Thanks!!
State Farm Center Renovation
Thanks!!
AeroIllini
- 3rd Floor talbot lab
As someone who has done both the old way and the new, for what it's worth I like the new layout more. Yes the end may be a bit further from the court at the front, but the back of the section feels closer, I think the radius of curvature is a bit more so the stands arc away at a lesser rate.
There were some terrible seats in the old student section, now I feel like the seats are better overall, even if the front row is a bit further back.
ilphotog
The camera never lies
- Champaign
Just got back from the SFC, we are both right. It dawned on me what you were saying when I had my tape at 25'. Starting at middle of krush railing it ended up right under the rim etc. So I now get your 25'. From the court edge to the krush railing is 7'-4" at the furthest point down to 3'-8".
Basically from last year the Krush (in the middle behind the basket) are 7 1/2 feet further back.
Why the empty space (concrete) from the end of the court to the first row of Krush. There is a reason.
1. There are two rows for photographers on the floor (at each end), when the team is good both rows get used for big games.
2. Behind the photog's are the Illinettes (South end) Band (North end). The Illinettes are one to two rows as well. The cheerleaders take up the other side of the basket at both ends.
3. With the Premium seats on the floor (West side) those fans have access to Club 53, bathrooms etc. For those fans to get to their seats or head back to Club 53 they use the passage way to get to the end of the floor where there seats are. At this time they are on the East side of the SFC and their seats are on the West side. This is where that bare concrete area comes into play, those fans use that area to get to or from their seats. It is also used by Security, Ushers, DIA , Medical if needed. Without this area they would all have to walk in front of the photogs, cheer etc.
In the past there was zero room at the end of the courts, during big games with two rows of photogs, two rows of Illinettes, the Nettes and the first row of Krush were like sardines. First row of Krush on that end had to see through the Nettes and Cheer.
Plus not having the Krush walking around, stepping over/on our camera gear, the Illinettes having more room, its better for everyone who needs to be on the floor.
ilphotog
The camera never lies
- Champaign
Also some construction updates, they are installing more glass panels on the North side, inside the new clubs, they are getting framed and some drywall. Just peeked inside for a quick look. Inside the arena, those white metal vents up at the top of the 200 level, they are installing LED lights on top of them. The lights will shine straight up on the ceiling. These might be cool, or they might be overkill. Have to wait an see.
Count me as one that never minded being crammed like sardines with the Illinettes. That being said, the Illinettes might disagree.
OrangeDeeLight
- Champaign Area
Ok. Thanks for the update. :thumb:
Comments:
1. Last year's "packed like sardines" arrangement sure made for a better look and atmosphere. : )
2. Can't they at least do something with the grey concrete so it does not stand out like a sore thumb? Perhaps paint it orange so it blends with the edge of the court? Or paint it blue??? Anything but ugly grey.
OrangeDeeLight
- Champaign Area
I think the seat backs are taller/longer and at a slightly different angle than before. This makes one have significantly less leg room...especially if you are tall like me.
But I swear there are more seats per row too as my hips barely fit between the arm rest where as they fit no problem before the renovation. And no, I have not gained weight and still wear the same pants that I wore 2 years ago.
ilphotog
The camera never lies
- Champaign
I think the seat backs are taller/longer and at a slightly different angle than before. This makes one have significantly less leg room...especially if you are tall like me.
But I swear there are more seats per row too as my hips barely fit between the arm rest where as they fit no problem before the renovation. And no, I have not gained weight and still wear the same pants that I wore 2 years ago.
Counted two sections each of grey vs blue, top row was 14 each, 2nd row from top was 13 each in both grey and blue seats.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Well, there hasn't been much to talk about here for a while, but I just wanted to say that four of my friends and I roadtripped to Champaign the other weekend for the Iowa game (holy crap was that game a bust ), and I was extremely impressed with the renovation. The last time I was there was 2012 (also a loss to Iowa), and the improvements - at least to me - are really somethin'. All of my Hawkeyes friends were quite impressed with the arena, too.
), and I was extremely impressed with the renovation. The last time I was there was 2012 (also a loss to Iowa), and the improvements - at least to me - are really somethin'. All of my Hawkeyes friends were quite impressed with the arena, too.Interesting look at how State Farm Center has been part of more corporation naming rights. It's all about the money now I guess.
http://longform.dailyillini.com/sfc/
http://longform.dailyillini.com/sfc/
ilphotog
The camera never lies
- Champaign
This writer needs to make some corrections to this piece, I'll give them some slack for being a student.
Dan
Admin
The crew says goodbye to old blue. New LED display coming in the fall of 2016. We've been through a lot.
https://twitter.com/IlliniVideo/status/704429133695197184
https://twitter.com/IlliniVideo/status/704429133695197184
Chambana13
- Charleston, IL
ready for this last phase to happen!
There are a variety of things, including, but not limited to, the following:
-New center-hung video board
-New sound system
-New LED lighting for the court (allowing for lights out during player intros)
-New ribbon video board on the exposed concrete wall above the suites
-New locker rooms, training room, etc. in the "back of house"
-Completion of upper concourse, including the exterior glass wall, restrooms, etc.
So, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best), how would you rate the current renovations that have been accomplished so far on the SFC? And as a follow-up, where do you anticipate the remaining renovations will put the rating? I give it a 9 currently with a 10 anticipated.
ilphotog
The camera never lies
- Champaign
Adding to what was said above, the two new club area's will be finished, the Hall of Fame area and all the new flooring tiles and other flooring that will cover all or almost all of the concrete exposed now. New signage around the building and several smaller detailed things to add. I'll be headed over soon to start shooting the final phase, probably shoot every two weeks instead of every week.
A 9. 1 point deduction for the small bathrooms upstairs. I like how there are bathrooms, but man, they are small.
I'd give it a 7. -2 points for the upper bathroom situation and -1 for the flow. I don't like how I can't walk around the lower concourse.
I think the renovated arena is very nice. Sure, we could have built new, but where? SFC is already a bit off the beaten path...not sure how moving the arena further from campus would turn out.
I wish someone high up in the Orange Krush realized that they are ALWAYS on camera now. They look a bit lifeless at times, but I guess part of that can be attributed to the product on the court. Giving them something to wave around when we're on D would liven up the atmosphere a bit.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
But only half of them are in correct? I thought I read that somewhere in this thread. If they double the number of bathrooms on the upper concourse shouldn't that take care of the any crowding issues?
Gamefan49
- Westville, Illinois
It will help but the traffic flow of the bathrooms is what is bad. If they had made 1 a women's and the other a men's with 2 entrance/exits it would work better. Right now having people coming and going out the same door is difficult as the bathrooms are not very wide inside.
Jabber Jabber
- Champaign, IL
I really hope the ribbon boards don't reflect on the court. Not sure if anyone has has watched Texas play at home this year, but their ribbon board will flash and a big, shiny arc will appear on the court in various colors. Distracting and terrible for the television product.