I went to the game last night. Admittedly, first time in Allen Fieldhouse.
Game Thoughts:
- I don't know if I've ever seen so many missed dunks and layups in one game.
- Defense did not play well.
- KU had players step up that haven't rest of season. They really wanted this one.
- Officiating was not consistent. Too many fouls.
Overall Allen Fieldhouse Experience:
- Fans were great. You could tell this game meant a lot to them. Lots of booing and even started "little brother" chant. Pretty amazing.
- The place is a dump. At some point you have to give history the middle finger and build a better venue.
- HVAC was all kinds of mumped up. It was in the mid-80's with no air movement. Absolutely miserable.
- Audio was not good. I think their sound system is pretty new, but unfortunately difficult to hear and understand the PA announcer.
- Intro video was overhyped. A few of my KU coworkers have stated to me that the intro video sets the tone and is the best experience in the Arena. Possibly the best intro video at any sporting venue. Well friends, that is debunked because it was nothing special. I was expecting lights to go out with other cool crap and none of that happened. I actually think I missed the first part of it because it did not draw my attention away from people watching.
Enjoyed this synopsis. I know there has been a lot of gE/general katz hate of AFH but the more I see/read about it it comes increasingly clear it's objectively needs significant overhaul and is part it's prime.
Like I went to Cameron indoor a few years back, and it's a tiny, but super nice high school gym. It's crazy how much these storied places are like, actually fairly meh.