MUScoop

Got motivated to start this after a walk-on's comment about tomorrow's game (not to reveal my secret ballot). Was originally going to make the question about the worst place to see a game but realized that would bring the fans into the equation. Thus, the poll only asks about the facility itself. It could be a difficult question since not everyone has been everywhere - I've only been to seven of them. But in my experience, there is a clear leader in the clubhouse. What say you?

Majerus?   Oh, wait.   That isn't really connected to the Big East.

HaHa

From my experience, Real Chili

Seton Hall's arena is missing. Prudential Center.

Also the Capital Center is the demolished old DC arena. Should be Capital One arena.

Does UConn play most games at the XL or the pavilion now?

Quote from: Aughnanure on February 08, 2022, 06:27:34 AM
Seton Hall's arena is missing. Prudential Center.

It's not. It's up there under its nickname "The Rock"

Based on Georgetown's last game, should McDonough Gym be included?

I feel like I'm not really qualified to vote in this. I've only been in two -- Hinkle and Cintas. While Finkle is my clear favorite between those two (I love that building), I really can't call Cintas a dump. So, I'll abstain. I will see MSG next month for the first time.

I'm curious to know how the voting is going.

Quote from: StillAWarrior on February 08, 2022, 08:26:08 AM
Based on Georgetown's last game, should McDonough Gym be included?[/color]

I feel like I'm not really qualified to vote in this. I've only been in two -- Hinkle and Cintas. While Finkle is my clear favorite between those two (I love that building), I really can't call Cintas a dump. So, I'll abstain. I will see MSG next month for the first time.

I'm curious to know how the voting is going.

Even worse than Seton Hall's gym, and that's setting a very low bar.

Agree on abstaining. I go to the DC games but am not qualified to pass judgement on the other venues.

Hinkle, it's historical and lovable but it's objectively outdated, smells weird, and the floor was weirdly wet. It's a lovable significant dump.

I've been to Hinkle once.  It was fine.  Without the nostalgia, it would be high up on this list.

The amenities at Wintrust are not great. That said, it is a nice place to watch a game.

If DePaul was still at the All State Arena, that would be the clear winner.

Quote from: RJax55 on February 08, 2022, 09:04:43 AM
The amenities at Wintrust are not great. That said, it is a nice place to watch a game.

If DePaul was still at the All State Arena, that would be the clear winner.

Great point and usually they have half the concession stands closed so you're in line for 30min for a beer at half time.

Quote from: Galway Eagle on February 08, 2022, 09:07:55 AM
Great point and usually they have half the concession stands closed so you're in line for 30min for a beer at half time.

Make sure you arrive 40+ minutes early for an mu game. They are not prepared for the influx of fans.

Have only been to Fiserv and wintrust, so I also am not a good judge.

Quote from: #UnleashKolek on February 08, 2022, 09:13:01 AM
Make sure you arrive 40+ minutes early for an mu game. They are not prepared for the influx of fans.

Also true, though I found the hotel bridge entrance was much faster.

They are all fairly nice. Butler and Providence have older buildings, but neither are decrepit.

Maybe a better poll is best fan atmosphere. Two rise qucikly to the top (or bottom, as the case may be.)

Quote from: #UnleashKolek on February 08, 2022, 09:13:01 AM
Make sure you arrive 40+ minutes early for an mu game. They are not prepared for the influx of fans.

I've been to Wintrust for non-MU games and the lines for the concessions were still bad.

Quote from: RJax55 on February 08, 2022, 09:04:43 AM
If DePaul was still at the All State Arena, that would be the clear winner.

Honestly, Im not sure Allstate is a clear loser to the Prudential Center.  Prudential Center is absolutely cavernous which makes a mediocre arena even worse when its a third to half filled like SHU games Ive been to there.

Quote from: RJax55 on February 08, 2022, 09:24:28 AM
I've been to Wintrust for non-MU games and the lines for the concessions were still bad.

Why

Quote from: DFW HOYA on February 08, 2022, 09:21:29 AM
They are all fairly nice. Butler and Providence have older buildings, but neither are decrepit.

Maybe a better poll is best fan atmosphere. Two rise qucikly to the top (or bottom, as the case may be.)

I like this take!

Quote from: JWags85 on February 08, 2022, 09:25:43 AM
Honestly, Im not sure Allstate is a clear loser to the Prudential Center.  Prudential Center is absolutely cavernous which makes a mediocre arena even worse when its a third to half filled like SHU games Ive been to there.

I have never been to the Prudential Center. I will say, it doesn't look great on TV.

Quote from: GB Warrior on February 08, 2022, 09:26:01 AM
Why

They again close half of them. I remember going to every MU TBT game at the Wintrust the year we lost to Ohio State Alumni. In a full arena they tarped off two concessions and two bathrooms! It was insane how terrible their management is. I'd hate to ever go for a concert.

Quote from: DFW HOYA on February 08, 2022, 09:21:29 AM
They are all fairly nice. Butler and Providence have older buildings, but neither are decrepit.

Maybe a better poll is best fan atmosphere. Two rise qucikly to the top (or bottom, as the case may be.)

Fan experience or home court advantage?

Quote from: Galway Eagle on February 08, 2022, 08:44:41 AM
Hinkle, it's historical and lovable but it's objectively outdated, smells weird, and the floor was weirdly wet. It's a lovable significant dump.

Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on February 08, 2022, 08:55:35 AM
I've been to Hinkle once.  It was fine.  Without the nostalgia, it would be high up on this list.

I agree with you both. Still, I love that place.

Quote from: GB Warrior on February 08, 2022, 09:26:01 AM
Why

Haha. It's a good question. I have access to free DePaul tickets, so I've gone to a handful of non-MU Big East games at Wintrust.

Quote from: Galway Eagle on February 08, 2022, 09:31:34 AM
They again close half of them. I remember going to every MU TBT game at the Wintrust the year we lost to Ohio State Alumni. In a full arena they tarred off two concessions and two bathrooms! It was insane how terrible their management is. I'd hate to ever go for a concert.

Wintrust is run by McPier. There's your answer.

If CHI is receiving votes then the Big East by far has the best arenas in the nation. Not even close.

Quote from: RJax55 on February 08, 2022, 09:04:43 AM
If DePaul was still at the All State Arena, that would be the clear winner.

100%.  Don't even need to go to any others, Medieval Times is the worst.

MSG isn't my pick but the first time I was there for the 2006 Big East Tournament I was very disappointed.  I know they've had a remodel since so I assume it's better now but 2006-09 was a big meh.

Quote from: Galway Eagle on February 08, 2022, 08:44:41 AM
Hinkle, it's historical and lovable but it's objectively outdated, smells weird, and the floor was weirdly wet. It's a lovable significant dump.

Sounds like Wrigley Field or Fenway Park.

Quote from: muwarrior69 on February 08, 2022, 10:53:02 AM
Sounds like Wrigley Field or Fenway Park.

Wrigley is pretty nice after the renovations to the stadium and surrounding area.  It obviously still doesn't have all the amenities a modern ballpark has, but it's night and day from what it was.

That on-campus dump at G'town not on the list. Woof.

Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on February 08, 2022, 08:55:35 AM
I've been to Hinkle once.  It was fine.  Without the nostalgia, it would be high up on this list.

Was that after they did the big remodel?

Been to Butler, Georgetown, and DePaul, and I'd rank them in that order.

I'm partial to the old barns, and Hinkle checked that box. Whatever they're calling the DC arena now would be great for hockey, but don't love it for hoops.

I actually preferred Allstate to Wintrust, which is a logistical nightmare.

I voted Hinkle but I haven't been there since the remodel. 

Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 08, 2022, 10:46:37 AM
MSG isn't my pick but the first time I was there for the 2006 Big East Tournament I was very disappointed.  I know they've had a remodel since so I assume it's better now but 2006-09 was a big meh.

I went for the first time in 2014. It's great now, but heard similar things prior to the remodel.

Quote from: muwarrior69 on February 08, 2022, 10:53:02 AM
Sounds like Wrigley Field or Fenway Park.

That's an apt comparison though haven't been to wrigley since they did all the new stuff

Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 08, 2022, 10:55:24 AM
Wrigley is pretty nice after the renovations to the stadium and surrounding area.  It obviously still doesn't have all the amenities a modern ballpark has, but it's night and day from what it was.

Quote from: RJax55 on February 08, 2022, 09:30:21 AM

I have never been to the Prudential Center. I will say, it doesn't look great on TV.

Have been to Wrigley several times, saw my Mets crush the Cubs in the fall of '69. Wrigley is a great place to watch a game, much better than County Stadium in Milwaukee.

The Prudential Center, now 15 years old, is a great place to watch a game. The Concessions are decent. Again the place was built for Hockey not Basketball like the FF.  Yes, MSG was showing its age, but with the makeover is now a very nice venue. From what I can tell the Bradley Center was no palace and MU is now fortunate enough to play in a very nice venue.

How do we know the Prudential Center is awful if there's no one there to see it

Do we have the best facility?  Newest NBA arena has to be tough to top.  Where would the Bradley Center fall on the list?

Ranking where I've seen MU play:

1) Fiserv
2) Wintrust (but what the hell is up with the concourses?)
3) Bradley Center
4) Madison Square Garden (Pre-remodel)
5) Kohl Center
6) Allstate
7) MECCA (Pre-remodel)
8) Taco Bell Arena
9) Municipal Auditorium (Kansas City)
10) Al McGuire Center (nice-just small)
11) Sears Center
12) Hinkle (Pre-remodel)
13) Joyce Center (Pre-remodel)

Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 08, 2022, 12:16:16 PM
Do we have the best facility?  Newest NBA arena has to be tough to top.

Where would the Bradley Center fall on the list?

St. John's would make a big ole stink that anyone anywhere insulted Madison Square Garden by not having it in its own league. But yes I'd say so

Don't get me wrong, I love having MSG as our conference tourney location with all the history.  Just wasn't very nice when I went.

I was at MSG in '02 for the CvC game vs. Nova.  It was a borderline dump...they would fill tap beers and put several hundreds on bakery carts in the concourse to meet demand.  Warm, stale beer.  In your seat though the place was great.

I went again in 2013 for the BET.  Wow.  Acoustics are best in class.  Place is a treasure.  We spent one day in a suite and it was amazing. 

There's a new MSG in the planning stages.  A block or two from the current location.

Quote from: The Lens on February 08, 2022, 12:49:04 PM
I was at MSG in '02 for the CvC game vs. Nova.  It was a borderline dump...they would fill tap beers and put several hundreds on bakery carts in the concourse to meet demand.  Warm, stale beer.  In your seat though the place was great.

I went again in 2013 for the BET.  Wow.  Acoustics are best in class.  Place is a treasure.  We spent one day in a suite and it was amazing.

One time I was the Golden Eagle mascot and was waiting in the corner with the cheerleaders for the game before ours to end.  A guy in the crowd dropped his wallet beneath the stands and he asked one of the cheerleaders if she could get it for him.  She got it for him complete with the rat trap it was stuck to.  The guy gave her $100 for getting it if I remember correctly. 

Would love to see it post renovation.

I had a similar letdown feeling when I went to MSG pre-renovation. Haven't been back since it was updated. Will need to make it out sometime.

Honestly, eye herd Rick Majerus took a giant deuce once in MSG, hey?

Quote from: 4everwarriors on February 08, 2022, 01:40:41 PM
Honestly, eye herd Rick Majerus took a giant deuce once in MSG, hey?

...that makes me laugh !

Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on February 08, 2022, 12:53:07 PM
There's a new MSG in the planning stages.  A block or two from the current location.

Not likely.

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-madison-square-garden-penn-station-cuomo-hochul-20211120-4qwjqdf3dnhzlj5gs7vtohqo64-story.html

Quote from: TallTitan34 on February 08, 2022, 12:16:16 PM
Do we have the best facility?  Newest NBA arena has to be tough to top.  Where would the Bradley Center fall on the list?

Ranking where I've seen MU play:

1) Fiserv
2) Wintrust (but what the hell is up with the concourses?)
3) Bradley Center
4) Madison Square Garden (Pre-remodel)
5) Kohl Center
6) Allstate
7) MECCA (Pre-remodel)
8) Taco Bell Arena
9) Municipal Auditorium (Kansas City)
10) Al McGuire Center (nice-just small)
11) Sears Center
12) Hinkle (Pre-remodel)

Good list! In terms of dumpy, I actually thought Rupp was pretty trashy from what I can remember (2013). Coolest atmosphere was hands down Assembly Hall even though we got run out of the gym. I really enjoy games at Hinkle, but it feels like you are at a glorified high school game in terms of quality. I also really enjoyed TD in Charleston this past November. Nice little arena and pretty good food options for the size.

Here's how I'd rank the venues I've seen MU play-

Fiserv
Hinkle
Sprint Center (KC)
Bradley Center
MECCA
Petersen Events Center
Capital One Arena
Fifth Third Arena (Cincy)
Resch Center
Allstate
Wintrust
Metrodome
Joyce Center

Fiserv
MSG
Hinkle
Footprint Center
Kohl Center
Bradley Center
RCA Dome
Wintrust
Allstate
Metrodome

Might be missing a few.

Yum Center may be the nicest. Freedom Hall was a dump.

I prefer the fan experience at FF but the game experience at the BC or Mecca. Something is missing at FF.

Omaha and DC both good venues, with nice areas pre post and walkable.

The Rock is an okay venue but not much around it.

Vandy and Joyce are dumps even after the remakes.

Wintrust was a swing and a miss. It will age quickly. A completely poor fan experience.

Kohl was actually nicer than I thought.

There are a number of others that are just meh.

Full list ranking:

1. Fiserv
2. Wintrust
3. Kohl Center
4. Assembly Hall
5. TD Arena (Charleston)
6. ESPN Site (Orlando)
7. Hinkle
8. Rupp
9. Resch
10. Allstate

In terms of best atmosphere (top 5):
1. Assembly Hall
2. Rupp
3. Hinkle
4. TD (Charleston)
5. Fiserv

Quote from: MUfan12 on February 08, 2022, 02:10:21 PM
Here's how I'd rank the venues I've seen MU play-

Fiserv
Hinkle
Sprint Center (KC)
Bradley Center
MECCA
Petersen Events Center
Capital One Arena
Fifth Third Arena (Cincy)
Resch Center
Allstate
Wintrust
Metrodome
Joyce Center

Forgot about the Joyce Center!  All-time bad!  Seats duct taped together.  But like most of my other ones it was before the remodel.

And the worst in-game entertainment.  They just play the fight song over and over and over and over and over and over...

Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on February 08, 2022, 02:28:43 PM

I prefer the fan experience at FF but the game experience at the BC or Mecca. Something is missing at FF.

Wintrust was a swing and a miss. It will age quickly. A completely poor fan experience.

Agree on both of these points. I think the ease of navigation at the BC added to my enjoyment. Getting from level to level was way easier, and the concourses didn't have the logjams you see at Fiserv, particularly along the sideline sections.

As for the atmosphere... I don't know what it is exactly, but when I watch old games from the BC era, it's noticeable how much more the crowd would react to time/score/momentum. Takes for-fuggin-ever for the FF crowd to get off their asses. And the upper deck might as well be at the opera.

I chose Hartford, but if DePaul still played at the All State Arena, that would be my #1.  Definitely a dump. 

I love Hinkle for the atmosphere and history, much like Wrigley Field or Fenway Park, but these places will always have some of the "dump" characteristics given their age.  It's hard to compare them facilities-wise to a place like the Fiserv. 

MSG prior to the remodel really needed help.  I visited again in 2017 and 2019, and it's much improved and very nice now.  Love the food hall attached to it now as well. 

Quote from: JWags85 on February 08, 2022, 09:25:43 AM
Honestly, Im not sure Allstate is a clear loser to the Prudential Center.  Prudential Center is absolutely cavernous which makes a mediocre arena even worse when its a third to half filled like SHU games Ive been to there.

I've been to the Rock probably a dozen times. I was there only once when it was full, for the tournament game against UNC (2011 IIRC). Atmosphere that day was solid. But otherwise yes, hard to get excited at these games when more seats are empty than full. But the actual arena is decent. It's clean and the concourses are huge. There are only like two bars near the arena and a few times I have been they are closed by the time the game is over. Overall it's usually an uninspiring game day experience.

But MSG, even when it's only half full, still has a great atmosphere.

Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on February 08, 2022, 02:28:43 PM
Yum Center may be the nicest. Freedom Hall was a dump.

Freedom Hall was a decrepit pit but, man that place could rock.  It was LOUD in there.  Terrible building with laughable amenities but the atmosphere really was outstanding.

Quote from: MUfan12 on February 08, 2022, 02:52:40 PM
Agree on both of these points. I think the ease of navigation at the BC added to my enjoyment. Getting from level to level was way easier, and the concourses didn't have the logjams you see at Fiserv, particularly along the sideline sections.

As for the atmosphere... I don't know what it is exactly, but when I watch old games from the BC era, it's noticeable how much more the crowd would react to time/score/momentum. Takes for-fuggin-ever for the FF crowd to get off their asses. And the upper deck might as well be at the opera.

I think that has more to do with teh fans than the stadium. Give it a little bit of time.

Quote from: MDMU04 on February 08, 2022, 03:27:43 PM
Freedom Hall was a decrepit pit but, man that place could rock.  It was LOUD in there.  Terrible building with laughable amenities but the atmosphere really was outstanding.

The only arena I've ever been to that sold Jim Beam and Jack Daniels by the glass, right on the concourse.

Have been to all the BIg East Arenas except Dunkin' Donuts Center. Am biased but will say Fiserv Forum is the best.