Lets face it the Bryce Jordan layout is a dud. Was a student during construction. Looks...........

[Ranger Dan]

Of course, if you have a winning team, people will show up.

I don't agree, at least categorically. There is a limit to the number of basketball fans that can consistently make it to a week night game in State College. I think the capacity should be 10K maximum, with the stands as close to the court as possible.

As for the layout, I think there should be a very small percentage of seating behind each baseline. Maybe have the upper level baseline be retractable stadium seats that they could roll out and use for special occasions or just keep as standing room only. The BJC seems to be designed for concerts and also basketball. It is the equivalent of the god awful Veterans stadium in Philly. I really think that (as said in post above) that John Paul Jones Arena at UVA is the best modern arena for sports that I've seen, and it can also support concerts. The capacity of the JPJ Arena is 14593, but if we shrunk it to 10k, as a standard seating, plus and extra 2k in situational seating, it would be a much better optic and atmosphere. Still, the team has to win to even have a chance at filling a 10k seat arena.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Not to knock you, but how could it be excellent if the basketball games feel like siberia

What he meant is that the BJC wasn't built to be an excellent basketball venue. It was built as a one size fits all design, with concerts being one of the primary purposes other than basketball. Instead of designing for an intimate, close to the court design, the seats were designed to be a little further from the court than some better examples of basketball arenas. Also, instead of designing to maximize the volume of crowd noise, it was specifically designed for better acoustics for concerts. It may be an excellent design from a multi purpose standpoint, but it's not great as a basketball venue.

 

[aferrelli]

OSU has a great basketball venue. Looks great on the outside and on the inside.

 

[lionroar88]

I always thought the BJC was better configured for hockey than basketball. Part of me would have loved for them to have renovated it for ice hockey and then had built a 8k-10k basketball only arena.

I would love to see them build something like USC's Galen Center with an open end that gives you a view of my nittany.

I never understood why people want to pay good money to look at mountains? You can do that for free by standing outside.

 

[Tweedbear]

BJC is not a dud it is more successful than planned. Have been a lot worse places to watch basketball. Developer crowds and temporary bleachers can be used to correct some of the problems.

 

[CF LION]

I don't doubt it re: Palestra but was keeping it to places I've been to, which unfortunately doesn't include the Palestra---yet.

The Palestra and Rec Hall were designed by the same architect. The exterior of the buildings look very similar:

Palestra

Rec Hall

 

[Victor E. Bell]

There's not much I agree on with PSU Nut but there is nothing wrong with a view at a sports venue. No one is paying to see the view, but it's a nice amenity and gives the place a little something extra. Some atmosphere and a little personality is great.

 

[CF LION]

Of course, let's not forget that the athletic facilities masterplan is due for public viewing soon. I'm sure that all of the ills of the BJC will be addressed.