by Marilyn McManus, SECWB.com
If you attended the exhibition game against Peach State Elite, you probably noticed a few changes at the Colonial Life Arena. In fact, that’s the first one; last year, it was known as the Colonial Center. If not, there are probably a few things you will want to keep in mind.
As I settled into my customary seat in the “season ticket-holders section” I couldn’t quite figure out why things looked just a little different; among other things, I felt like I was sitting a little lower than usual. As it turned out, it was the same row as usual–but the look of the arena HAS been altered, somewhat.
There is now a barrier separating the built-in arena seats from the three rows of temporary seating that is located directly behind the team benches and press row. A rather chatty person from the multitudes of CLA’s security staff explained that there were a number of changes going on, mandates from on high. (Eric Hyman? The coaches?) We don’t know, because the reliability of this particular source has yet to be established. His belief was that it was from the Athletic Department and I expect that he is, at least partially, correct.
1. No more civilians directly behind the team bench (those 3 rows in front of the barrier) and no players’ family members, either. Who will be allowed to sit there? It was always my understanding that those seats were for team doctors, various team-related staff and their families, which makes sense. It will be interesting to see who is there, now, since security is watching it.
2. The first five rows behind the barrier, in the section directly behind the team bench, are to be reserved for faculty. If this is enforced during the regular season, look for a lot of empty seats right behind the bench. At the exhibition game, security was very vigilant in enforcing this policy and with about 20 minutes before game time, there was 1 lonely woman in the section.(!) After a bit of bustling about among the Powers That Be (Marcy Girton seems to loom large there) Mr. Security came up the steps to announce that the new rule would NOT be enforced this night, whereupon the section quickly filled up with fans.
Note to Athletic Department or whoever made this decision: Drop It. Give any faculty who attend equal access to the general admission season ticket-holder sections, first-come, first-served, just like everybody else–and let it go at that. Seriously, they don’t even pay for admission (just show their ID) and you are displacing long-time, loyal fans who DO pay for those seats. Not a good idea.
3. Players’ families are to sit in Section 102, if they identify themselves as such. So families, if you want a good seat, just keep mum and join the rest of us. I have not yet received my tickets, so I can’t say if there is some means of differentiating between who has season tickets vs. general admission tickets vs. player’s tickets. I will let you know, when I know.
4. The court looks different. There is a HUGE block C and Gamecock logo, plus “SOUTH CAROLINA” emblazoned on the court; the “paint” is now merely a darker shade of stained wood, with an SEC logo on it. The darker wood in the lane looks nice, but the SEC logo in white paint looks washed out. A thin black outline would go a long way there. Oh, and there are now two different 3-point lines. Way to help out those already-confused officials!
5. The 30-second clocks are now of a triangular shape (please don’t ask why) and they look like they were once bright, but have faded. Much sharper contrast is needed there.
6. The sound system was horrible at the exhibition game. Fans couldn’t make out a word spoken by “Shakin’ Dave” Aiken, who is normally a very good announcer. We tried–really. The words all ran together until it sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher talking.
7. The Pep Band was HUGE last Thursday! The sound was impressive. I don’t expect that size band for every game, but it sure would be nice. Keep up the great work, band.
8. No chairs were pulled onto the playing floor for huddles at the foul line! Hurray! I have always hated that practice and I hope that this was not just an oversight, due to the fact that it was only an exhibition game. Leave that silliness to Andy Landers and those cute little Bulldog folding chairs–Aaaaaarrrrgggghhhh! We have a bench–sit on it. (I mean that in a nice way!)
9. No separate huddles for coaches vs. players, either, another coaching trend/practice that seriously bugs me for no rational reason that I can give.
10. Maybe my favorite: at the end of the game, the entire team along with all of the coaches, converged at center court for the ritual singing of the school song. Very nice. As (I believe) it should be.
Here’s to seeing all of you at the home opening game against Clemson on Wednesday, November 19th. I hope you can find your seats!
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