The first review of the College Basketball Experience were the lucky Terriers. They were worthy of a 4.1 out of 7.
For a school of roughly 2k students and a campus composed of basically 1 building, I was pretty impressed with taking a game in there. It should mentioned The Pope, their basketball gym, is also located in the same building that provides classes and school activities. I was astonished when I found a school map and came across this. How the hell St. Francis College has a basketball team that competes in Division I with the likes of a UNC or Kentucky, should inspire others, not yet there.
First positive thing I notice, how involved the students were. Everything from selling ticket, to directing alumni to seats, serving as security, cleaning floors and being team assistants, all stood out as good signs. I’m sure SFC is paying these kids in some small form, but for actual students to voluntarily want to be involved says, a lot. Also, walking around the “campus” before tip off, I stumbled into a student lounge. To my surprise there were kids, several, hanging out and socializing. Let me remind you, this was a Saturday evening. I wouldn’t be caught in anything educational, during my weekend on my own volition. So credit to St Francis for having kids who actually enjoy the school and being around their peers.
On to the game. The arena was PACKED. Yes, there are only 1200 seats but 90% of it was full. This is for a team that was playing just above .500. Granted I caught them on a good night because they were retiring a former player, Al Inniss, number, only the second men’s basketball jersey to be hung in the rafters. But I am not deducting points for hypothetical situations. I’m only judging the game attended.
For cost of entry, tickets were only $10. And depending how early you arrived you basically sat anywhere. I was in the first row, across from the visitor’s bench. The PA announcer seemed like a seasoned vet and probably does other schools across the city. He had a lot of enthusiasm and emotion. The crowd was into the game from beginning to end. The school had dancers but no cheerleaders, but did do a t-shirt give away. Definitely worthy of a few extra decimals.
All in all, I enjoyed my experience. Even after the team didn’t win and I lost money betting on them :/ . I would definitely go to another game and would love to see this team play during a miraculous season (similar to run in 16 – 17′).
What I loved :
Student involvement, cheap tix, great seats, lively crowd, packed arena, in game atmosphere
What needs improvement :
No seats behind basket, larger student section, no cheerleaders, no pre or post game events for fans/alumni, no concessions.
PS. really only good shot I got. Will take better/more next time.