Some afterthoughts about the Maggie Dixon Classic Game.

[Kibitzer]

First, let me echo the oft-expressed thanks and appreciation to TJI for securing the tickets for all of us Boneyarders. In my case, she made a special effort that enable me to be just a few feet from the basket and a few yards from the UConn bench. I was comfortable in my own chair and had a magnificent view of everything. So thanks again!

Second, what a thrill to be in The World's Most Famous Arena! The downside, unfortunately, is that we are painfully reminded what a dump that the XL Center has become. The contrast between XL and MSG is breathtaking, but more significant is the contrast between XL and competing arenas in Bridgeport and the casinos. I find this to be worrisome.

Finally, a word about Maggie Dixon. One measure of how very special a person she was is the fact that she is buried at the cemetary at West Point, where extremely strict rules make it virtually impossible for anyone who didn't graduate from the US Military Academy to be intered and unheard of for a female with no military experience. Yet her remains are there, a singular tribute.

I am proud that UConn participates in this event and I love being able to attend.

 

[msf22b]

Second, what a thrill to be in The World's Most Famous Arena! The downside, unfortunately, is that we are painfully reminded what a dump that the XL Center has become. The contrast between XL and MSG is breathtaking, but more significant is the contrast between XL and competing arenas in Bridgeport and the casinos. I find this to be worrisom

Kib, they spent $980 mil renovating the place, c'mon, give me a break.
no one else is going to do that.
when I go to X-L, I know, I'm just going to watch a BB game.
Good enough for me.

 

[DishNSwish]

Well said Kibitzer....I still say, and will continue to, that Army women's basketball should be included in this day every year. Add a third game, even early in the morning, and let those kids have a chance to play at MSG.

 

[Kibitzer]

Kib, they spent $980 mil renovating the place, c'mon, give me a break.
no one else is going to do that.
when I go to X-L, I know, I'm just going to watch a BB game.
Good enough for me.

You missed an important point. Hartford no longer has an NHL team (though they still hang banners of the New England Whalers!). Concert events are increasingly being drawn to B'port, Mohegan, or Foxwoods. And no Big East wcbb tournament this season.

The XL Center is deteriorating and it is reasonable to speculate how long it will continue to be the alternate home for UConn basketball. The place needs at least a face lift to stay in business.

 

[FollowerCT]

Related article: http://www.swishappeal.com/2013/12/23/5237322/maggie-dixon-classic-uconn-huskies-womens-basketball

 

[ctkaiser]

You missed an important point. Hartford no longer has an NHL team (though they still hang banners of the New England Whalers!). Concert events are increasingly being drawn to B'port, Mohegan, or Foxwoods. And no Big East wcbb tournament this season.

The XL Center is deteriorating and it is reasonable to speculate how long it will continue to be the alternate home for UConn basketball. The place needs at least a face lift to stay in business.

Good point and the new management team at XL there has been given our CT tax dollars in the amount of 1.8 million to get this renovation started. Don't delay XL folks there are some basic things to address without hiring a consultant. Start with some basic statistic boards such as what we have at Gampel and sinks that work in the bathrooms. The XL is embarrassing if many ways.