New arena.

[Deeringfish]

The new arena is going to be what it will be. Too big, too small, just right, who knows.

In those final games at WR when interest was at it's peak. The analysts, who I assume have been to many venues, said it was one of the most intense court side venues they had ever experienced.

Assuming the new arena can replicate that experience and the downsizing downsizes consistently to the exclusion of the opposition, It's going to need a good nick name. Like the Rat Trap or Cat Cage or something intimidating to visitors.

Any good or simply humorous ideas?

 

[NUCat320]

The Cat Box? </s>

 

[scru]

The Cat Box? </s>

Lol! The student costumes would be hilarious if perhaps not tv appropriate.

Tag line "where the Cats drop bombs!"

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

The new arena is going to be what it will be. Too big, too small, just right, who knows.

In those final games at WR when interest was at it's peak. The analysts, who I assume have been to many venues, said it was one of the most intense court side venues they had ever experienced.

Assuming the new arena can replicate that experience and the downsizing downsizes consistently to the exclusion of the opposition, It's going to need a good nick name. Like the Rat Trap or Cat Cage or something intimidating to visitors.

Any good or simply humorous ideas?

"Rat Trap" and "Cat Cage" are intimidating?

 

[scru]

Again. There is NO new arena. Not in Evanston, anyway. There is simply a renovation of a 64-y.o. one.

Gritting my teeth and refusing to get pulled in again...

 

[Max_Power]

Feli can just call it the Litterbox.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Again. There is NO new arena. Not in Evanston, anyway. There is simply a renovation of a 64-y.o. one.

Perhaps you don't know the meaning of the word "arena". The arena will absolutely be new. The location will be the same, and the building will be renovated. Part of that renovation is a brand new arena.

 

[julescat]

My only concern with this beautiful new arena is that it is quite likely that there will be a lower bowl fully stuffed (except for the baseline students) with the typical purple seat people.

 

[SteveNU]

The Collins-seum

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

The new arena is going to be what it will be. Too big, too small, just right, who knows.

In those final games at WR when interest was at it's peak. The analysts, who I assume have been to many venues, said it was one of the most intense court side venues they had ever experienced.

Assuming the new arena can replicate that experience and the downsizing downsizes consistently to the exclusion of the opposition, It's going to need a good nick name. Like the Rat Trap or Cat Cage or something intimidating to visitors.

Any good or simply humorous ideas?

Actually I like the Rat Trap considering we are the Wildcats. Or we can simply pick a noun that goes with a visual. Like "The Claw"

At any rate, the most interesting thing about this new stadium (Sorry guys, it is new. It's a complete tear down other than the shell) is the proximity of seats to the floor. The whole upper deck, behind the baskets are ridiculously and awesomely close to the floor. Almost reminds me of when I used to go to the Y and watch the pickup basketball as I was running around the court from above. Whoever thought of this is genius and I believe it may be the way of the future. Just incredible. It protects the product prices thus adding value (Yea I'll have to pay more), protects the team and environment by tossing out the 1,500 potential opposing visitors, and gives the team a truly unbelievable environment. This will be a Jewell. No doubt about it and I'm surprised by the negativity.

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

My only concern with this beautiful new arena is that it is quite likely that there will be a lower bowl fully stuffed (except for the baseline students) with the typical purple seat people.

I sat on the benches in 212 for a big game last year and although the place was loud, very few in the purple seats bothered to get up. But it's not because they are snobs. A careful look reveals that the average age is prolly around 70+. Toss in the fact that the purple seats are NOT friendly to knees. I'm a short dude and in good health and they annoyed me. Little room. That said, no way in hell can any of those old pricks [lol] even think about getting up when Chris Collins motions for them to. Watch at the end of a game and they can barely move out of the seats. Sorta like a overused night crawler on a hook. I can't blame them.

 

[wildcat229]

I have to agree. IMO the purple seats were terrible and not fan friendly at all. Bench seats were significantly better. I was thankful I opted for bench seats in 1984 rather than purple seats.

 

[SteveNU]

Anyone who prefers the bench to the purple seats hasn't had to sit behind fans from Wisconsin or Iowa.

 

[hdhntr1]

The new arena is going to be what it will be. Too big, too small, just right, who knows.

In those final games at WR when interest was at it's peak. The analysts, who I assume have been to many venues, said it was one of the most intense court side venues they had ever experienced.

Assuming the new arena can replicate that experience and the downsizing downsizes consistently to the exclusion of the opposition, It's going to need a good nick name. Like the Rat Trap or Cat Cage or something intimidating to visitors.

Any good or simply humorous ideas?

Litter Box where we s***t on opponents

 

[hdhntr1]

Anyone who prefers the bench to the purple seats hasn't had to sit behind fans from Wisconsin or Iowa.

I was in a Cat section and had to deal with my share of knees in the back

 

[hdhntr1]

The new arena is going to be what it will be. Too big, too small, just right, who knows.

In those final games at WR when interest was at it's peak. The analysts, who I assume have been to many venues, said it was one of the most intense court side venues they had ever experienced.

Assuming the new arena can replicate that experience and the downsizing downsizes consistently to the exclusion of the opposition, It's going to need a good nick name. Like the Rat Trap or Cat Cage or something intimidating to visitors.

Any good or simply humorous ideas?

Scratching Post

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

Actually I like the Rat Trap considering we are the Wildcats. Or we can simply pick a noun that goes with a visual. Like "The Claw"

"The Scratching Post"

 

[willycat]

Actually I like the Rat Trap considering we are the Wildcats. Or we can simply pick a noun that goes with a visual. Like "The Claw"

At any rate, the most interesting thing about this new stadium (Sorry guys, it is new. It's a complete tear down other than the shell) is the proximity of seats to the floor. The whole upper deck, behind the baskets are ridiculously and awesomely close to the floor. Almost reminds me of when I used to go to the Y and watch the pickup basketball as I was running around the court from above. Whoever thought of this is genius and I believe it may be the way of the future. Just incredible. It protects the product prices thus adding value (Yea I'll have to pay more), protects the team and environment by tossing out the 1,500 potential opposing visitors, and gives the team a truly unbelievable environment. This will be a Jewell. No doubt about it and I'm surprised by the negativity.

Turk I think you nailed it, comparing it to the Y. Could even call it the "Why N(ot).

 

[NUCat320]

The best name anywhere is The Pit. Unless you prefer The Barn.

How about something Chicago-y, a little bit Northwestern-y (you know, literary), and perhaps scientifically accurate (Wildcat is broad, non-specific term, so they must live in many environments.)

How about
THE JUNGLE

Make it happen, Lou.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Turk I think you nailed it, comparing it to the Y. Could even call it the "Why N(ot).

You have a hard time when things don't go your way, huh?

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

How about something Chicago-y, a little bit Northwestern-y (you know, literary),

Warzone?
Murder House?
Execution Station?
Drive By Gym?

 

[willycat]

You have a hard time when things don't go your way, huh?

Actually no. The decision to downsize doesn't go your way either, it's the way of the administration. Where's your sense of humor?

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Actually no. The decision to downsize doesn't go your way either, it's the way of the administration. Where's your sense of humor?

It most definitely went my way! I love it...small capacity filled with screaming NU fans right on top of the court? Like the Purdue game? Best homecourt advantage in the country!

 

[FeliSilvestris]

It most definitely went my way! I love it...small capacity filled with screaming NU fans right on top of the court? Like the Purdue game? Best homecourt advantage in the country!

Contradictory. NU did fill the 8,117 arena, and everyone agrees the environment was great. Obviously NU did NOT need to downsize in order to be able to do what it HAD ALREADY BEEN ABLE TO DO. NU filled the 8,117 arena multiple times and got over 7000 many more times. And that was with a team just a game over .500 in the B1G. Imagine if NU actually makes a title run.

Furthermore, even if we accept that a smaller arena was the way to go, it has been shown repetitively that (based o the cost of the DePaul brand new arena) with its $110MM NU could have built a state-of-the-art brand new small arena. Do the math: 10,000 seats = $173MM.
Sometimes the semigods of the AD SIMPLY MAKE A MISTAKE. This is one of them.

 

[DaCat]

Actually no. The decision to downsize doesn't go your way either, it's the way of the administration. Where's your sense of humor?

Actually, I think the administration is quite smarter than you give them credit for. After decades of futility, the team suddenly becoming a NCAA tournament mainstay (hopefully) could be too much to handle for the oldtimers. So give them something to complain about. Hello small gym. Willy is happy because he can keep bitching about something, the players are happy with the rocking atmosphere, the fans are happy because of the better watching environment, the visiting team and fans are miserable... it's a win all the way around. Carry on, willy.

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

Turk I think you nailed it, comparing it to the Y. Could even call it the "Why N(ot).

I meant it truly in an extreme positive way. I find myself excited for 2019 and can't wait. OTOH, I hate the Rosemont Horizon. For those who love big centers, you will get your wish next year.

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

Contradictory. NU did fill the 8,117 arena, and everyone agrees the environment was great. Obviously NU did NOT need to downsize in order to be able to do what it HAD ALREADY BEEN ABLE TO DO. NU filled the 8,117 arena multiple times and got over 7000 many more times. And that was with a team just a game over .500 in the B1G. Imagine if NU actually makes a title run.

Furthermore, even if we accept that a smaller arena was the way to go, it has been shown repetitively that (based o the cost of the DePaul brand new arena) with its $110MM NU could have built a state-of-the-art brand new small arena. Do the math: 10,000 seats = $173MM.
Sometimes the semigods of the AD SIMPLY MAKE A MISTAKE. This is one of them.

Not so fast. Often, in fact every time Purdue went on a 5 point run, we heard hundreds of fans yell "Boiler Up". It forced our student section to start the "GO NU" Chant. After we C Blocked the Purdue fans 3 or 4 times, they finally submitted.

 

[pawildcat_rivals209725]

I sat on the benches in 212 for a big game last year and although the place was loud, very few in the purple seats bothered to get up. But it's not because they are snobs. A careful look reveals that the average age is prolly around 70+. Toss in the fact that the purple seats are NOT friendly to knees. I'm a short dude and in good health and they annoyed me. Little room. That said, no way in hell can any of those old pricks [lol] even think about getting up when Chris Collins motions for them to. Watch at the end of a game and they can barely move out of the seats. Sorta like a overused night crawler on a hook. I can't blame them.

Yup, hard to get us 70+ folks excited about anything, even young whippersnappers on an Interweb board.

 

[NUCat320]

Warzone?
Murder House?
Execution Station?
Drive By Gym?

Those aren't literary like THE JUNGLE.

 

[ubercat]

Since there'll still be a closed-in seating arrangement:

Claws-trophobia

And if they excavate the new Welsh Ryan to have the floor below grade level (like Ryan Field):

The Catacombs

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Not so fast. Often, in fact every time Purdue went on a 5 point run, we heard hundreds of fans yell "Boiler Up". It forced our student section to start the "GO NU" Chant. After we C Blocked the Purdue fans 3 or 4 times, they finally submitted.

And what's wrong with any of that? The homefield advantage doesn't require zero presence of opposing fans. As long as there is a solid majority of local fans the HF advantage should hold. Opposing fans are also part of the experience, and they do contribute to the NU AD through ticket purchases.

Also, do not assume that the HF advantage is worth tens of points. In college BkB may be worth a basket or 2 (depending on whom you ask), so unless both teams are fairly evenly matched the HF won't make a difference (the home team would have won or lost anyway, even on a neutral court).

Finally, is there a practical scheme to prevent local "fans" to resell tickets for a profit (to opposing fans)? Some may conceivably purchase season tickets for that specific purpose.

 

[willycat]

Actually, I think the administration is quite smarter than you give them credit for. After decades of futility, the team suddenly becoming a NCAA tournament mainstay (hopefully) could be too much to handle for the oldtimers. So give them something to complain about. Hello small gym. Willy is happy because he can keep bitching about something, the players are happy with the rocking atmosphere, the fans are happy because of the better watching environment, the visiting team and fans are miserable... it's a win all the way around. Carry on, willy.

Are you addressing me or talking to someone else? It will interesting when Collins has the Cats in the top 25 and would like to schedule the likes of North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas and West Virginia only to be told that they won't play ibn a 6,000 arena. Solution would then be schedule the game for the UC or the Horizon or only play them at their full sized arenas. Could be very frustrating for coach who wants to put his stamp on a growing NU program.

 

[Styre]

Are you addressing me or talking to someone else? It will interesting when Collins has the Cats in the top 25 and would like to schedule the likes of North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas and West Virginia only to be told that they won't play ibn a 6,000 arena. Solution would then be schedule the game for the UC or the Horizon or only play them at their full sized arenas. Could be very frustrating for coach who wants to put his stamp on a growing NU program.

Northern Iowa got UNC to come play in their 7000 seat arena as recently as last season.

 

[willycat]

Northern Iowa got UNC to come play in their 7000 seat arena as recently as last season.

True but that's a 7,000 palace.

 

[Deeringfish]

"Rat Trap" and "Cat Cage" are intimidating?

As a sophomore in HS, I was the smallest of 3.500 students on the south side of Chicago. Intimidation has never been my strong suit.

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

Does anyone know how many tickets that an opposing team gets from the NU Admin? I know in football as a STH I am able to order away game tickets through NU. Is the same true for basketball? And if so, considering the 6,800 capacity, I wonder how many tickets are allotted for the opposing team...if any??

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

Yup, hard to get us 70+ folks excited about anything, even young whippersnappers on an Interweb board.

I think you misunderstood. I was sticking up for you old pricks. People want to blame the peeps in the purple seats for not rising out of their seats, but the problem isn't that they don't get excited but rather they simply have a tough time getting up, due to the limited space and old knees.

 

[julescat]

I think you misunderstood. I was sticking up for you old pricks. People want to blame the peeps in the purple seats for not rising out of their seats, but the problem isn't that they don't get excited but rather they simply have a tough time getting up, due to the limited space and old knees.

My problem is that way, way too oftern they don't show up. You are right that they are too old and decrepit to get up for anything but that is not the problem as I see it. They own the seats to own them and go to a few games but they just don't care about not showing up for the rest.

 

[IdahoAlum]

Northern Iowa got UNC to come play in their 7000 seat arena as recently as last season.

First of all, North Carolina only played at Northern Iowa because they had a player from the area. Secondly, Kansas, UNC and UCLA are NOT ever stepping foot in Welsh-Ryan (or whatever they wind up calling the new arena), whether it's 6,800 capacity or 10,000 capacity. If Northwestern becomes a consistent competitor and there is a Chicago-area recruit they want to impress, they might consent to meet us at All-State Arena or the United Center. But power programs like that aren't going to give us a true home game -- they don't have to.

 

[Pasadena Bound]

The new arena is going to be what it will be. Too big, too small, just right, who knows.

In those final games at WR when interest was at it's peak. The analysts, who I assume have been to many venues, said it was one of the most intense court side venues they had ever experienced.

Assuming the new arena can replicate that experience and the downsizing downsizes consistently to the exclusion of the opposition, It's going to need a good nick name. Like the Rat Trap or Cat Cage or something intimidating to visitors.

Any good or simply humorous ideas?

"House of Pain"