I've been curious for a couple of years, but haven't heard much chatter about a potential new venue for Eagle basketball. I don't think the field house is that bad, and appears to have been taken care of through the years. But I'm curious from the GATA faithful what their thoughts are on a new venue being constructed in the next 5-10 years?

My main reason for asking is GS has beautiful facilities for football and baseball. Is it basketball's turn next?

https://gseagles.com/news/2019/2/15/lead...th=general

We just announced this a few days ago. Getting a new practice facility as well as expanding Hanner Field House outside the court.

The most “historic” arena in the Sun Belt is here to stay.

5 Million dollar reno coming this summer

Sounds like Hanner Fieldhouse is here to stay...

Thanks for the info! That sounds like quite an undertaking. I was thinking this watching the game on Wednesday, so that's why I asked. Crazy timing considering the article release date showed it being on Friday. Some instances call for total rebuilds, but glad to see y'all will be restoring and expanding this particular facility.

If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

(02-18-2019 09:15 AM)TrueBlueDrew Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

Have you seen the renderings? Based on what I've heard there will be a more open look beyond the current wall on the main entrance side behind the basket.

(02-18-2019 09:38 AM)Oldyeller Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 09:15 AM)TrueBlueDrew Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

Have you seen the renderings? Based on what I've heard there will be a more open look beyond the current wall on the main entrance side behind the basket.

I haven't gotten a chance to see the renderings, but all I know is they are converting the gym into a basketball and volleyball conditioning center and expanding the main entrance into an atrium-like space. If that involves opening that wall on the entrance side, I think that will be a good thing.

(02-18-2019 09:15 AM)TrueBlueDrew Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

I've never fully understood this transition. I was a student 04-08' and it was never a question as to whether or not you sit or stand at football or basketball games - you always stand, always. I honestly think the improvement in cellphone technology has a lot to do with it. There weren't a whole lot of people wanting to sit down and play "snake" on their phone in the middle of a basketball game. We didn't have the confluence of Apps to distract us then that students do now - and texting still cost you money per text so you basically texted someone once to tell them where you were standing and then hoped they found you or screamed into your nextel walkie talkie thing to try and get a hold of them lol.

I believe this is a stop gap measure. $5M to expand,the entrance and ticket booth, redo old gym to volleyball and basketball training areas, add hall of fame wall, improve facilities like bathrooms and concessions, and a general improvement to fan experience. There is a proposal to build a new arena/convocation Center down the road so this is what they are doing in the mean time. I will say in 10 years there will be a new arena.

All the renovations would still be useful for the facility even if we built a new arena. It could become exclusively the volleyball team's facility in that case as well as provide practice area for the basketball teams if needed.

Better to maintain/modernize Hanner so it can still have life down the road as well.

Renovation vs new building probably isn't as black-and-white as it sounds. Troy spent $40mm to build Trojan Arena from scratch in 2012 dollars. TXST spend $60mm to build the final 1/4 of Strahan Arena in 2017 dollars. That being said, I definitely think we did well with the Strahan renovation and didn't need to build a brand new arena.

(02-18-2019 02:33 PM)tx.state Wrote:  Renovation vs new building probably isn't as black-and-white as it sounds. Troy spent $40mm to build Trojan Arena from scratch in 2012 dollars. TXST spend $60mm to build the final 1/4 of Strahan Arena in 2017 dollars. That being said, I definitely think we did well with the Strahan renovation and didn't need to build a brand new arena.

I love what TXST has done with their renovation. I wanted something similar for Hanner if we are planning on keeping it around for at least another decade.

(02-18-2019 02:33 PM)tx.state Wrote:  Renovation vs new building probably isn't as black-and-white as it sounds. Troy spent $40mm to build Trojan Arena from scratch in 2012 dollars. TXST spend $60mm to build the final 1/4 of Strahan Arena in 2017 dollars. That being said, I definitely think we did well with the Strahan renovation and didn't need to build a brand new arena.

My only nitpick is that I wish we had maroon or black seats that way it isn't so obvious when a seat is empty, but that's been an issue for as long as I've cared about TXST athletics. Hopefully a solution is in the plan for the future.

(02-18-2019 03:37 PM)Bobcat2013 Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 02:33 PM)tx.state Wrote:  Renovation vs new building probably isn't as black-and-white as it sounds. Troy spent $40mm to build Trojan Arena from scratch in 2012 dollars. TXST spend $60mm to build the final 1/4 of Strahan Arena in 2017 dollars. That being said, I definitely think we did well with the Strahan renovation and didn't need to build a brand new arena.

My only nitpick is that I wish we had maroon or black seats that way it isn't so obvious when a seat is empty, but that's been an issue for as long as I've cared about TXST athletics. Hopefully a solution is in the plan for the future.

Kuddos to what you guys did with Strahan. The same goes to the Cajun Dome renovations down in Lafayette.

(02-18-2019 09:15 AM)TrueBlueDrew Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

Don’t know when you last attended a game but there are chair back seats on both sides of the court, including the student section and upper decks except the end zone seats.

(02-18-2019 09:15 AM)TrueBlueDrew Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

Don’t know when you last attended a game but there are chair back seats on both sides of the court, including the student section and upper decks except the end zone seats.

(02-18-2019 10:23 PM)Birdseye Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 09:15 AM)TrueBlueDrew Wrote:  

(02-18-2019 08:39 AM)BirdofParadise Wrote:  If GS had crowd support for basketball, this might be the toughest place to play in the Sun Belt. The stands are steep and fans are right on top of things. The acoustics are terrible (and that's a good thing) making that place LOUD. When the Cajuns played there, there were 2400 in attendance. The only place we played this year that was louder was Kansas (and we played at Tennessee).

They've done a good job keeping Hanner somewhat modern. And, the new reno will help I'm sure.

Now all they need is to have 3500 every night and they'd really have something. That's up to the fan base to do the rest.

Sometimes the close proximity can also be a double-edged sword. Everyone is visible from every point in the arena, and especially when it's at half capacity, anyone can easily stick out. I think that's why we have a hard time getting our students to bring the noise to the game. No one wants to be the one to stick out. We used to have a group called the Hanner Hooligans who would stand the whole game and try to keep the other students involved, but they've dwindled down over the years. When the arena is full, it's a great atmosphere, but unfortunately, it's rarely full even with Tookie and Ike on the court.

I was hoping when the renovation upgrades were announced it would be a Texas State-like upgrade that involved knocking the sides behind the baskets out and expanding the arena out to give it an open feel. It doesn't seem like that's the plan though. I would at least want to get the 60 year old wooden benches replaced by actual seats. It's funny that Hanner seems to get a "face-lift" every 3-4 years now, and if we just saved our money instead of doing small projects here and there, we might actually be able to build a new facility.

Don’t know when you last attended a game but there are chair back seats on both sides of the court, including the student section and upper decks except the end zone seats.

The wooden bleachers behind the baskets are the ones I'm referring to.