Venue #19: UT Arlington - 16 Feb. 2011

  

 

Team: Texas-Arlington Mavericks (Southland)
Arena: Texas Hall (Capacity: 3600)
Chill Factor: 8/10
Crowd Factor: 8/10
Cost Factor: 4/5
Food Factor: 3/5
Mascot Factor: 3/5
PA Factor: 3/5
Total: 29/40
Result: UT Arlington 66, Stephen F. Austin 65 (OT)

Starting with the 2011-12 season, the University of Texas at Arlington is moving out of the most unique venue in all of college basketball. And, believe it or not, that's a good thing. Don't get me wrong--I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Mavericks play a game on the stage at Texas Hall. For the fans who attend every game, however, I imagine that it gets tiresome. As you might guess, basketball is not best viewed with the court at eye level. How can you scream at the refs about three second calls if you can't see the paint? Indeed, the students mostly pack into the bleachers set up across the stage, while still other fans head up to the balcony. Only a smattering of fans actually sit in the theater seating, proving the need to upgrade to the College Park Center.

The view from the balcony.

For one game, though? Texas Hall is an absolute blast, as I spent the better part of the game moving around Texas Hall, trying different views. The worst view I had unfortunately came during UT Arlington's stirring comeback, as Blaze, UT Arlington's mascot, parked himself squarely in front of the action for a lot of the fans. That poor positioning is my only knock on Blaze, an otherwise fun, energetic mustang (bronco?) who has great costume. He led a very enthusiastic crowd that nearly blew the roof off Texas Hall when the Mavericks tied the game after falling behind by as much as fifteen. These are passionate fans that deserve the better viewing experience the College Park Center will provide. Nonetheless, I'll fondly remember my trip to Texas Hall, the most bizarre place I've ever seen a basketball game.*

Particulars: Ticket was $8 (hopefully that won't go up in the College Park Center--Southland hoops doesn't need to be more than $10), food was cheap/standard, and parking was free, but confusing (Tip: "permit required" is rendered meaningless after 5 PM).

*Maybe UTA could hold one game annually at Texas Hall ala the Birmingham Barons' Rickwood Classic?