Would you like to see an MSG-type ceiling at Gampel?

[dogpause]

I've never liked the great-white-dome ceiling and industrial lights at Gampel. IMO, it looks terrible on TV and makes the building seem like just a big gym. Too bad, because in all other respects it's a great venue for basketball.

I think it would be great if UConn could find a way to add a lowered ceiling, similar to the one at Madison Square Garden. It would add intimacy and character to the building. If not, I wish they would at least paint the ceiling a dark color so it's not so in-your-face.

 

[RuffRuff]

Cool thing about MSG is the lighting - whole place is dark except for the court. Gives you that Friday night lights feels. I don't think the Uconn brass are going to invest in dropping and painting the Gampel ceiling - have bigger fish to fry. The place does feel really fluorescent.

 

[dogpause]

I agree about the lighting. They may not, but compared to most improvements I don't think it would be terribly expensive. I've only been to MSG a couple of times, but I clearly remember the feeling that I was in someone's living room.

 

[Palatine]

I love it when the lights go down and only the court is fully lit. It sends a message to the fans, it focuses everyone the same little patch of the world. As the lights go down the electricity in the building comes up.

 

[benjordan]

Agree with everything said, I've always felt the giant white some makes it look smaller than it is.. but I don't think the money is there to make any renovations.

 

[RuffRuff]

Hard to compare an on campus arena to MSG - that place is 100% best in sports. You'll find some on campus joints with lots of history and charm, but nothing sets it up quite like MSG. The dagger in this whole BE dilution/exiting would be if somehow the ACC stole that venue. Conversely if Uconn left and didn't play in at MSG/BE tourney, it would be such a hit to what makes Uconn hoops so much fun. As far as attending, it's the premier event of the year - better than the NCAAs IMHO. And much of that is because of MSG/NYC and of course, rivalries. Soak this game in today - will be last time Uconn ever plays WVU in BE tourney.

 

[Waquoit]

I put this whine in the same category as the guy who got depressed thinking about the pitch of seats at The Rent.