Rank the MVC Arenas

[ValleyGuy]

Which are the best?

I like:

Redbird Arena - Nice building for hoops - could use more bells and whistles, but can't beat the setting
Hulman Center - similar to RA
Quest - great building
Koch - WSU made nice upgrades
McCleod - UNI did well

The rest:
Carver - beer sales save this from being a really bad venue for basketball
Hammons - upgrade needed, way to go BR lol
Knapp - Glorified HS gym?
SIU Arena - Welcome to 1973
Roberts - feels like a sauna in there and I always feel like the iron supports are going to crash down

[BearsCountry]

Come back in 2008 with this when MSU has a new coach and new arena. :)

[E-Ville]

Qwest is definitely the best. Roberts is not the worst

[AcePurpleFan]

Quest is the best... Roberts isn't even close to the worse. Oddly, the best team in the Vally has the worst arena 'honor' wrapped up.

[AcePurpleFan]

1). Quest
2). Koch
3). Redbird Arena
4). Roberts
5). McCleod
6). Hulman Center
7). Hammons
8). Knapp
9). Carver
10). SIU Arena

[dawg]

I haven't been to all of them, but DeadBird arena has got to be the worst. Drunken sailors designed the upper level. Everytime I go I can't help but wonder how many people have tripped and tumbled to their death down the stairwells.

[Dawgbit]

Who is 75, (or 76 or 77, I lose track) and 3 in their home arena? :salukis: That, to me, is the "best" arena.

[bleach]

Who is 75, (or 76 or 77, I lose track) and 3 in their home arena? :salukis: That, to me, is the "best" arena.
That would be the best record not the best arena, or best team in the worst arena.

[tpguy1]

SIU arena could improve 100 % with the addition of indoor bathrooms, although many of the home fans wouldn't know what that "flushy" thing was.
:bounceblue: :banana: :Jumpy:

[kyyle23]

That would be the best record not the best arena, or best team in the worst arena.

Maybe the parameters of the question should be explained a little better. Koch may be the loudest, Qwest may be the most packed, but the Arena has the most successful team out of all of them in the past 6 years. It may be "Welcome to 1973", but it works.

So what does Ranking the MVC Arena's entail? Aesthetics? Decibels? Success?

We all pretty much know which Arena's fall in order for each one of those categories.

[ValleyGuy]

1). Quest
2). Koch
3). Redbird Arena
4). Roberts
5). McCleod
6). Hulman Center
7). Hammons
8). Knapp
9). Carver
10). SIU Arena

I wasn't ranking them in order - I should have said so - and I was just refering to the buildings, not the environment. But rank them in any categories you'd like.

I like the set up of Hulman better than Roberts and the McLeod is a nice building as well.

I'd probably put Roberts about 6th - but I don't think it's a "bad" place.

That's probably the only thing I'd change with this list.

Better question might be: How many of you have been to ALL of the arenas?

[FearDaTrees]

Humlan Center is a great place to watch a game.

http://web.indstate.edu/archives/architecture/buildings/hulman_center/hulman_civic_center_4.JPG
Hulman Center

http://web.indstate.edu/archives/architecture/buildings/hulman_center/hulman_civic_center_11.JPG
Believe It or Not, It was at once a packed house.

http://web.indstate.edu/athletics/images/facilities/Photos/HulmanCenter.jpg
Many times, it really does look like this when a game is being played.:no:

[Dawgbit]

SIU arena could improve 100 % with the addition of indoor bathrooms, although many of the home fans wouldn't know what that "flushy" thing was.
:bounceblue: :banana: :Jumpy:


That was just a real knee slapper.

SIU fans are used to hearing crap like that though. The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain. If you cannot beat them on the court, say something derogatory about their sister. You must be either a WSU/MSU fan, there is little difference in the two.

The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain.

[Aegyptus]

As an SIU fan, clearly, SIU Arena is at the bottom of this list (not figuring wins and losses). It holds quite a few people and gets pretty loud, but having sat in the bleachers in the upper bowl several times a few years ago, there is a realistic fear that they might fall in on top of themselves with all the people on them. Plus, the technology in that place is realistically worse than some high school arenas.

SIU Arena needs an upgrade ASAP. I know we will never be able to build anything like Quest or anything even like MSU's new arena because Carbondale is just not a big enough town, but we can at least upgrade the present facility.

I am not going to rank all of the them, but Quest is the best. No question about it.

[getreal4]

Better question might be: How many of you have been to ALL of the arenas?[/quote]


I/ve been to all but EVille & Mo St for mens basketball and have always had the advantage of good tickets fwiw.

WSU
CU
UNI
Ill ST
Ind St
BU
Drake
SIU

EVille & Mo St don't know

[Carrcar]

It was the best of arenas and the worst of arenas...this could sum up the SIU situation. On the other hand, look at our home away from home facility (Qwest Center) we really think it's something special and hope to defend our W-L record there.

[Ricky Del Rio]

Hmmmmmm...I don't even know if this is debatable. Are we talking arenas or environments? If we are talking arenas, Qwest is not only the best arena in the MVC, but one of the best in the country. If we are talking environments, then Koch wins.

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5494/img9724bx1.jpg

http://i3.tinypic.com/2ijj97l.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/2cxw660.jpg

http://i12.tinypic.com/43e0c1z.jpg

Yes, I agree.

I don't know why the MO Valley post season tournament is not moved to Omaha.

[AcePurpleFan]

I wasn't ranking them in order - I should have said so - and I was just refering to the buildings, not the environment. But rank them in any categories you'd like.

I like the set up of Hulman better than Roberts and the McLeod is a nice building as well.

I'd probably put Roberts about 6th - but I don't think it's a "bad" place.

That's probably the only thing I'd change with this list.

Better question might be: How many of you have been to ALL of the arenas?


I understand... I didn't think you were listing them. I believe Roberts might be in the top 3 as far as capacity. It needs some upgrades, but to me it's more of an actual arena as compared to the other sites. I've seen all of them (not necessarily for a game) except for Knapp and Koch. My rankings were based completely on aesthetics and capacity.

SIU is getting an upgrade I believe... it's part of the Saluki Way project. Of course the football stadium is stage 1 and then the Arena. Looks like there is some potential. It's a great location, just needs some serious upgrades to reflect the quality of the team.

[redbirdtim]

As for bells and whistles, we're working on that. The new scoreboard and side boards are really nice, and they're trying to work a way to get more stats on there. Someday, maybe they'll do an LED board all the way around between the lower and upper bowls.

[shockball]

That was just a real knee slapper.

SIU fans are used to hearing crap like that though. The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain. If you cannot beat them on the court, say something derogatory about their sister. You must be either a WSU/MSU fan, there is little difference in the two.

The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain.

Dawgbit

He's not a fan of either school. Seven guesses left, assuing he's not an SIU fan.

[AcePurpleFan]

I give you beautiful Roberts Stadium (of course it's never filled with 12,000 fans as pictured here) ....

<center>
<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n91/drobinson11/RobertsStadium.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
</center>

[Shox21]

That was just a real knee slapper.

SIU fans are used to hearing crap like that though. The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain. If you cannot beat them on the court, say something derogatory about their sister. You must be either a WSU/MSU fan, there is little difference in the two.

The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We all know (because you keep telling us over and over and over) just how good SIU is. The team IS good, but get over yourselves. Quit shoving it down everyone's throat. I don't know how bad or how good SIU's arena is because I've never been there, but you do have to admit == that was funny!

Lighten up. It's off season. Let's PLEASE not have a repeat of last year (and yes before you say it I know that last year's pissing contest came about because SOME (and I do repeat SOME) WSU posters got full of themselves and bragged ad nauseaum). You know how bad you hated it, so learn from it and let's not lapse back into the same old fold again. PLEASE!

[STLRedbird]

SIU arena could improve 100 % with the addition of indoor bathrooms, although many of the home fans wouldn't know what that "flushy" thing was.
:bounceblue: :banana: :Jumpy:

:notworthy: RFLMAO. Always looking for another market for your 90 grit, aren't you?

[XSaluki]

Yes, I agree.

I don't know why the MO Valley post season tournament is not moved to Omaha.

I agree. SIU's chance of winning against CU would go up if that happened.:grin:

[DawgieStyle]

this is a stupid thread....unless you are a completely biased moron...the Quest center is the best arena if we talking strictly about the arenas and not the teams who play in them. Its by far the most state of the art facility in MVC, and its not even close.

All of this coming from an SIU fan.

[AcePurpleFan]

Everyone agrees on that.. what about the rest of them?

[creightonfever]

We are spoiled.. the Qwest im sure is obviously the best arena (believe it or not ive only been to Drake..) Hopefully SIU or maybe Bradley will play in Omaha next year for the NCAA's.. you'd fill the arena!

[Cdizzle]

1. Carrier Dome
2. Qwest
3. Koch
4. McLeod
5. Redbird
6. Carver
7. Hulman
8. JQH
9. Roberts
10. Knapp
11. SIU

[shockball]

Just rating the ones I've seen games in. Rating them as if they were empty.

Qwest
Koch
McLeod
Knapp
JQH

[salukibob]

As less-than-up-to-date as ours is, once the games start I truly don't care. I'm more interested in watching the team win which is what our guys do on that court more than any other team does on their homecourt in the MVC. :salukis: :clap:

[whyami]

Sadly, very few of the MVC venues are truely the caliber they need to be to host upper level events. As a matter of fact, with a couple of exceptions (WSU and CU), I believe none of the venues are of the caliber to host NCAA Tourney games. I believe that even though some of these places are tough for anyone to play in, they need to be upgraded or replaced with venues more capable. That is if the Valley true wants to step up a be consider a major conference.

[DannyCooksey]

I haven't been to all of them, but DeadBird arena has got to be the worst. Drunken sailors designed the upper level. Everytime I go I can't help but wonder how many people have tripped and tumbled to their death down the stairwells.

I am not one to argue over one's opinion because basically it's pointless. However, if you really think Redbird Arena is one of the worst venues in the Valley, then you may need some glasses.


In addition, judging by your screen name and your cute little nickname for the REDBIRDS, you are probably and SIU fan. That's fine. You may have the best team in the Valley, but you also have unquestionably the worst facility for basketball in the league and it's not even close. I think honest fans of SIU would admit to that. The fact that your program has done what it's done with facilities like that is a miracle. With that in mind, I'm not sure it's in your best interest to rip on an arena that SIU and it's fans would kill to call their own. Just trying to help. :original:

:valley:

[shockball]

I don't think any of the on campus arenas meet minimum NCAA requirements. Qwest will host a regional next year. Des Moines' Wells Fargo arena holds around 16,000 and could host.

[shockball]

dawgs total family drunks falling to their death is 8. Human body count is .75

[ShockerEngr]

Sadly, very few of the MVC venues are truely the caliber they need to be to host upper level events. As a matter of fact, with a couple of exceptions (WSU and CU), I believe none of the venues are of the caliber to host NCAA Tourney games. I believe that even though some of these places are tough for anyone to play in, they need to be upgraded or replaced with venues more capable. That is if the Valley true wants to step up a be consider a major conference.


WSU is no where near large enough to host an NCAA Mens game.


I'm not even sure that the new downtown arena will be large enough

[Cdizzle]

How much will the new Wichita arena hold?


Thats a great question. My guess: Enough to be expensive, not enough to be worth anything.

[whyami]

Sorry, for some reason I was thinking Koch Arena was bigger (according to http://www.worldstadiums.com/north_america/countries/united_states/kansas.shtml) it seats about 10,100. But I still stick to my reasoning that most of the Valley teams will upgrade.

[IH8SIU]

I guess I can rank the ones I've been to...

1) Qwest Center
2) McLeod
3) Knapp
4) SIU

ALL things considered

1) SIU
2) Qwest
3) McLeod
4) Knapp


I hope to get to all the arenas before I graduate.

[JohnDorian]

I think it's 17,000 - 18,000

[ShockerEngr]

i was thinking you need 17,500 to host

[rjl]

How much will the new Wichita arena hold?

The last I think I read, the downtown arena will seat 15,000 for most events, but will be able to seat 17,000 around a basketball court.

It's been a while ago, and there's so much conflicting BS flying around from morons who are STILL trying to stop the arena (even though the arena sales-tax is more than half collected), I can't remember what is real and what isn't.

I KNOW that 15K is the minimum, though, so go from there.

[shockball]

This arena was defeated more than once. It's not as big as many would like but their has been strong resistance. One of the last items agreed on was having a second concourse that cost $5,000,000. It would have been miserable with one concourse.

[rjl]

Sounds like Wichita has a rather large CAVE contingent.

I think the noise they are able to make is disproportionate to their size. I could be wrong, I guess. But the number of people I know who were or are against it are in a very, very small minority.

Here's (http://www.shockernet.net/sn/viewtopic.php?t=7166&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0) a thread on Shockernet where we were all bitching about the CAVErs.

[whyami]

Well, Dayton has hosted quite a few first/second rounders over the last few years and they seat 13,455. I think you are right about a minimum number of hotels rooms also...

[rjl]

This arena was defeated more than once. It's not as big as many would like but their has been strong resistance. One of the last items agreed on was having a second concourse that cost $5,000,000. It would have been miserable with one concourse.

Defeated more than once?

It won the only time it was ever put to a vote.

[jaypharmalum]

It wasn't until Qwest added the additional seats (1500) to push capacity over 17,000 that we were able to land NCAA games. I believe that is just above the minimum.

The host city must also have at least 8 major hotels with adequate rooms, transportation, etc as I recall. I know that is a big hangup for a lot of cities.

[rjl]

On a side note, Wichita has already hosted an NCAA regional back in the mid-90's.

A Jalen Rose led Michigan and Maryland were in town, amongst others.

Of course, the requirements to host one have changed since then (the KS Coliseum seats only around 12K, I think).

Hotel rooms shouldn't be an issue in Wichita, even now, I would think.

[shockball]

Defeated more than once?

It won the only time it was ever put to a vote.

Didn't the simultaneous timing of the school bond issue ($260mm?) lead to a prior proposal being pulled? Defeated is probably the wrong word.

[rjl]

Didn't the simultaneous timing of the school bond issue ($260mm?) lead to a prior proposal being pulled?

Yes.

But that isn't nearly the same thing as being "defeated".

Defeated means that the voters voted "no". The only time the voters were asked, they voted "yes".

In the instance you speak of, the proposal was wisely pulled do to timing issues. The county's residents could be 100% in favor of the arena, but asking them to stomach paying for it along with a large school bond is a bit much in one vote.

[DUBulldog]

I don't know if there's a finite number required to host the 1st/2nd rounds of the NCAA's, but supposedly Des Moines has not had much success in bidding for them and their arena holds close to 16,000. But, I also think another problem with Des Moines was a lack of hotel rooms in the downtown area.

Des Moines was turned down in it's first bid for a men's NCAA regional, but did land a women's regional for next year. Lack of enough hotel rooms downtown would certainly be a factor. There are currently plans for a large new hotel next to the arena....still don't think there will be enough hotel rooms downtown to handle a regional.

[Mecha_Bulldog]

Des Moines was turned down in it's first bid for a men's NCAA regional, but did land a women's regional for next year. Lack of enough hotel rooms downtown would certainly be a factor. There are currently plans for a large new hotel next to the arena....still don't think there will be enough hotel rooms downtown to handle a regional.

I don't think hotel space is an issue in Des Moines. I think the NCAA views it as a new, mostly untested venue. It's hosted about three basketball double-headers in its life, and that's it. If the arena and city do a good job with the women's tournament, Des Moines should host a men's regional eventually. Competition from nearby cities like Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago, etc. doesn't help either.

[BearsCountry]

Its 12,000 to host men's tournament games.

[DUBulldog]

I don't think hotel space is an issue in Des Moines. I think the NCAA views it as a new, mostly untested venue. It's hosted about three basketball double-headers in its life, and that's it. If the arena and city do a good job with the women's tournament, Des Moines should host a men's regional eventually. Competition from nearby cities like Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Chicago, etc. doesn't help either.

The Des Moines area has plenty of hotel rooms....the downtown area doesn't. Are there any hotels downtown besides Holiday Inn and Marriott? And the Holiday Inn probably isn't even technically downtown, although it's very close to the arena. I guess there's the Hotel Randolph (a place for transients).

[AcePurpleFan]

Its 12,000 to host men's tournament games.


Then UE could host!! We have a Stadium with 4000 slightly used seats and 8000 never-before-sat-in seats :lol:

[Mecha_Bulldog]

The Des Moines area has plenty of hotel rooms....the downtown area doesn't. Are there any hotels downtown besides Holiday Inn and Marriott? And the Holiday Inn probably isn't even technically downtown, although it's very close to the arena. I guess there's the Hotel Randolph (a place for transients).

An Internet search shows six hotels within a mile of Wells Fargo: Quality Inn, Renaissance, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Hotel Fort Des Moines (plus the Suites of 800 Locust if you want something a little upscale). Is that enough? How much is enough? No arena can have enough hotel space to accomodate all 12000+ spectators within walking distance.

I still think it has more to do with the NCAA wanting to see how the city and arena support other events before giving it a men's basketball regional.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Its 12,000 to host men's tournament games.

This is correct. Albuquerque NM has been a host city for 1st/2nd round games very recently and their arena holds 12,000 for basketball..

For the record, Qwest Center Omaha landed the NCAA 2008 1st/2nd rounds long before they decided (in 2006) to expand it's seating to it's current 17,560 capacity..One of the reasons they expanded seating at Qwest was to bid for the Big 12 BB tournament..Although I think the chances of Omaha hosting this event is slim with KC being the traditional site location and their new arena coming on board next year..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[Scouter]

Hopefully SIU or maybe Bradley will play in Omaha next year for the NCAA's.. you'd fill the arena!

I don't think an MVC team can play at a site hosted by another MVC team. Isn't that the reason SIU wasn't in the St. Louis regional this year? The Valley was the host so SIU couldn't be in it. Maybe I'm wrong. Not sure how that all works.

[dawg]

I am not one to argue over one's opinion because basically it's pointless. However, if you really think Redbird Arena is one of the worst venues in the Valley, then you may need some glasses.


In addition, judging by your screen name and your cute little nickname for the REDBIRDS, you are probably and SIU fan. That's fine. You may have the best team in the Valley, but you also have unquestionably the worst facility for basketball in the league and it's not even close. I think honest fans of SIU would admit to that. The fact that your program has done what it's done with facilities like that is a miracle. With that in mind, I'm not sure it's in your best interest to rip on an arena that SIU and it's fans would kill to call their own. Just trying to help. :original:

:valley:

Hell yea I'm a Dawg fan. Plus, I didn't say the SIU Arena was the best, I merely said the ISU Arena is the worst. Its is a truly awful venue. I have no feelings one way or the other about the DeadBirds. Like most other B/N residents, I'm an IWU fan :) Hey look on the bright side -- compared to the ugly concrete campus with its ramshackle white dormitories, the DB Arena is one of the few pretty building on campus.

[bcg]

An Internet search shows six hotels within a mile of Wells Fargo: Quality Inn, Renaissance, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Hotel Fort Des Moines (plus the Suites of 800 Locust if you want something a little upscale). Is that enough? How much is enough? No arena can have enough hotel space to accomodate all 12000+ spectators within walking distance.

There are some requirements that the hotels must have to qualify for one of the eight. I can't remember all of them, but they must have a conference rooms and restaurant. That knocks out a lot of the business traveler hotels that are decent to stay at.

[Majik45]

I don't think an MVC team can play at a site hosted by another MVC team. Isn't that the reason SIU wasn't in the St. Louis regional this year? The Valley was the host so SIU couldn't be in it. Maybe I'm wrong. Not sure how that all works.

I think it's just if the conference hosts the event by itself. Since CU is hosting next year, I believe that any other Valley team besides CU could play in Omaha next year.

[dogdays]

The rule applies only to the first two games. SIU could have been in the STL regional, they just werent.

[jaypharmalum]

Its 12,000 to host men's tournament games.

I'm not sure where you got this number, but there's no way the NCAA is awarding an NCAA regional to a site with 12,000 seats. It might be the number they print somewhere, but I know the Qwest could not host until after they broke 17,000.

Also, only Creighton cannot play in Omaha next year. Other Valley teams are allowed.

[Snapshot9]

Quest definately looks to be a good arena. Koch is really enjoyable to go to, and has that nice 'fishbowl' feel (corners of seating aren't not out in left field like other arenas). The money spent on the scoreboard and sound system (upgraded from original) was well spent. The design is nice, but they should have made it in the 12,500-13,000 seating range. The only other complaint I have is there are no handrails in the upper sections. The look and feel is tremendous though.

Our public officials, ho hum, what can I say, they have the sense God gave a rubber duck. Our downtown arena should have been about 18,500, but with their neverending small minds, it was designed for 15,000, which is short-sighted for the future. And they morphed the Waterwalk project from something really exciting to a ho-hum type of project.

[Shox21]

According to the county's website, it's only 15,000 for basketball. The taxpayers should be PISSED about something that small. How do they plan to compete against KC, Omaha, Tulsa, OKC, Des Moines, and Little Rock with such a venue, when it will hold at least 2,500-3,000 less?

http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/arena/index.cfm

At the time of the vote, I was not aware that it would only seat 15,000 for basketball. The only capacity numbers I had read about at the time was 18,000. So I voted for the arena. I can assure you I was not a happy camper when I found out the true seating.

[DannyCooksey]

Hell yea I'm a Dawg fan. Plus, I didn't say the SIU Arena was the best, I merely said the ISU Arena is the worst. Its is a truly awful venue. I have no feelings one way or the other about the DeadBirds. Like most other B/N residents, I'm an IWU fan :) Hey look on the bright side -- compared to the ugly concrete campus with its ramshackle white dormitories, the DB Arena is one of the few pretty building on campus.

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

That is hilarious. really.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Omaha Cowboy]

I'm not sure where you got this number, but there's no way the NCAA is awarding an NCAA regional to a site with 12,000 seats. It might be the number they print somewhere, but I know the Qwest could not host until after they broke 17,000.

Also, only Creighton cannot play in Omaha next year. Other Valley teams are allowed.

He's talking about NCAA 1st/2nd rounds not a regional host site..

Albuquerque hosted 1st/2nd round games a year or 2 back and they seat 12,000 in their arena. Omaha was awarded as an NCAA 2008 1st/2nd round site before the seat expansion to 17,560 was approved early last year..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[Scouter]

The rule applies only to the first two games. SIU could have been in the STL regional, they just werent.

Maybe this was discussed on here during the tournament. Sorry if it was. If SIU could have been in STL, why weren't they? Aren't the top four seeds in each region designed to stay close to home. Obviously STL would be a much better choice than San Jose. I have a feeling this will bring up some "NCAA trying to screw the MVC" remarks. But honestly, does anyone know?

[Phantom]

Hell yea I'm a Dawg fan. Plus, I didn't say the SIU Arena was the best, I merely said the ISU Arena is the worst. Its is a truly awful venue.

:lol: :lol: :lol: I always get a kick out of it when an SIU fan rips on somebody else's arena. Nobody can argue the 'Dawgs home record and homecourt advantage of course, but if this thread is based solely on things like appearance/cleanliness/sightlines/concessions/facilities, etc, then Redbird Arena is far from the worst in the MVC.

Dawg, I also find it funny how it seems your biggest complaint about RA is the steepness of the upper bowl (I will admit it is fairly steep but its perfectly safe :lol: )and you joked about people falling to their deaths from up there. Well I can say with complete certainty that the risk of those old, rickety, wobbly wooden bleachers in the 2nd level of SIU Arena has a much greater chance of collapsing and killing everyone than someone falling out of the upper bowl at RA :lol:

[KingTut]

He's talking about NCAA 1st/2nd rounds not a regional host site..

Albuquerque hosted 1st/2nd round games a year or 2 back and they seat 12,000 in their arena. Omaha was awarded as an NCAA 2008 1st/2nd round site before the seat expansion to 17,560 was approved early last year..

Albuquerque actually hosted a regional in 2005. Louisville advanced to the Final Four out of the ABQ regional with that huge comeback over West Virginia.

According to the UNM site the Pit holds 18,018 people.

[C0|db|00ded]

Hmmmmmm...I don't even know if this is debatable. Are we talking arenas or environments? If we are talking arenas, Qwest is not only the best arena in the MVC, but one of the best in the country.

'Spew, you are up to your same old tricks again.. the best in the country? :lol: :lol: :lol:

The Qwiet is nice but it is a patchwork nightmare. Arenas that were built to seat 20,000 from the onset are much more impressive. The Qwiet wouldn't even crack the top 40 nationally. It's a great building for Omaha though so you should be thankful.


T


...:cool:

[DawgieStyle]

'Spew, you are up to your same old tricks again.. the best in the country? :lol: :lol: :lol:

The Qwiet is nice but it is a patchwork nightmare. Arenas that were built to seat 20,000 from the onset are much more impressive. The Qwiet wouldn't even crack the top 40 nationally. It's a great building for Omaha though so you should be thankful.


T


...:cool:

its still better than any other arena in the valley by a long shot...which was the point of the thread.

[Bird]

The Qwiet is nice but it is a patchwork nightmare. Arenas that were built to seat 20,000 from the onset are much more impressive. The Qwiet wouldn't even crack the top 40 nationally. It's a great building for Omaha though so you should be thankful.

What do you mean a patchwork nightmare? Are you talking about the recent expansion? If so, those seats are seamless from the original seating as the arena was built to expand when needed - the need just arrived quicker than expected. That statement shows you clearly have never been to the Qwest.

I know how much you hate Creighton and the Qwest, but I'm not sure how you think the Qwest is not in the top 40 best arenas in the country. I'm not sure how you define the top 40 best arenas, but the Qwest is in the top 20 for ticket sales in the world its amenities are as nice or nicer than many NBA arenas. If you are talking about just college basketball arenas, which is the purpose of this thread, I would say the Qwest is easily in the Top 25 when looking at the total package (amenities for fans and teams, capacity, concessions, and atmosphere, etc.).

[WSUbballer]

atmosphere

Whoaa..

Let's not go crazy. :innocent:

[creightonfever]

The Qwiet is nice but it is a patchwork nightmare.




you are so right :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

http://i3.tinypic.com/2ijj97l.jpg

Im hearing stuff about a new arena down in Wichita.. is this in the works? And/or will WSU be playing there?

[C0|db|00ded]

What do you mean a patchwork nightmare? Are you talking about the recent expansion? If so, those seats are seamless from the original seating as the arena was built to expand when needed - the need just arrived quicker than expected. That statement shows you clearly have never been to the Qwest.

I know how much you hate Creighton and the Qwest, but I'm not sure how you think the Qwest is not in the top 40 best arenas in the country. I'm not sure how you define the top 40 best arenas, but the Qwest is in the top 20 for ticket sales in the world its amenities are as nice or nicer than many NBA arenas. If you are talking about just college basketball arenas, which is the purpose of this thread, I would say the Qwest is easily in the Top 25 when looking at the total package (amenities for fans and teams, capacity, concessions, and atmosphere, etc.).

I have been to many major arenas and seen literally dozens of photos of the inside of the Qwiet. The Qwiet is a very nice arena for Omaha but compared to many others nationally it is not a "premiere" facility. Heck, even the Ford Center is much more impressive:

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/fordcenter

Yes, the Qwiet is a cash monster and that is more likely due to the fact that the Omaha community was severely under-serviced prior to its construction than it being one of the top 20 arenas in the world. :doh: :lol:

So the Qwiet doesn't beat the Savvis, the Ford, the Pepsi Center or the new Sprint Center in K.C. Not a good start if you want to crack the top 40 nationally.

The Qwiet reminds more more of Alltel arena. Big but just not really architecturally impressive on the inside:

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/north_little_rock_alltel2.jpg


T


...:cool:

[Carrcar]

:lol: :lol: :lol: I always get a kick out of it when an SIU fan rips on somebody else's arena. Nobody can argue the 'Dawgs home record and homecourt advantage of course, but if this thread is based solely on things like appearance/cleanliness/sightlines/concessions/facilities, etc, then Redbird Arena is far from the worst in the MVC.

Dawg, I also find it funny how it seems your biggest complaint about RA is the steepness of the upper bowl (I will admit it is fairly steep but its perfectly safe :lol: )and you joked about people falling to their deaths from up there. Well I can say with complete certainty that the risk of those old, rickety, wobbly wooden bleachers in the 2nd level of SIU Arena has a much greater chance of collapsing and killing everyone than someone falling out of the upper bowl at RA :lol:
I've been to most of the venues...IlSU RA has the best food, hands down.

[C0|db|00ded]

I know some of these pictures are pre-expansion but 1,800 seats does not an arena make. See how the inside looks kind of Podunk? It's a nice building but not a "premiere" type facility.

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/qwiet/325381892_535886152f_o.jpg

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/qwiet/lg_whlarena2006_nds7736.jpg

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/qwiet/omaha_qwest2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/qwiet/qwest.jpg

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/qwiet/qwest2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/econoshox/qwiet/t1_funk_ap.jpg

Ooops.. how did that ugly bastard get in here!! :lol:

How's his NBA career btw? :no:

Take a look at this poster site. Compare the photos with Creighton which is listed at the bottom.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://sportsposterwarehouse.com/warehouse/creightonhoops05ra-3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sportsposterwarehouse.com/warehouse/ncaabasketstad.htm&h=100&w=180&sz=9&hl=en&start=26&um=1&tbnid=dhmNpfQWV2xbxM:&tbnh=56&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcreighton%2Bqwest%2Bcenter%26start%3D 20%26ndsp%3D20%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26r ls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address%26rlz%3D1I7HPIA%26sa%3DN

I've been to Continental Airlines Arena and it certainly isn't as nice as the picture shows, but look how impressive it photos compared to the Qwiet!


T


...:cool:

[Omaha Cowboy]

Clod is a delusional, Omaha hating tool. The Qwest Center is one of the best, most state of the art convention center/arenas in the US. And most free-thinking, 'tool-less' posters here know this to be true. The guy has never stepped foot in the place, so he knows nothing about it. I've been to Ford Center, Savvis Center, Pepsi Center in Denver, America West Arena in Phoenix (as examples). Qwest Center is every bit as impressive as all those places..

It was a nice thread hijack attempt though..

But back to the actual discussion. It appears that in order to host an NCAA regional, you almost have to have a domed arena that seats in excess of 40,000 these days. Look at who hosted the regionals this past year..

..Coap..LiO....Peace

[C0|db|00ded]

Clod is a delusional, Omaha hating tool. The Qwest Center is one of the best, most state of the art convention center/arenas in the US. And most free-thinking, 'tool-less' posters here know this to be true. The guy has never stepped foot in the place, so he knows nothing about it. I've been to Ford Center, Savvis Center, Pepsi Center in Denver, America West Arena in Phoenix (as examples). Qwest Center is every bit as impressive as all those places..

It was a nice thread hijack atempt though..

But back to the actual discussion. It appears that in order to host an NCAA regional, you almost have to have a domed arena that seats in excess of 40,000 these days. Look at who hosted the regionals this past year..

..Coap..LiO....Peace

And here comes Brokeback! Right now cue... :lol: :lol:

P.S.

So if I don't think the Qwiet is the greatest facility on earth I'm an Omaha hater huh?:helpsmilie:

Friends, another example of the "Great Nebraskan Insecurity Complex".


T


...:cool:

[jays1044]

Clod is a delusional, Omaha hating tool. The Qwest Center is one of the best, most state of the art convention center/arenas in the US. And most free-thinking, 'tool-less' posters here know this to be true. The guy has never stepped foot in the place, so he knows nothing about it. I've been to Ford Center, Savvis Center, Pepsi Center in Denver, America West Arena in Phoenix (as examples). Qwest Center is every bit as impressive as all those places..

It was a nice thread hijack attempt though..

But back to the actual discussion. It appears that in order to host an NCAA regional, you almost have to have a domed arena that seats in excess of 40,000 these days. Look at who hosted the regionals this past year..

..Coap..LiO....Peace


he's just jealous..

:lol: :grin: :yes:

[Omaha Cowboy]

And here comes Brokeback! Right now cue... :lol: :lol:

P.S.

So if I don't think the Qwiet is the greatest facility on earth I'm an Omaha hater huh?:helpsmilie:

Friends, another example of the "Great Nebraskan Insecurity Complex".


T


...:cool:

The 'tool-wonder' strikes again :lol: ..Enough already. We get it Clod. You hate Omaha and the Qwest Center; and will take every opportunity possible to minimize both. Obsession noted. Now go see your therapist..

Jays1044/Show Me Jay: I agree with you both :lol: ..

The Pit in Albuqueeque hold 18,000 for basketball? I stand corrected. I really thought it was 12,000. There must have been a seat expansion in that place at some point. But I still think the magic number to host the NCAA 1st/2nd rounds is 12,000..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[WSUbballer]

The Pit in Albuqueeque hold 18,000 for basketball? I stand corrected. I really thought it was 12,000. There must have been a seat expansion in that place at some point. But I still think the magic number to host the NCAA 1st/2nd rounds is 12,000..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

I don't think so. The Pit hosted the Final Four in 1983. I doubt that it only had 12,000 seats for that event. I think it was built with around 18,000.

And yes, the minimum to host 1st/2nd rounds is 12,000.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I don't think so. The Pit hosted the Final Four in 1983. I doubt that it only had 12,000 seats for that event. I think it was built with around 18,000.

And yes, the minimum to host 1st/2nd rounds is 12,000.

Thanks for that. I could have sworn the place held 12 grand at some point..How about the NCAA regionals though. It would seem recently they've been held at dome stadiums with seat capacities of over 25,000 up to 40,000..If you have a nornal sized arena of 17-20,000, it looks like you're out for the bidding on a regional..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[tpguy1]

That was just a real knee slapper.

SIU fans are used to hearing crap like that though. The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain. If you cannot beat them on the court, say something derogatory about their sister. You must be either a WSU/MSU fan, there is little difference in the two.

The wind is strongest at the top of the mountain.

I rest my case

[WSUbballer]

Thanks for that. I could have sworn the place held 12 grand at some point..How about the NCAA regionals though. It would seem recently they've been held at dome stadiums with seat capacities of over 25,000 up to 40,000..If you have a nornal sized arena of 17-20,000, it looks like you're out for the bidding on a regional..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

In 2003, Albany, NY hosted a regional at their 18,000 seat arena. In 2005, Austin, TX hosted a regional at the University of Texas's on-campus arena, which I assume seats around 18 k.

I know the trend is to go to domes and huge seating venues for regionals. But it isn't always the case. If Omaha could have gotten to 18, I think, given its location, it could have been a regional possiblity.

The only thing that is definite for right now, is the final four location. That has been at a dome venue for the last 13 years. The last time the Final Four was at a non-dome arena was 1994, when it was at the Charlotte Coliseum.

[creightonfever]

Clod, seeing as how you have never been to the Qwest, quit making false accusations. If you think a building has to be top rated in the country because of how it looks, there is something wrong with you.

[rjl]

I've always thought that the Qwest looks like a very nice arena. I mean, any place that serves beer can't be all that bad, right?

Although I've never been there personally (I've been to Omaha, never to Qwest), I look to rectify that in the next year or so.

[NewEra]

Here are some illustrations of sedgwick county's future arena. Too bad it will only fit 15,000 for basketball. Thats a mistake, maybe not now but in 20 years it will be.


http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/arena/images/scarena.jpg

http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/arena/arena_designs/ViewBtmUpperDeck.jpg

[cantbeatthejays]

And here comes Brokeback! Right now cue... :lol: :lol:

P.S.

So if I don't think the Qwiet is the greatest facility on earth I'm an Omaha hater huh?:helpsmilie:

Friends, another example of the "Great Nebraskan Insecurity Complex".


T


...:cool:




At least you still have Turg...(pause)....NOT


Clod, why are you so jealous of Creighton? I don't understand. Is it because Omaha is nicer city than Wichita? Is it because Creighton has a better basketball program than Wichita? Is it because Wichita has never beat Creighton in the Qwest, and you can't say the same thing about Creighton at the Cock?


Get a life buddy...seriously.... :doh:

[C0|db|00ded]

I'm sorry, I take back everything I said.. I didn't know my opinion meant so much to you guys..

The Qwiet Center is the most beautiful, impressive, amenity-rich arena in the entire world. The mold was broken after the Qwiet was erected. The world has never and will never be the same..

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


T


...:cool:

[troutangler]

Feel better after your self-induced orgasm? See you in two weeks when you are "in the need" once again.

Here is a song by Mr. Bobby Vinton dedicated to poor 'ole Coldblooded:

Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I have nobody for my own
I am so lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
Wish I had someone to call on the phone

Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier
Away from home through no wish of my own
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

Letters, never a letter
I get no letters in the mail
I’ve been forgotten, yes, forgotten
Oh how I wonder, how is it I failed

Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier
Away from home through no wish of my own
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

:crybaby:

That song makes me think of Kim Jong Il in Team America World Police.

"Ronery, I'm so ronery!"

[Phantom]

Cold.....I'm assuming those are pics of the CU/Nebraska Volleyball match from last fall?

If so, I know that was a Valley record for Volleyball attendance (we had the record in a match vs. then #1 Stanford back in '03 at nearly 6,000 but CU doubled it last year) but I had no idea there were that many Husker fans there! And no, I'm not knocking the 'Jays at all and I know Nebraska has a big VB fanbase, Im just kinda surprised how many of their fans came to the Qwest that night.

[Bird]

Actually the volleyball pics are of the Final Four last year.

At least Cold finally admitted he's never been to the Qwest, but yet he somehow feels he has knowledge to constantly bash the place.

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

Cold.....I'm assuming those are pics of the CU/Nebraska Volleyball match from last fall?

If so, I know that was a Valley record for Volleyball attendance (we had the record in a match vs. then #1 Stanford back in '03 at nearly 6,000 but CU doubled it last year) but I had no idea there were that many Husker fans there! And no, I'm not knocking the 'Jays at all and I know Nebraska has a big VB fanbase, Im just kinda surprised how many of their fans came to the Qwest that night.

UNI had over 5,000 fans at our last volleyball game in the McLeod against Bradley. I would guess UNI's volleyball fanbase is larger than any other Valley school.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/BrandoJac/UNIvolleyball.jpg

[Omaha Cowboy]

Feel better after your self-induced orgasm? See you in two weeks when you are "in the need" once again.

Here is a song by Mr. Bobby Vinton dedicated to poor 'ole Coldblooded:

Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I have nobody for my own
I am so lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
Wish I had someone to call on the phone

Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier
Away from home through no wish of my own
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

Letters, never a letter
I get no letters in the mail
I’ve been forgotten, yes, forgotten
Oh how I wonder, how is it I failed

Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier
Away from home through no wish of my own
That’s why I’m lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

:crybaby:

:lol: :lol: :lol: ..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

UNI had over 5,000 fans at our last volleyball game in the McLeod against Bradley. I would guess UNI's volleyball fanbase is larger than any other Valley school.

That, seriously, is impressive!..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

That, seriously, is impressive!..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

Year in and year out, UNI ranks top 20 for national volleyball attendance. Our wrestling attendance was 9th this year too.

Volleyball is surprisingly huge here.

I wish I had the stat for their record in the West Gym for the past 15 years or something. It's like 200-12 or something. It is really insane.

[bcrawf]

231-13 since 1994...

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

231-13 since 1994...

Wow, even more impressive. Thanks for lookin' that up!

[GREY DAWG]

Hmmmmmm...I don't even know if this is debatable. Are we talking arenas or environments? If we are talking arenas, Qwest is not only the best arena in the MVC, but one of the best in the country. If we are talking environments, then Koch wins.

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5494/img9724bx1.jpg

http://i3.tinypic.com/2ijj97l.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/2cxw660.jpg

http://i12.tinypic.com/43e0c1z.jpg


Environment, SIU OBVIOUSLY WINS. We have dominated there, absolute domination no doubt about it. Don't plan on winning at SIU.

[Cdizzle]

Environment, SIU OBVIOUSLY WINS. We have dominated there, absolute domination no doubt about it. Don't plan on winning at SIU.

So if the team is so great and they never lose at home, and its the best environment in the valley........why don't they sell out?

[Phantom]

If we are leaving aesthetics and physical "niceness" of the arenas behind (of which Redbird Arena does rank in the upper half of the MVC IMHO) and talking solely about volume/atmosphere/homecourt advantage, etc...then hopefully my 'Birds get back to how we were in the 80's/90's. Contrary to what many may think, Redbird Arena really CAN rock! It has been and can be an intimidating, hostile, deafening environment for visiting teams. Just sayin... :lol:

:redbirds:

[C0|db|00ded]

I think you missed the point. Just because you have an impressive home record doesn't mean you have the best environment. SIU Arena is not nearly as loud or intimidating as Koch (or the Qwest or McLeod for that matter); although it's a phenomenal homecourt advantage for whatever reason (probably more for it's reputation as a vulgar, hostile environment).

"Korver Swallows..."

SIU Arena is definitely louder than Qwiet. The Qwiet wouldn't even be in the top 4 loudest arenas. Hey, it does serve beer though...


T


...:cool:

[ShockBand]

I think Cold's deriding the Q stems out of the seats not having preinstalled massagers to enhance the, er, joy, of the arena experience. Apparently the Ford Center has such amenities...

:Jumpy: :doh:

[Bird]

Ever been in the Qwest to hear how loud it gets Cold? Didn't think so. Obsession with CU once again noted.

[dregn]

UNI had over 5,000 fans at our last volleyball game in the McLeod against Bradley. I would guess UNI's volleyball fanbase is larger than any other Valley school.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/BrandoJac/UNIvolleyball.jpg

The last two years at least WSU has passed UNI in volleyball attendence per match. Last year WSU was ranked 10th with UNI ranked 17th. Creighton was 18th with 1611 fans per match and had a total of 20,940 fans of which 12,112 was the match against Nebraska.

[bcrawf]

Remember UNI was playing in the West Gym, capacity of about 1500. By moving into the McLeod I bet we move back in front of WSU and into the top 10 nationally...

[MoValley John]

Nice volleyball thread in the basketball forum.:innocent:

[creightonfever]

seriously cold, grow some balls and quit with the man-crush on WSU :innocent:

[Chairman of the Boards]

seriously cold, grow some balls and quit with the man-crush on WSU :innocent:

Why don't you just ignore Cold? You're one of the reasons he frequents this board. Some of you should take a few psychology classes while you’re still in school.

Cold is very easy to figure out. It continues to amaze me how he gets a rise out of many of you. Why do you think he continues to make outlandish comments? Because he knows you will respond and that makes his day. Cold is a professional playing with a bunch of amateurs.

:doh: :bash:

[iSASO]

If the fish keep biting, who can blame fisherman for coming back?

[MSNSaluki]

It's time for this thread to be locked.

[Fraydog]

Dittos MSNSaluki. I do agree with iSASO. People keep taiking the bait and Cold keeps baiting. People, just stop.