Date Posted:06:42:12 07/02/06 Sun Author: Neckfansince71 Subject: You got to think big time to be big time!
Found a really interesting article in the Macomb Journal yesterday. Had to pay $5.00 to get a look at it but after you read it, I am sure you will understand why I thought it was worth it. Van Alstine arrived at WIU with a vision! When he hired DJ he said it was time that the basketball program was placed at the same level as other schools in the conference. I really think financially he has done that. Don't really think its a color issue, but more a talented player issue. Trying to find that diamond in the rough. I really think this is the year for the basketball turnaround. Now take a good look at this article.
New basketball arena should be on horizon! Macomb Daily Journal, June 14th, Arlen Britton
With Western Illinois finally making headway in its push for a new (and long overdue) Performing Arts Center on campus, should talk of a new basketball arena start as soon as the PAC is built in hopefully, the next two to three years?
My response would be ... Why not?
Western Hall is now over 40 years old (42 to be exact) and although it was considered a state of the art multi-purpose arena in its infancy, it has now become something barely more than adequate compared to the advances made by other universities in regards to new athletic facilities. The recent locker room renovations in Western Hall have provided a dramatic improvement in those areas, but there is still much more that needs to be done.
Seating in Western Hall for basketball has been upgraded somewhat over the years, but who wants to sit behind one of the numerous support beams in the balconies on each side of the floor, whether it's for basketball or for a sponsored event by the Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
Anyone who has made the trip to Tulsa over the last couple of years to see the facility that houses the Mid-Continent Conference Basketball Tournament can not help but dream what a similar layout at Western Illinois University would do, not only for the athletic programs, but for the university as well.
The John Q. Hammons Arena at the UMAC is a multi-purpose facility that also overlooks an artificial surface football stadium that would put several Gateway facilities to shame. The basketball arena itself comfortably seats 5,662 in a bowl-shaped configuration with unobstructed sight lines throughout. It doubles as a performing arts center as well as playing host to various conventions and conferences.
A similar arena at Western Illinois University could be built at the north end of Hanson Field and incorporated into the proposed renovation of the football stadium. A new arena would also house the offices for the entire athletic department including football, which could then overlook Hanson Field.
Even though talk of expanding the Donald Spencer Student Recreational Center is in the works, a new arena would eliminate the need for expansion of the Rec Center as Western Hall could then be turned over for student use that would allow more than enough space for recreational activities throughout the school year. Better yet, with a new performing arts center on campus to go along with a new athletic arena, that should eliminate problems with scheduling conflicts for concerts, student activities, and athletic events.
With the added facilities, Western Illinois University could become a prime player in bidding for conferences, conventions, concerts and athletic events with some of the other institutions throughout the state and even the Midwest. The added revenue for the university as well as the entire community could then translate into increased economic growth in the region such as more hotels, restaurants, etc.
Director of Athletics Dr. Tim Van Alstine feels it's not too early to think of what a new athletic facility would mean for Western Illinois as a Division I institution.
"Men's basketball continues to drive the train in the Mid-Continent Conference and at Western Illinois University," said Van Alstine. "In order for us to really take a jump in basketball, we need a facility. The facility will drive it. ... That's what keeps us out of the Missouri Valley. ... That's what keeps us out of the Horizon League. ... That's why it becomes so hard for us here to recruit."
I know many of you are probably thinking that this will never happen and if so, why should so much money be placed into building a new arena on campus.
For the same reason that a performing arts center is vital to the community - revenue.
Just as in "Field of Dreams" - build it and they will come.
The addition of a new arena would provide a more comfortable and enjoyable setting for watching basketball or other events on campus. Improved facilities translates into more competitive recruiting wars with the larger and better-financed institutions throughout the state and the league. That should mean - a better product, better attendance.
Van Alstine has helped to oversee the renovation of old Vince Grady Field into picturesque Alfred D. Boyer Stadium - a former ugly duckling baseball facility that has now become one of the finest in the Midwest.
Plans are to begin the first stage of the Hanson Field renovation late this year, which when hopefully completed within the next three to four years, will provide more custom seating, expanded concession and restroom facilities, improved handicapped accessibility as well as a new (and much needed) press box to better accommodate radio and television coverage of Leatherneck football.
With the Route 136 four-lane expansion in high gear and the recent growth of the business community surrounding Macomb, I think now is the perfect time to start the ball rolling on a new athletic facility.
After all, Western Hall is reaching the same age as old Morgan Gym, which was constructed in the early 20's and served as the home to Leatherneck basketball until 1965. By the time Morgan Gym burned to the ground in 1970, it had already served its useful purpose.
If planning were to start today on a new athletic arena, it could still take another five or 10 years to come to life. By then, Western Hall will have reached it golden anniversary. It's no secret that Western Illinois University will need to secure a large amount of private funding to help realize the dream. In this day and age of corporate sponsoring, a generous donation or two from the business sector could also go a long way to helping make the dream a reality.
Once the PAC is finally budgeted and in place, I think the next step for Western Illinois is to begin planning a new arena.
If Western Illinois University hopes to entertain thoughts of moving up and joining all of the past members of the Mid-Con, the future could ride on how soon a new arena could be brought from the drawing board to real-life.
It is alright to dream, isn't it?
So, after reading VanAlstine's comments about basketball, what do you all think??????? The dream of a new baseball facility began in 2002.......4 years later it is complete and really "grogeous!" I am 53 years old, I think as a 63 year old I will see a renewed Hanson, a PAC, and maybe, just maybe "Pella Arena!"
[>
Re: You got to think big time to be big time! -- Leatherface, 09:49:14 07/02/06 Sun
Interesting article. Men's BB drives the train for WIU? I don't understand that comment. 500 people in attendance = driving the train over football.Silly comment. This is the first time I have heard an official comment why Western can't get into a better conference, Western Hall might be one reason, there certainly are many other viable reasons. I hope "better conference affiliation" doesn't become the rally cry every time money or plans for new facilities is asked for. That might be ok, but then you'd better deliver on the new conference.Some AD's like to build buildings, others like to build programs, let's see how it plays out. Good luck to WIU.
