Y’all keep saying renovate Blackham. It’s more than renovate, you’d have to build and create space. I have worked with two teams that have used Blackham and have seen its issues. I have also worked several events there.
They would have to add on. Locker room facilities are tiny. Not enough space.
Y’all complain about concession lines at Cajun Field….Blackham has two concession stands in the front. You can’t put them on the side and block exits.
Y’all haven’t complained about lines at the bathroom but y’all will.
The roof leaks. That roof has probably never been redone. Count on replacing it.
Bench seats. Y’all will complain about that.
It is terribly difficult to control temperature in there. Between holes in the structure and open doors, it’s almost impossible.
Y’all complain about parking in the grass at Cajun Field. It’s all grass at blackham.
The lighting system is outdated and would need to be redone to even abide by the minimal standards of ESPN plus.
The concourse is more like a tunnel and undoubtedly too narrow for fire code
Does the basketball team move out of the Cajundome? Do we need new offices for the staff?
Now let’s look at recruiting implications:
Sure, it’s possible (but not in the least bit guaranteed) it’ll help the atmosphere. But what do recruits see when they look at it? A barn. A lockerroom with no fancy bells and whistles.
Recruits don’t care about the history of a building. They care about recent history. They care about cool ____.
Not to rain on y’all’s parade, but it is not feasible. Overall there is no way it’s a $11-12 mill project. That place needs work to be a D1 basketball arena, and I’m sure a lot of work would include bringing it up to code. Y’all talk about a barebones arena but let’s be honest, a year or two in yall would be _____ing about needs for upgrades.