Speaking of football Ohio is playing FAU and SDSU in the non-conference next season both of whom the Bobcats defeated last time on the gridiron.
Without The Convo to draw them in and a 3,000 seat arena instead I doubt OU would have made the tournament more than once in the past 40 seasons. Facilities for a place like Ohio is important because its all they really have.
I’m not sure a 13,000 seat arena that is normally more than 60% empty doesn’t seem like it would be a big draw to a player.
If that was the case, then why does Akron, Kent, Toledo have more recent success and a better history of recruiting? Facilities are important, though just having a big number isn't quite the draw. A brand new facility, a state-of-the-art facility, something like a 6,000-9,000 seat field house would probably woo far more recruits than people who are in awe of the cavernous convo.
Did you see any of the Youngstown State games? Their final game vs Detroit and the NIT game vs Oklahoma State was more electric than home game I've ever seen at OU, aside from maybe Gary Trent Day vs Miami. 6K seats. Probably 5K in the building. Raucous. Same story in Kent. I hate their gym, but when you're inside you cant even hear yourself think. 3,000 feels like 10,000 right on top of you.
OU draws 8,000 every random blood moon and it feels soulless. Platinum seats will still be empty unless its a 3pm game on Saturday, and that's only if the historical society meetings end early.
It's also why Ohio State basketball games are dull. They get 15,000 in the building and it feels like a womens high school basketball game. You can hear a mouse fart in the upper deck.
Last Edited: 3/27/2023 4:48:44 PM by M.D.W.S.T