(07-01-2020 08:28 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  agree it's underwhelming... but it will also give the venue staff a chance to figure out how things will work in the new arena. It would be nice to do a ribbon cutting/grand opening/first look with a matchup like UVA, but softer opening is probably a lot safer. I guess the Homecoming weekend basketball games ended up being a false rumor (although we have yet to see the WBB schedule).

As we discussed many months ago, I actually think it is smart to open with a lesser-known opponent. The place will (hopefully) be packed (barring COVID effects of course) for the grand opening. If not sold out, it will at least be far more highly attended than a normal hosted game against a weaker opponent. Then, you bring in UVA 8 days later to what will definitely be a sell out (read: $$$).

The 2nd game of the season against Longwood on Saturday, Nov. 14, coincides with the Football Dukes kicking Bitchmond's ace down at the Breadbox. I don't anticipate that will be as highly attended (Football Saturday, weaker opponent, etc.). All of this is of course COVID-pending.

I have mixed feelings about hosting Radford on Black Friday. Students not on campus. Most fans out Christmas shopping (hopefully by then the COVID outlook will be a lot better).

I like the 2 road games at ECU and Florida just before Christmas and heading into CAA play (after 11 of our first 12 games are played at home). Guys need to play some roadies on opposing courts to get ready for CAA play. The ECU game, in particular, will be a good test to watch due to closer-to-CAA competition as well as coming off exams.

Games at GT and UF will at minimum be streamed via ACC Network Extra and SEC Network Plus, respectively, with an outside shot at being televised via their main conference TV (channel) networks.