This is good news for a program that is coming off an 18-15 campaign, which resulted in an NIT bid. Fans seem to be excited by the talented recruiting class and that's no doubt one of the reasons behind the increase. Also, "Big Dawg" seating, which offers two additional inches of space in the bleachers, has been a big draw.
The #1 complaint I hear about seating at SIU Arena is how uncomfortable the bleachers are. If the comfort level of the bleachers are improved when the Arena is renovated (padded bleachers w/seat backs) I could see season tickets sales crushing the current record.
SIU Athletic Director Mario Moccia address this question in one of his past "Ask the AD" mailbags.
Will the bleacher seating in the renovated arena at least be padded and have back rests? Also, will we get the bleachers that have the "walk ways" to the seats enclosed, so we don't have to worry about children falling through the gaps as we do today?
We are not to the point to finalizing this yet. We are attempting to get as many seats into the arena as possible, and this is why the upper level will have some bleachers seats. Chairbacks reduce the seating capacity of the arena. We will try to make the bleacher seats as comfortable possible, and I know they will be much better than what currently exists. The upper level will be a continuous permanent seating area, so there will be no gaps for anyone to fall through. I know exactly what you are referring to, and it is a bit unnerving.
Here are some sketches of what the Arena would look like after the renovation. If these sketches are accurate, the old barn is in for quite an improvement.
Speaking of mailbags, if you have questions for the staff at salukihoops.com, send them in. Our email address is salukihoops@gmail.com.
