(08-23-2020 09:00 AM)Sitting bull Wrote:  UVA would be good. Back in my day, the bigger game then at the Hall was Virginia Tech. The atmosphere of that game was on par if not better than ODU. I would take either one.

There is always a case to be made for going the "traditional" route for a grand opening/reopening. Hosting UVA fits the mold. It's what the hyphen schools in NC did with UNC when they opened a new venue. A game with UVA would be a sellout. There is an outside chance of an upset. The more likely outcome is UVA wins in a game officiated by ACC officials with a style of play that is unarguably successful, but usually dreadful from an entertainment perspective. Highlights, mostly by UVA are on ESPN and exposure is limited.

I think the College should shoot for a different, bigger splash and longer lasting story/narrative. College leadership should approach a network about covering the opening game with Howard or another HBCU that has attracted a blue chip recruit or recruits who spurned the Power 5. This opening game is part of a four team tournament the network can cover. The night cap is Harvard vs High Point. This second game might come with its own interesting story line by 2022. Winners play the late game the second night.

Which opening gives the College more bang for the buck? Cost to pitch the idea is zero.