Blackham Coliseum

[1stTake]

Sorry old timers, but that place needs to be torn down

Goofball comment! Are you going by looks? Because last month it was good enough for Ronnie Milsap to sell out a concert

[cajunfan96]

Goofball comment! Are you going by looks? Because last month it was good enough for Ronnie Milsap to sell out a concert

Milsap. I do not want us to spend money on this facility when the cajundome, one of the top rated venues in the country, could use the money for improvements. Now, if money comes in that can only be spent on blackham, then go for it. Also, i am worried about the perception on potential recruits. I want the best for UL

[Jeaux]

I too do not really understand the love affair some have with Blackham. I have only been I there once ten years ago when there was an open practice. The place was a dump back then and I can't imagine how it looks (or smells) now. I guess as humans we all get nostalgic. But it's the future of cajun ball that gets me pumped not the past. I would like to see the temporary seating in the Cajundome replaced with something more permenant looking. But that's just my opinion.

[manizzle]

if we do use blackham, how many can it seat? i don't remember it being very large. We students may have to come a few hours early just to get a spot. Definately will be the loudest arena in the nation.

[Zeebart21]

if we do use blackham, how many can it seat? i don't remember it being very large. We students may have to come a few hours early just to get a spot. Definately will be the loudest arena in the nation.

Thats the way it was when I was a student(early 80's).. Not in line by 5:30? forget about a seat...

It will be loud, it will be rediculous...!!!!!

Z.

[RedBug58]

Thats the way it was when I was a student(early 80's).. Not in line by 5:30? forget about a seat...

It will be loud, it will be rediculous...!!!!!

Z.

We may need to call out the troops again for another "Volunteer Weekend" for Blackham. I took a couple kids to the shrine circus in there a while back...........it needs a lot of work

[CDeb]

The building itself isn't what made Blackham, "Blackham." It was Bo Lamar, Roy Ebron, Elvin Ivory, Andrew Toney, etc. Yeah, there were a lot of great games where people were hanging from the rafters, but people forget that there were a ton games with 3500 people (or less) as well.

If people would quit _____ing and moaning about "Blackham this" and "Blackham that," they might realize that if you put 8-9k in the Cajundome every game (i.e. a "Blackham" crowd), it's a pretty damn loud arena.

[CajunCool]

I have no real love lost for Blackham, but the one thing that Blackham had was atmosphere. The bleachers inside the concrete wall (the old student section) put the students really close to the court along the sides, but also put students all the way around it (360 degrees). If they do play games in Blackham, these seats are A MUST!

To me, the worst thing about the Cajundome is the seating at both ends - behind the goals - the design is ridiculous. It is clear that the end of court seating was designed for hockey. The modifications made a couple years back are even worse - way too much open area in the corners - angle of seating too low - seating too far back from court - one of the worst designs I could imagine for trying to create that intimidating "pit" atmosphere that schools/fans seem to relish in a basketball arena. The Cajundome is a great facility, but unfortunately, it was designed to accomodate many types of events - and, in my opinion, at the expense of basketball.

[CDeb]

It is clear that the end of court seating was designed for hockey.

No, not designed for hockey. I'm sure you've seen the Dome in its hockey configuration. Doesn't exactly look optimal. It was just designed as a multi purpose arena and endzone seating suffered big time.

[Jared]

I think a cleaned and renovated Blackham would be amazing! People overlook the fact that Duke, who could easily pack 15K for every game, play in a 8K - 9K seat Cameron Arena. So long as it is clean, has good restrooms, doesn't leak, the parking situation is worked out, and the building can be kept at a comfortable temperature, I'm pumped about the prospect of Blackham.

Think about it. The Cajundome will never be primarily focused on Cajun Basketball. It's too big and expensive of a facility. But, if they put some money into Blackham, you could have locker-rooms with SHOWERS (seems small but there are 1-AAA schools where basketball players can shower where they practice...not so at UL), a coaches office, and, with some expansion, a weight room. A completely independent facility where our basketball team can practice, workout, and play!

4,000 people inside the Cajundome looks and sounds PATHETIC! That same crowd inside Blackham is alot more respectable. Who cares what the outside looks like! In fact, it's great if it looks like we play in a freakin' barn! The opposing team should feel like they're in a shoebox! Seating less people is better because then you create a supply and demand situation. People won't be missing games if tickets are harder to come by. I think we're overlooking the potential of Blackham, not because it is part of our past, but because it could be part of our future.

The football team hasn't had a winning season in 10 years...and they're having a new practice facility built. The basketball team has been to 3 NCAA tournaments in 6 years and can't get a practice court in the new practice facility?! Does this make sense to anyone?