Cassell Coliseum Catch-All Thread - Likes, Dislikes, Wants, etc.

There have been a couple recent discussions in various threads about Cassell Coliseum, but I thought it might be a good idea to consolidate some of those talking points into one place. I'll include some links for additional reading.

The two biggest issues that were recently batted around were gameday atmosphere and premium seating options. In some ways, these seem like completely separate issues. If the team wins, the students will come and the atmosphere along with them. My experience during Greenberg's tenure is proof that Cassell can be an intimidating place to play when it's full and loud. I had season tickets during the 06-07 season and attended nearly every home game that year when VT made the NCAA tournament. The next season, it was difficult to come by student season tickets because demand was so high.

But the lack of premium seating options doesn't change even if the Hokies start filling up Cassell, and they'd be missing out on the lucrative revenue streams provided by suites and VIP areas. And if the team is winning, premium seating options are worth more.

While many of us have fond memories of Cassell, it's behind the times in a number of ways. It's one of the oldest arenas in the ACC and the seating configuration has changed minimally since its construction. See for yourself, as this picture was taken in 1964:

With that said, Whit Babcock understands the need to increase revenue streams. To keep pace and provide premium seating options for wealthy donors, the sideline that has traditionally been home to courtside media seats was converted to make way for expensive seating: 'Courtside at Cassell' seating installed in coliseum

The media has been less than enthused by the change. See TKP's very own Brian Marcolini's take in this thread here:

MEDIA NO LONGER COURTSIDE IN CASSELL

But hey, while the media might be miffed about the change there's little argument that the increased revenue streams will help the program in the long run. In addition to making that change, naming rights to the court were sold over the summer:

VIRGINIA TECH CARILION COURT AT CASSELL COLISEUM

These changes highlight the fact that Virginia Tech is doing their best to maximize profits and revenue where they can, but it also shows that there is a lack of options at basketball games for big money donors. While some on TKP have pointed out that consistent winning will help fill up Cassell once again, it doesn't really change the economic realities of the arena's current seat offerings.

Unless VT is willing to build a brand new arena to address these issues (and there's been no indication that's the case), we'll need to upgrade Cassell in some way. I pointed out the University of Richmond's $17 million in upgrades to the Robins Center as a model that might fit for us. See here: Robins Center Upgrades

While that type of renovation would reduce the overall seating capacity of Cassell, it's likely that VIP tickets prices could offset the number of seats lost. Additionally, by moving VIP tickets to separate areas, you could move students closer to the floor on the sidelines to further improve the atmosphere. And as long as Cassell is standing, that should be the goal.

Share your thoughts on Cassell below, whether it be favorite memories, likes, dislikes, ideas for improvements, etc.