Powell’s Point #6

Jan. 24, 2000

Journal Entry #6, January 22, 2000

We are in College Park preparing to play the University of Maryland. It is very cold here and there are several inches of snow on the ground. This is a big game for both teams. Each team started the season at 0-3 in the conference, but then Maryland won their next conference game against Wake Forest while we lost to Virginia and then dropped a tough out of conference game to Appalachian State. The winner of this game will be back in the conference race.

Reports are that plans are underway to get funding to build a new arena here on the campus of the University of Maryland. It is very disappointing to see these historic facilities, such as Reynolds Coliseum and Cole Fieldhouse, being shut down to make room for new arenas. What’s next Cameroon Indoor Stadium? These arenas are filled with nostalgia and have a very intimate environment between the players on the floor and the fans in the seats. These arenas will be replaced by over sized entertainment centers with too many seats and will also be the home of a professional hockey team.

It is not like professional basketball where revenue is needed from luxury boxes to fund a successful team. These basketball programs are very successful every year and have no trouble filling their arenas to the max every night. The administration should think about what they are doing before they go ahead and close Cole Field House. New isn’t always better. Just ask North Carolina State. Sure they got a great deal financially, but you don’t think that they miss the environment in Reynolds Coliseum? College basketball is about tradition and excitement. Reynolds Coliseum and Cole Field House are two of my favorite places to play and I only wish that they would be around for my children to see.