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Post by phearthephoenix on Jul 18, 2012 14:26:56 GMT -6
Not sure what kind of response I'll get to this, but here goes...
I'm thinking about making a couple road trips for this upcoming season and taking in some road games against our league foes. How many HL venues have you been to? Likes / Dislikes? Which is your favorite?
I've seen multiple games at the Cell in Milwaukee but I've never been to the Klotsche, and I've also been to the ARC at Valpo, but it was for a youth tournament and not an actual Valpo game, so I havent seen a HL facility "in action" I guess. Depending on what the schedule looks like, I'd like to get to as many league road games as I can.
Thanks for your input
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Post by GBPhoenix1 on Jul 19, 2012 20:07:22 GMT -6
I have been to GB games at uwm (us cell and kc), Loyola, UIC and Valpo. I have been in the building at WSU but not for a game. I have not been at UDM, CSU or YSU.
I will leave uwm out of this because it is so close it isn't really a road trip.
For Loyola it is small but nice looking inside and out. The seats are close to the court. The crowd atmosphere is weak. The concessions and bathrooms are underwhelming. Parking requires money or the desire to drive around a lot looking for a free street spot. For being closest in distance to GB of the out of state HL teams it is a pain in the butt to get to. Once you get off of 94 the city streets to the lake seem to take forever. Pretty campus though. Also a good chance to see a GB road win.
UIC plays in an actual arena. It is tarped off in parts so it feels disjointed but it at least looks like a real sports building. Plenty of concession stands and bathrooms although nothing out of the ordinary in terms of quality. Plenty of available parking, for about $10. Once you get past the loop it is very easy to get off the expressway and get in to your seat. Reminds me of the US Cellular in Milwaukee. Every time I have been there UIC had a ton of young kids (8 to 12 years old) running around. They might not be old but they can make a hell of a lot of noise. Pretty big replay board for fans to view. Also, a good chance to see a win.
The ARC at Valpo isn't too far of a drive past Chicago. It isn't too hard to find off the highway either. Certainly feels like a high school gym. Very few concessions or bathrooms. A lot of fold out bleachers and you walk up to the seats from the court level. It really doesn't do their program justice because the fans are passionate and loud. Even with a small crowd they are close to the court and the noise bounces off the building. If you want a big time amenities experience the town and arena don't provide it. If you want to get wrapped up in a mid major hoops game then check it out. GB usually is competitive there as well.
I have been to Cleveland several times for other reasons so I can't see myself using time/money to go for a game. I have no desire to go to YSU. I actually really want to go to UDM and WSU. I would really like to see the athletic department organize a bus trip. I would have to believe they could get 50 to 100 people to go if they wanted to.
I am waiting to firm up my plans but I am 90% sure I am going to Reno for the tournament. I almost always go to the annual butt kicking in Madison. If they plan another non con road game I can drive to, I would be interested. I live in Milwaukee but I am strongly thinking of getting a 5 pack of tickets again for home games. I was less than impressed with the ticket office in the past but I did miss having the seats and with MU coming to town this is a good time to repurchase.
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