It seemed to start out like any Wednesday morning does: Wake up, grab a glass of juice, look at TKP to see the latest with Tech sports...and then begin doing homework and/or studying for whatever *put class name here* has to throw at me. This Wednesday however, I didn't quite make it to the whole studying/class work part. I noticed there were quite a few replies to a comment I had made in regard to attending the Hokies NIT game against Princeton, in which I referenced the fact that I wouldn't be able to go because of the horrific condition of my bank account. *WARNING* if you are the kind of person who cries during the sad and/or emotional parts of a movie, get your tissues out, if you are NOT this kind of person, get your tissues out anyway...this is a real tear-jerker. Joe, the editor and founder of this fantastic website, very graciously offered to buy a ticket for me out of his own pocket. When I read his comment, my jaw hit the floor. At first I thought I was reading things wrong...but my eyes were not playing tricks on me, he had actually said he would pay for my ticket.... Wow!! So before I go into the game experience, THANK YOU JOE!!! I really, really appreciate it and hope you know that you made this Hokie fan very, VERY happy!!! It just goes to show how much of a family we are as Hokie Nation (and at TKP), and I hope that one day I have the opportunity to follow in Joe's example and make a fellow Hokie's day. Here's to you Joe:
On to my game experience. The energy felt when first walking into the Cassell was...incredible. I haven't felt that kind of energy in Cassell before a game since the NIT game against Uconn in 2010. As the time for tip approached, the crowd grew both in volume and in numbers. One side note: as Buzz walked out onto the court last night, Hokies big and small gave him a VERY loud and appreciative roar. I truly hope he heard just how loud we got when he entered the game and how much we appreciate love having him here in the Burg. The other thing that struck me is this...Cassell is a SCARY place to play. I mean SCARY. It's loud, it's dark, and it's close. I know it isn't the most up-to-date arena, and that it has its problems...but seriously, I think some of those "problems" give us a HUGE homecourt advantage even before you factor in crowd noise. Just my $0.02. I had an absolute blast last night, and it was a really great game to watch (although I think know my blood pressure went high and my heart went low when the Tigers took the lead late...)! I was hoarse last night, and am still trying to find my voice today. I think last night was a great testament to the passion and excitement that is surrounding this program...I mean, a PACKED Cassell?! How long has it been since we had that?! It's sad knowing that this was the last game in Cassell this season, and I don't think I can wait the long, dreary months until we see our Hokies take the court again. Thankfully there's plenty of football in between now and then! Thank you again Joe, I never could thank you enough!!!
Comments
If the team beats BYU we get to see another NIT game in Cassell so keep hope alive.
One big difference between coaches. Under our previous coach when winning 20 wins in a season, the Cassell was still half empty due to the style of basketball played. It just wasn't conducive to a high energy atmosphere. Under Buzz, the Cassell is developing the rep of being a hard place to play.
I think that's an unfair characterization of Greenberg's time at VT.
I had student season tickets in 06-07 (when we actually made the tournament), and the games were always loud and stands were mostly full. The next year, I didn't even end up getting tickets because the demand was so high.
People remember Greenberg for whining every year about missing the tourney, but it's not like support for the team was lacking then. They could certainly be frustrating to watch under Greenberg, but it didn't have an effect on attendance.
I agree with what you said. I went to several games during the Greenberg era with my Dad and Cassell was almost always packed and the student section was full. I can only remember a game or two when it wasn't, and those were during winter break and a snow storm respectively. Granted Buzz does/will instill more energy than Greenberg did, but that's just a difference in personalities. The Greenberg teams weren't as fun to watch as this Buzz team is, but by no means were they boring or unexciting.
Exactly. Greenberg's teams relied a lot on guards and wings to create offense, and it tended to be a lot of isolations so the game could get bogged down in letting one guy work while others stood around.
But as far as fan support, the crowds were pretty much always there for those Hokie teams.
Definitely have to disagree, as vtdlang has mentioned. I also had season tickets in '06/'07 as well as '05/'06. Student section was for the most part, wild! Loved my front row seats
No joke: Back in the late 70s and early 80s, Cassell was rated as one of the toughest places to play as a visiting team in the nation. We need to get back to that...For. Every. Home. Game.
Used to be called the "Nightmare on Washington Street". I'm looking forward to earning that nickname back over the next couple years.
That goes so well with Enter Sandman.... A match made in....umm, well, you know.
Another awesome moment I forgot to mention was that before the opening tip, Enter Sandman was played all the way through to the chorus, and the whole crowd was singing along....EXIT LIGHT, ENTER NIGHT. Loud volume, scary song, lots of jumping. I figured in that moment the Princeton kids were wondering what in the heck they had gotten themselves into. In fact, while they were still in the huddle, several of the players looked over towards the student section when they started jumping with this WHOA look on their faces. Priceless.
That. Is. AWESOME!!!
2016 Goals for Hokie Fans:
Make Lane and Cassell two of the scariest & toughest places to play in all of college athletics.
Make opposing teams look at the schedule and go "
via GIPHY
, we have to go to Blacksburg."
Where were your seats and how early did you get there?
I'm glad you enjoyed the game. One day you'll be able to pay it forward too. Really enjoyed your thoughts, and judging by the upvotes, the rest of TKP did too. Selfishly, I look forward to reading similar thoughts from other TKPers because these type of posts — personal experiences involving Tech sports — are fantastic. I watched the game from my couch and now a little bit of me felt like I was there.
This is what I was hoping to do, have people enjoy/feel the experience without being there. I always enjoy reading people's experiences at Tech games and other events, so I definitely encourage people to write this type of post! Thanks for the input and especially the ticket Joe!
In response to where my seat was, I was at midcourt, about half way down from the top row. I wasn't at all disappointed in the seat and could see the game very well. Don't ask me why I didn't sit in the student section...I went for the midcourt seat straightaway (it being a general admission game), and it didn't even occur to me that I should have gone student section until mid way through the first half.
What a wonderful story, remember those broke student days well. Wait a minute, I'm still broke.