DEBATING THE TOP ATLANTIC 10 ARENAS & FAN BASES
By Ian Nolan & Chris DiSano
Ranking anything these days guarantees a debate. Over the past couple days, we ranked the top players and coaches in the Atlantic 10. Today, we take a shot at ranking the best arenas and fan bases in the conference.
The Arenas
Ian's List:
1. UD Arena, Dayton
While not the newest or most advanced facility in the league, UD Arena which opened in 1969 is still the best place to see a game in the A10. With great fans and atmosphere every single game (averaged 12K plus fans) there's no question why the NCAA places its opening round games in Dayton every year. Dayton is 563-211 all time at UD Area. Like Fenway Park or Madison Square Garden, UD Arena is a must-see venue. The nostalgia is ever-present inside the building and Flyers fans are as loyal as they come.
2. Chaifetz Center, Saint Louis
New, bright and beautiful, SLU’s digs are about as impressive as it gets in college hoops. The Billikens drew in 8,400 fans per home game last season and won there as well: SLU went 14-3 at the Chaifetz Center last season and is 87-20 (36-12 in A10) since its opening in 2008. It will be interesting to see if SLU continues its winning ways at home given the massive roster turnover heading into this year. I
3. Siegel Center, VCU
Not as historic as UD Arena or as impressive as Chaifetz, the Siegel Center is simply a raucous band box where VCU hammers opponents (193-29). “The Stu” ranks 11th in the nation in home court advantage according to rpiratings.com, where VCU has beaten 86.9% of all opponents since opening its doors in 1999.
4. Charles E. Smith Center, George Washington
After receiving a $43 million face-lift starting in 2008, the Smith Center has become a fantastic place to catch a game. Opened in 1975, the Smith Center holds 5,000 fans and now has amenities to spare. The Colonials have won just a tick under 70% of their contests all-time.
5. Thomas R. Ryan Center, Rhode Island
Opened in 2002, the Ryan Center often flies under the radar when discussions turn to great facilities. URI can cram over 7,600 fans inside the gorgeous $54 million building which has a high major feel all the way through. Its recent upgrades include a new floor and digital banners. As the Rams keep improving their building will get additional traffic and acclaim from fans who visit the Ocean State.
DiSano's Take:
Not much argument here. Dayton lives and breathes basketball and the energy in UD Arena takes a backseat to no other venue. The other venues are solid in their own right for various reasons and perhaps only the Reilly Center (St. Bonaventure) or Hagan Arena (Saint Joseph's) could be swapped into this list in place of the Charles E. Smith Center.
The Fan-Bases
Ian's List:
1. VCU
No fan base even comes close to VCU's in terms of energy, volume and passion. In the past two years at the Barclay’s Center seeing their fans and band alone have been worth the price of admission. During VCU's blowout wins (which they're many) you'll find yourself just waiting for their bands' next set during the media timeouts. VCU’s fans truly feed off their team’s “Havoc” style in the seats. Spike Lee travels to see them play regularly, so you know they bring the heat.
2. Dayton
Before the Rams arrived in the league, Dayton fans topped this list. While no longer number one, UD fans still travel just as well and show up at arenas all over the country, especially during March. Their fight song is not only tremendous but it will reside your head long into the spring. Technically a fan, Rudy Flyer, is likely the league's best mascot.
3. St. Bonaventure
Despite being the smallest school in the league, no fan base packs as much punch as Bonnies’. They have as passionate a fan-base as you will find despite not having the funding for a pep band (they thank Dayton for playing in their stead last March).Last year, in the league semi-final against Saint Joseph’s, Bonnies fans traveled three times as far and dominated the arena despite losing on the hardwood. No matter where the Bonnies play, there always seem to be an alumni presence that defies logic given their incredibly small alumni base.
4. Saint Louis
Much like Dayton fans, SLU fans have made a habit of traveling all the way to Brooklyn to watch their team play. Their Midwest-base fans are friendly and knowledgeable and have been a great addition to the league since their arrival. It will be interesting to see if this fan presence decreases this March in New York if the Billikens are not a top 25 team.
5. George Mason
While Mason’s play on the floor last year was anything but pretty, their fans are still top-notch. Their home games were swell attended averaging nearly 5,000 despite a horrific season (11-20). That is a true sign of a diehard fan-base. Expect Mason Nation to make a bigger splash this year at the Barclay’s Center if their squad has a respectable season. Mason Nation does still exists—the A10 just hasn't seen it full throttle yet. Here's to hoping that happens next winter.
DiSano's Take:
Fueled by outstanding commitment from its administration (and on game days by one helluva band) the VCU fan base has developed a gigantic presence and definitely has the most reach and resonance of A10 schools in recent years... whether traditionally, across social media platforms, etc. -- but Dayton's fans have withstood the test of time. Whether the Flyers are winning consistently or struggling, the place is filled. That's telling. Neither fan base deserves to be number two here.
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