What do people even mean by "dump" in this case? If they're the types who would also call Wrigley or Fenway a "dump" because they don't have the amenities of SoFi, I simply cannot take their opinions seriously. History and tradition should be a factor in everyone's opinion of a stadium/arena, and if someone can't see past the more superficial things like the bathrooms or concourses seeming old/outdated compared to newer ones, that's just ridiculous, IMO.
Memorial Stadium will not be a "dump" compared to Northwestern's new, soulless stadium. It will always have history and tradition that NU's new facility will never be able to replicate, and the Palestra seems like one of the crown jewels of hoops to me! No disrespect to your friend, of course, but I am passionate about celebrating classic stadiums/arenas and appreciating them.