Bryce Jordan Center

[Paciencia]

i know the big focus in this facilities study that is being conducted is the future of the football stadium, but has anyone heard anything about the plans for the BJC?

I know football is the lifeblood, but as someone that has had season tickets for 40 years, I don't care how great the stadium is, the biggest factor in me attending a game is the opponent. If you want to improve attendance, improve the schedule. I also don't think it's realistic in today's world that you are going to get 107000 people to show up for a football game in which the only question is how badly Penn State is going to beat the other team.

Let's face it, if Penn State gets back to an elite level, Penn State is likely going to be a 3TD favorite in half the home games. Is that compelling?

I know escalators and some other amenities are needed at Beaver Stadium, but I would I would like to see the BJC made a much better venue for basketball, wrestling and other isolated events that could be held there.

 

[Ten Thousan Marbles]

i know the big focus in this facilities study that is being conducted is the future of the football stadium, but has anyone heard anything about the plans for the BJC?

I know football is the lifeblood, but as someone that has had season tickets for 40 years, I don't care how great the stadium is, the biggest factor in me attending a game is the opponent. If you want to improve attendance, improve the schedule. I also don't think it's realistic in today's world that you are going to get 107000 people to show up for a football game in which the only question is how badly Penn State is going to beat the other team.

Let's face it, if Penn State gets back to an elite level, Penn State is likely going to be a 3TD favorite in half the home games. Is that compelling?

I know escalators and some other amenities are needed at Beaver Stadium, but I would I would like to see the BJC made a much better venue for basketball, wrestling and other isolated events that could be held there.

LOL

Nothing of any major impact is going to be done to the BJC.

I honestly don't know sometimes....

 

[TheKaker]

i know the big focus in this facilities study that is being conducted is the future of the football stadium, but has anyone heard anything about the plans for the BJC?

I know football is the lifeblood, but as someone that has had season tickets for 40 years, I don't care how great the stadium is, the biggest factor in me attending a game is the opponent. If you want to improve attendance, improve the schedule. I also don't think it's realistic in today's world that you are going to get 107000 people to show up for a football game in which the only question is how badly Penn State is going to beat the other team.

Let's face it, if Penn State gets back to an elite level, Penn State is likely going to be a 3TD favorite in half the home games. Is that compelling?

I know escalators and some other amenities are needed at Beaver Stadium, but I would I would like to see the BJC made a much better venue for basketball, wrestling and other isolated events that could be held there.

For those who got surveys for the football stadium, you had the opportunity to get surveys for BJC and for Rec Hall.

 

[Nitt1300]

I'm still waiting for some updates for the Honors Dorm

 

[NittPicker]

I recall reading awhile ago that the BJC isn't run by the athletics department but is under someone else's umbrella within the university. That being the case, I don't know how the BJC will fit into the facilities evaluation.

 

[Tweedbear]

Pricing is a bigger factor in attendance than facilities. STEP, event pricing, ridiculous motel pricing have made even a game a season a hardship for many families and old time hard core fans.

 

[katchthis]

Nit 1300, My kids are sophomores and doing very well in HS,. They are considering PSU and Schreiber Honors. Is there a dorm in the works or is it pie in the sky?

 

[Nitt1300]

Nit 1300, My kids are sophomores and doing very well in HS,. They are considering PSU and Schreiber Honors. Is there a dorm in the works or is it pie in the sky?

Honestly, I think it's a dream. My daughter was an RA when she was at Schreyer. Atherton is the oldest dorm on campus, and it shows. But they keep it clean, and the location is great, so there is that. I wouldn't discourage a kid from going for it just because of the dorm-but it would be nice if we cared about facilities for our best and brightest as much as we do about a building that gets used seven times a year.

But a Schreyers degree carries some weight, and I'd certainly encourage any kid to go for it.

 

[katchthis]

thanks 1300, I've heard good things about Schreyer's program from all the students/families that I know that have gone through it.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

It would be nice if they upgraded Sackett and Hammond.

 

[psu2016]

I'm still waiting for some updates for the Honors Dorm

They decided to build the sorority girls the best Penn State has to offer instead

 

[manatree]

Atherton is the oldest dorm on campus, and it shows.

Actually Watts (1924), Irvin (1925) & Jordan (1930) in West are older than Atherton (1939).

 

[mhentz]

I talked to Sandy Barber and Coach Chambers this past Summer about the BJC. They recognize its....deficiencies....shall we say?.....and would love to build a hoops only arena but there just isn't any money for it. Sandy said she wouldn't implode the BJC, like I would love to, but would let it stand for use for commencements, conventions, concerts and the like, but would build an additional hoops-only building if she could. Without someone like Pegula willing to step forward and fully fund the building of a hoops-only arena it's not going to happen and we'll continue to be stuck with the damned BJC for the foreseeable future. When I hit the PowerBall for a billion dollars or two there'll be a Hentz Arena on campus. It'll be beautiful.

 

[getmyjive11]

Penn State needs to upgrade 80% of their dorms. I think that is a priority. I wouldn't expect the oldest ones to be touched until last though... they look nice on the outside at least. East to north to west is probably how they will renovate the buildings.

 

[Class of 67]

Pricing is a bigger factor in attendance than facilities. STEP, event pricing, ridiculous motel pricing have made even a game a season a hardship for many families and old time hard core fans.

To your list I'll add that high on the list should be seat backs throughout the stadium. While this would reduce capacity some, so what?

 

[Nitt1300]

Actually Irvin, Watts & Jordan in West are older than Atherton.

I think you're right

 

[PSU_Nut]

Any upgrades that will be done to the BJC be premium seating and basketball operations type additions. There have been plans for years dating back to Curley for expansion of the administration and basketball suit areas. They are to add a second story and additional space to the area behind the arena. This would centralize much of the athletics offices that are currently spread out through campus. It would also open more space for the basketball programs to add amenities.

The survey they have passed around focused on more premium seating for the arena. I could see them adding more amenities around the concourse. I highly doubt much will be done to change the seating bowl.

Keep in mind a long range plan is a wish list. Many projects will not be completed and many might be 15-20 years down the road. Much will also be determined based on funding. If donations come projects will be moved up.

 

[PSU_Nut]

I recall reading awhile ago that the BJC isn't run by the athletics department but is under someone else's umbrella within the university. That being the case, I don't know how the BJC will fit into the facilities evaluation.

It does fall under the general university budget. Athletics pays "rent" however they don't have to manage the facility and pay for routine maintenance such as the recent roof work or riser replacements. In the long run it probably cheaper for athletics this way. They do however pay for renovation that are athletic specific areas like renovating locker rooms.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Honestly, I think it's a dream. My daughter was an RA when she was at Schreyer. Atherton is the oldest dorm on campus, and it shows. But they keep it clean, and the location is great, so there is that. I wouldn't discourage a kid from going for it just because of the dorm-but it would be nice if we cared about facilities for our best and brightest as much as we do about a building that gets used seven times a year.

But a Schreyers degree carries some weight, and I'd certainly encourage any kid to go for it.

Atherton could use some attention. However, PSU did a major renovation to Simmons, and now the Schreyer's students have the option of Simmons or Atherton (or, they can choose after their freshman year to live off campus). The Simmons rooms where the Schreyer's students are housed are awesome -- IMHO the best dorm rooms available at PSU.

 

[mal106]

I received the survey for BJC about a month or so ago,, so i assume it falls under PSU.

 

[PSU77sh]

Daughter lived in Atherton 2009-2011. Bathrooms were all upgraded during that time. Rooms were larger than what I had in Ritner and Runkle. She loved it there. Fantastic location. Practice rooms for musicians in the basement. Computer room and study lounges off the lobby. I guess I have a different view on things, but you go to college and live in a dorm room which isn't supposed to be a 5star hotel. You sleep there, store your stuff there and sometimes study there. Otherwise you should be in class, the library, the gym, involved in organizations, hanging with friends or at sporting events/cultural events. South was completely redone and East Halls are next. I like the class the older dorms have.

 

[Richard the LIONhearted]

It would be nice if they upgraded Sackett and Hammond.

Lol at Hammond, it has been on fire twice in the past 6 months...

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

Lol at Hammond, it has been on fire twice in the past 6 months...

LOL is right.

All kidding aside, this is illustrative of the problem I have with Graham Spanier and the braintrust that has been running the university for much of the past 20 years.

The Millenium Science Complex, renovated HUB, new student health services, etc. buildings are fantastic.

But yet we have truly world class faculty and students in shitholes like Sackett, Hammond, and many of the other buildings in that area. Not one dime has been put into improving ANY of that, yet engineering is one of PSU's flagship areas.

 

[manatree]

Penn State needs to upgrade 80% of their dorms. I think that is a priority. I wouldn't expect the oldest ones to be touched until last though... they look nice on the outside at least. East to north to west is probably how they will renovate the buildings.

North & South Halls have already been renovated. The four dorms in North were turned into suites. South Halls was not turned into suites. They also added a new dorm building at South. A new (fifth) dorm is on the schedule to be added to North Halls, but it will not be suites.

Plans are being finalized to renovate both East & Pollock dorms. A new dorm building is also being planned for East.

 

[getmyjive11]

Lol at Hammond, it has been on fire twice in the past 6 months...

Sadly, the fire didn't win.

 

[Kiber]

BJC will never be ideal for BB, but it could be better. The decision makers got it partially right this season when they decided to curtain off the upper deck. The idea of downsizing capacity with curtains was correct, they just picked the wrong area.

I believe what they should have done is curtained off one entire end of the arena, thus making the arena a "U" shaped environment. By curtaining off the upper decks, they kept one of the BJC's biggest eye-sores of the vast waste-lands of the baseline areas. By curtaining off an entire end, and using the "U" shape arena, they could then move the entire court/playing area tighter down to the end that was not curtained off. The court/playing surface could be pushed tight into the "U", thus creating a more intimate setting where the fans are more "on top" of the action and all around closer to the court.

 

[PhillipintheValley]

North & South Halls have already been renovated. The four dorms in North were turned into suites. South Halls was not turned into suites. They also added a new dorm building at South. A new (fifth) dorm is on the schedule to be added to North Halls, but it will not be suites.

Plans are being finalized to renovate both East & Pollock dorms. A new dorm building is also being planned for East.

This is good info for the most part. There are actually two new buildings planned: one in North and one in East. They will be built pretty much concurrently. East will then be renovated two buildings at a time, followed by Pollock. All of this is somewhat in doubt with what is going on with the BoT and the budget. The current financial uncertainty at the University rivals that occurring during the financial downturn at the end of the Dubbwa presidency. Unfortunately, much of the uncertainty is self generated. It's going to be interesting for the next several years.

 

[PSU_Nut]

BJC will never be ideal for BB, but it could be better. The decision makers got it partially right this season when they decided to curtain off the upper deck. The idea of downsizing capacity with curtains was correct, they just picked the wrong area.

I believe what they should have done is curtained off one entire end of the arena, thus making the arena a "U" shaped environment. By curtaining off the upper decks, they kept one of the BJC's biggest eye-sores of the vast waste-lands of the baseline areas. By curtaining off an entire end, and using the "U" shape arena, they could then move the entire court/playing area tighter down to the end that was not curtained off. The court/playing surface could be pushed tight into the "U", thus creating a more intimate setting where the fans are more "on top" of the action and all around closer to the court.

They sell movable bleachers that actually can be moved forward. Would love to see them install them on each end to move in to baseline and curtain off behind either end.

 

[manatree]

This is good info for the most part. There are actually two new buildings planned: one in North and one in East. They will be built pretty much concurrently.

To quote myself: "A new (fifth) dorm is on the schedule to be added to North Halls," "A new dorm building is also being planned for East."

 

[Paciencia]

BJC will never be ideal for BB, but it could be better. The decision makers got it partially right this season when they decided to curtain off the upper deck. The idea of downsizing capacity with curtains was correct, they just picked the wrong area.

I believe what they should have done is curtained off one entire end of the arena, thus making the arena a "U" shaped environment. By curtaining off the upper decks, they kept one of the BJC's biggest eye-sores of the vast waste-lands of the baseline areas. By curtaining off an entire end, and using the "U" shape arena, they could then move the entire court/playing area tighter down to the end that was not curtained off. The court/playing surface could be pushed tight into the "U", thus creating a more intimate setting where the fans are more "on top" of the action and all around closer to the court.

That's not a bad idea and something I have considered.

To be fair to the BJC however, and I have been to 6 games there in the past couple years, the problem isn't the arena so much as it is the people that go to the games.

The core group of fans that attend these games regularly couldn't disturb a library with a strict noise policy.

It doesn't matter what kind of arena you build, if the people that go to the games are going to just sit there, there won't be any change.

If you are going to buy the tickets, get in your car, park, walk up to the arena, and take a seat, shouldn't you probably support the team and show a little appreciation for their effort?

I've seen this team go on major spurts, the other team calls timeout, and most of the people at the game are just sitting there like absolutely nothing happened. That's a people problem.

When the arena has a poor design and the people who have access to the best seats just want to sit there in silence, that's a problem.

The key for the basketball program is getting much larger student turnouts as they will make the noise. I think with improved recruiting and more potential for star power on the roster in the years to come, the basketball team has the ability to become an attraction.

 

[psu00]

That's not a bad idea and something I have considered.

To be fair to the BJC however, and I have been to 6 games there in the past couple years, the problem isn't the arena so much as it is the people that go to the games.

The core group of fans that attend these games regularly couldn't disturb a library with a strict noise policy.

It doesn't matter what kind of arena you build, if the people that go to the games are going to just sit there, there won't be any change.

If you are going to buy the tickets, get in your car, park, walk up to the arena, and take a seat, shouldn't you probably support the team and show a little appreciation for their effort?

I've seen this team go on major spurts, the other team calls timeout, and most of the people at the game are just sitting there like absolutely nothing happened. That's a people problem.

When the arena has a poor design and the people who have access to the best seats just want to sit there in silence, that's a problem.

The key for the basketball program is getting much larger student turnouts as they will make the noise. I think with improved recruiting and more potential for star power on the roster in the years to come, the basketball team has the ability to become an attraction.

It's a mix but kind of hard for fans to be excited over the bball play since 2000 or so. . More students would definitely help right away. I'd love to see a basketball only arena similar to the Palestra, UDub, or Colorado arenas.

 

[Evan Ceg]

If/when we put a consistently winning team on the court, a lot of the BJC's deficiencies will be minimized.

I haven't given much thought to the U-shaped seating configuration mentioned above, but I would put 5-10 rows of temporary bleachers behind the baskets and fill them with freshman, and then rope off the blocked sight line seats behind the temporary bleachers.

I think a second practice court and expanded basketball office suites are a ways down the road at the BJC. We have more urgent Athletics facilities needs elsewhere. The men's and women's basketball offices were renovated 2-3 years ago and we have brand new film room and food service areas at the BJC.

 

[Paciencia]

It's a mix but kind of hard for fans to be excited over the bball play since 2000 or so. . More students would definitely help right away. I'd love to see a basketball only arena similar to the Palestra, UDub, or Colorado arenas.

I don't buy that excuse.

I have been to a handful of Sixers' games the last few years, an absolutely dreadful NBA product right now and if it's a competitive game the crowd gets into it.

If you have no interest in cheering for the team in a competitive game against a quality Big Ten Team, why even bother going to the game?

Not to mention the fact that it would be much easier to build a program if our team actually benefited from a home court advantage.

We are the only program in the Big Ten that doesn't a provide their basketball team a decent home court advantage. How is Penn State supposed to compete in a league like the Big Ten without crowd support at home games?

Minnesota lost two games to teams from the Dakota's and has yet to win a game in the Big Ten this year and they had a really loud and energetic crowd in a home loss to Purdue last week. What did they have to cheer about? What has Minnesota basketball accomplished in the last 10 years?

A major problem with Penn State basketball right now is the people who have the tickets in the sideline sections. They discourage cheering (i've felt the glare) and they create a lame atmosphere that discourages people from wanting to attend the games.

Who wants to sit behind the basket when the people who have the good seats are just going to sit there with their arms folded for the entire game?

The people who continue to renew and eat at up the good seats are a major problem.

 

[psu1969a]

I recall reading awhile ago that the BJC isn't run by the athletics department but is under someone else's umbrella within the university. That being the case, I don't know how the BJC will fit into the facilities evaluation.

You are correct. BJC is not controlled by Athletic Department; it is run by the University as is any other educational building. Athletics pays rent for both BB offices, training & weight rooms, lockers, practice area and the arena itself when there are games. BTW it is not a token amount.

 

[psu1969a]

That's not a bad idea and something I have considered.

To be fair to the BJC however, and I have been to 6 games there in the past couple years, the problem isn't the arena so much as it is the people that go to the games.

The core group of fans that attend these games regularly couldn't disturb a library with a strict noise policy.

It doesn't matter what kind of arena you build, if the people that go to the games are going to just sit there, there won't be any change.

If you are going to buy the tickets, get in your car, park, walk up to the arena, and take a seat, shouldn't you probably support the team and show a little appreciation for their effort?

I've seen this team go on major spurts, the other team calls timeout, and most of the people at the game are just sitting there like absolutely nothing happened. That's a people problem.

When the arena has a poor design and the people who have access to the best seats just want to sit there in silence, that's a problem.

The key for the basketball program is getting much larger student turnouts as they will make the noise. I think with improved recruiting and more potential for star power on the roster in the years to come, the basketball team has the ability to become an attraction.

I am one of the people that go to games to watch the game. I cheer/clap whenever we do well. I cheer when ever we do well. But I go to watch the game; these are the students BB teams. A 1,000 students at men's game is nice but 4K ti 5K would be a lot nicer and provide the noise/excitement that you want. As for the women's games, any students in attendance would be a plus.

Pi$$ off the one that are attending and the damn place will really be empty.

 

[psu1969a]

I don't buy that excuse.

I have been to a handful of Sixers' games the last few years, an absolutely dreadful NBA product right now and if it's a competitive game the crowd gets into it.

If you have no interest in cheering for the team in a competitive game against a quality Big Ten Team, why even bother going to the game?

Not to mention the fact that it would be much easier to build a program if our team actually benefited from a home court advantage.

We are the only program in the Big Ten that doesn't a provide their basketball team a decent home court advantage. How is Penn State supposed to compete in a league like the Big Ten without crowd support at home games?

Minnesota lost two games to teams from the Dakota's and has yet to win a game in the Big Ten this year and they had a really loud and energetic crowd in a home loss to Purdue last week. What did they have to cheer about? What has Minnesota basketball accomplished in the last 10 years?

A major problem with Penn State basketball right now is the people who have the tickets in the sideline sections. They discourage cheering (i've felt the glare) and they create a lame atmosphere that discourages people from wanting to attend the games.

Who wants to sit behind the basket when the people who have the good seats are just going to sit there with their arms folded for the entire game?

The people who continue to renew and eat at up the good seats are a major problem.

I sit in the referenced sets; I cheer and applaud as I see fit. At times there is nothing to cheer about.

If you want a loud and raucous atmosphere come to the games; get students to attend (good luck).

BTW I pay a pretty good buck to sit where I do at games. There are plenty of empty (unsold) seats around me.

 

[Paciencia]

I am one of the people that go to games to watch the game. I cheer/clap whenever we do well. I cheer when ever we do well. But I go to watch the game; these are the students BB teams. A 1,000 students at men's game is nice but 4K ti 5K would be a lot nicer and provide the noise/excitement that you want. As for the women's games, any students in attendance would be a plus.

Pi$$ off the one that are attending and the damn place will really be empty.

Just because you are cheering doesn't mean there aren't large blocks of people who are not.

People don't have to stand on their seats and act like maniacs, but I have been to games and there is little to no support from the season ticket base and I literally am filled up with embarrassment and I'm not the only one that feels that way.

We made a run in the Wisconsin game at home a few weeks back and someone posted a picture on Twitter with the caption, "and the crowd goes wild." It was a picture of the season ticket holders sitting there with their arms folded.

It's a lousy basketball crowd right now and you can't convince me otherwise. I wish there was a way to move people around so that the people who want to bring some excitement to the game don't have to sit around someone who would prefer they sit down and shut up.

Like I said and you said, it's going to be up to the students and I think we are bringing a caliber of player and athlete into the program now that will create interest.

Another thing I would like to see is Penn State move a Big Ten home game every year to Philadelphia. You are only going to generate so much interest in a game against Drexel. If Penn State played Michigan at the Wells Fargo Center, you would have a large contingent of Penn State alum in the Philadelphia are make it to the game.

The Penn State fans that made it to New York this weekend were louder than any BJC crowd this season, and there were a lot of Michigan people at that game too.

 

[PhillipintheValley]

To quote myself: "A new (fifth) dorm is on the schedule to be added to North Halls," "A new dorm building is also being planned for East."

Sorry I missed that.

 

[psu00]

I don't buy that excuse.

I have been to a handful of Sixers' games the last few years, an absolutely dreadful NBA product right now and if it's a competitive game the crowd gets into it.

If you have no interest in cheering for the team in a competitive game against a quality Big Ten Team, why even bother going to the game?

Not to mention the fact that it would be much easier to build a program if our team actually benefited from a home court advantage.

We are the only program in the Big Ten that doesn't a provide their basketball team a decent home court advantage. How is Penn State supposed to compete in a league like the Big Ten without crowd support at home games?

Minnesota lost two games to teams from the Dakota's and has yet to win a game in the Big Ten this year and they had a really loud and energetic crowd in a home loss to Purdue last week. What did they have to cheer about? What has Minnesota basketball accomplished in the last 10 years?

A major problem with Penn State basketball right now is the people who have the tickets in the sideline sections. They discourage cheering (i've felt the glare) and they create a lame atmosphere that discourages people from wanting to attend the games.

Who wants to sit behind the basket when the people who have the good seats are just going to sit there with their arms folded for the entire game?

The people who continue to renew and eat at up the good seats are a major problem.

I hear ya but the bottom line is the team play doesn't encourage the fans in any way with the continuing 'wait til next year' slogan. .

It's been a while since I've been to a Sixers game but last time I was there the crowd was just as dead. I'm not saying there aren't some fans at mid court who need a kick in the backside to show some enthusiasm but the product PSU produces does not lend to that.

The first issue they need to deal with is why 40,000 students on campus don't show up to a 14,000 (?) seat arena literally just down the block. If you want a great atmosphere you need to start there. They (and the configuration of the arena) are what made Rec Hall great and an intimidating place to play.

 

[Evan Ceg]

Rec Hall was only a great basketball home court when we were winning under Parkhill and the place was almost full. I sat in Rec Hall in the 70s when John Bach (recently deceased) was the head coach and it was a mausoleum with 1,000-2,000 fans. There were only a few other times I recall Rec Hall being packed for basketball games: an upset of Virginia when State College's Barry Parkhill (Bruce's brother) was starring for the Cavaliers and the game against Pitt when a Ron Brown buzzer beater upset a ranked Pitt squad. I'm sure there were a couple others but a packed Rec Hall was the exception rather than the rule.

My point is that winning draws crowds, whether it's Rec Hall, the BJC or some other arena. Rec Hall was a recruiting liability until we moved to the BJC.