesn't mean stuff can't happen on campus.

 

[Russ2374]

Regarding the parking, auto theft and vandalism is notorious on the SJU campus. I like to park on Union Tpke when we have a game and I walk right in then and I avoid the disasterous parking lot exit post game.

Regarding CA its a shame it is such a dump. 99% of the teams in college be play the bulk of their games on campus and it would be nice for us to invest in a 8-10k on campus arena ( like Gampell Pavillion). Make the upgrades to CA. Put sets behind the hoops so there can be a student section. Play GTown Nova Duke the Cuse and other big time opponents at MSG. The rest of the games should be on campus which would also provide us with more of a home court advantage than MSG. CA was rocking for the Butler game. All the games can/should be like that.

Between our "big games" and the big east tourney we will still play more games than any team I college bb at the Garden, but at this point it really doesn't have the "aura" it had to have. Everyone plays in MSG now so it's not a great selling point anymore.


Again, this would be a HUGE job for the athletic department to undertake, and with Chris Monasch lucky he can walk and chew gum at the same time, I don't expect any good news about an upgraded arena coming anytime soon.

Enjoy today's game everyone,....Go SJU!! ( and Green Bay and the Colts)

Agree about the on campus area but MSG is still a big selling point for recruits and we should not diminish it. Just look at Brandon Sampson's comments.

 

[Avon Barksdale]

Regarding the parking, auto theft and vandalism is notorious on the SJU campus. I like to park on Union Tpke when we have a game and I walk right in then and I avoid the disasterous parking lot exit post game.

Regarding CA its a shame it is such a dump. 99% of the teams in college be play the bulk of their games on campus and it would be nice for us to invest in a 8-10k on campus arena ( like Gampell Pavillion). Make the upgrades to CA. Put sets behind the hoops so there can be a student section. Play GTown Nova Duke the Cuse and other big time opponents at MSG. The rest of the games should be on campus which would also provide us with more of a home court advantage than MSG. CA was rocking for the Butler game. All the games can/should be like that.

Between our "big games" and the big east tourney we will still play more games than any team I college bb at the Garden, but at this point it really doesn't have the "aura" it had to have. Everyone plays in MSG now so it's not a great selling point anymore.


Again, this would be a HUGE job for the athletic department to undertake, and with Chris Monasch lucky he can walk and chew gum at the same time, I don't expect any good news about an upgraded arena coming anytime soon.

Enjoy today's game everyone,....Go SJU!! ( and Green Bay and the Colts)

Agree about the on campus area but MSG is still a big selling point for recruits and we should not diminish it. Just look at Brandon Sampson's comments.

Yes but I also said in my post play the big games at MSG.

Bringing a recruit to SJU vs Xavier or SJU vs Butler on Tuesday night where there's 5k people there is not attractive if you ask me.

But having a real on campus arena can compensate for playing 4 times at MSG instead of 7.

If all stays the same then I would not want to cut the games played at MSG.

There is also a tradition with our program and the Garden that's why I would like to still use it but for som of these games it makes no sense.

 

[Class of 72]

The surrounding neighborhood is a very good area. That is what attracts car thieves and other criminals. Besides having a car stolen, I've also witnessed an old lady get mugged just outside of campus.

For car thieves, there are quick escapes with Union and Grand Central Pkwy close by. It's a car thief's dream due to that and the nice cars people drive there.

That being said, my car was stolen quite a long time ago (Louie was still our coach!) and it was during the day when I was in class as a student. Maybe things have improved since then, but I wouldn't bet on it.

I'm in no way saying people shouldn't park on the street there. I still do from time to time. I just think your chances of having issues with crime increase if you park off campus. Doesn't mean stuff can't happen on campus.

The car theft issue that Hit alludes to is more of a problem during class days and not during games.

 

[beast of the east]

Now if only the Red Fox Inn would reopen.

Yea, I miss Fred and Lamont running the place. I loved when Fred would reign a heart attack when we lost, and how he loved to call Lavin, "You big dummy"

 

[DaTiger]

I don't see the School spending more money on upgrading Carnesseca Arena.

At this point spending millions of dollars on a new arena so that for 6 games a year, the school sells an incremental 1000 tickets makes no sense. If, the basketball team was consistently selling out and there was huge demand for the tickets, maybe you could justify the expenditure. More likely, you would move more games to MSG with Carnasseca becoming a practice facility and a site for intramurals.

If you wanted to consider another equally unlikely facility upgrade, try this: Negotiate a deal with the City to use Cunningham Park for soccer, tennis, lacrosse and baseball. The substantial amount of space dedicated to these sports could be used for other purposes...classroom buildings, parking, or dorms.

 

[redfan25lljkj888]

Aside from the concession issues, the heat, seating, etc. the main issue for me is that CA doesn't have a real student feel to it. To me putting 100 or so students up top behind the baskets won't cut it. The students need to be on top of the court down low to have any sort of impact. Now I have nothing against our older alumni but sitting in premium seats giving golf claps isn't doing it for me. I understand at the end of the day it comes down to money and those seats are big bucks, but I really feel that if a bunch a raving students were in those seats the place would have a better home court feel to it.