Neutral Atmosphere

[TarrantFan]

Missed all of the pre-game hoopla during player intros, and it was weird hearing our PA guy calmly announcing Spider dunks and 3 pointers, but I must say it was refreshing to have the game be the center of attention. Big props to our fans for being loud without all of the electronic prompts. It brought me back a few years.

This post was edited on 3/18 11:17 PM by TarrantFan

 

[SpiderK]

TF, yes the throw back announcing was ok for a change, but I like the other way much better!!

 

[Eight Legger]

It was weird. I didn't know that this was the case (been awhile since we've been in the NIT, and they may not even have been doing it back then, who knows). Why do they bother seeding teams and giving the higher seeds a home game if they are going to try to make it "neutral"? It gave the whole thing an odd feel for me. Something was missing.

I agree that the crowd was great and very loud a bunch of times. Sounded like we had more than we did in there.

 

[wr70beh]

Originally posted by TarrantFan:
Missed all of the pre-game hoopla during player intros, and it was weird hearing our PA guy calmly announcing Spider dunks and 3 pointers, but I must say it was refreshing to have the game be the center of attention. Big props to our fans for being loud without all of the electronic prompts. It brought me back a few years.

This post was edited on 3/18 11:17 PM by TarrantFan

I noticed during the NCAA Football 1st round game he tried to sound neutral as well. Is this an NCAA directive? They do own the NIT now. Maybe they like it that way.

 

[MidloTrader]

It's definitely a directive from what I've gathered. Don't get to have any on-court promotions and contests during TOs either. We were allowed to use the video boards for some crowd cams and a few to get the crowd louder but definitely tame for us. Team could probably care less, though, about those things. They just want a raucous crowd who are definitely into it and loud from the start. Hope they felt the support tonight. But have to admit that a lot of the yelling tonight was at the refs.

 

[spider fan]

Yes thought the theme song for the refs was by Fats Domino - "I'm Walkin'"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqs5gkyH930

 

[64Spider]

Good one fan ^^^

 

[R&B fan]

NIT controls all of that and they work hard to try and keep things as neutral as possible even though there is an obvious home court sitaution.

 

[ur2K]

I think its kind of silly. Why give out home games and then not allow the home team to do what they normally do all year (i.e. our intros, time out videos, etc)? I can get the corporate side to not allow sponsor items to appear in the arena but the rest of the effort to sanitize the game seems dumb.

 

[72Spider]

At least they allowed us to cheer for the Spiders, so that was nice

 

[urfan1]

I think the team appreciated the fans that were there, I know my voice is still scratchy

 

[spider fan]

A great aspect of K Zero's enthusiasm is when he waves his arms to exhort the crowd. Crowd responded very well.

 

[rickschofield]

It was a little weird. Couldn't figure out at first what the deal was. At time the St. Francis visitor area was able to be as loud as the UR fans. Decent turnout for a mid-week game and the fans were definitely supporting the team. Definitely weird not hearing the announcer say, "Keennnnnnddaaal Annnnnttthnoony!" and instead, "Kendall Anthony." Couldn't even get a free tee shirt or basketball : )

 

[SpiderK]

We might as well have had Greg Burton or Pav as the announcer last night.

 

[spider fan]

No. no, no K you don't mean that! They, particularly Pav, would have a tough time being/talking neutral.

 

[Spider B]

Now that Burton's favorite team is done for the year he might have to pay some attention to the Spiders, who are still playing.

 

[SpiderK]

B. their will be a week of mourning first. Virginia flags flown at half mast tomorrow at RTD and ESPN 950. (Our radio station??)

 

[TarrantFan]

Great job by our fans tonight. Could feel our PA guy chomping at the bit to let loose a few times. I heard the attendance was 4500. Good to see us get loud without all of the electronic help. Can't wait for Tuesday night.. Just 2 days of advertising - get the word out there..