OU doesn't need to build a new arena. The location of LNC is perfect, with the parking and easy access to Highway 9/I-35. I think for recruiting purposes, the location of LNC with the practice facilities attached is second to none. It's apparent that whether we renovate LNC or build a new facility the crowds are not going to come. The newness of a new arena or renovation of LNC will wear thin quick. The big conference games will probably see more people in the seats but those November/December/early January games are still going to only be about 75% full, max. That's from a 40 year history. I marvel at every game, men's or women's, when about 2 or 3 minutes from the end people flock to the exits in hope to miss the extra 30 SECONDS of wait time in traffic for a game of 6 to 8 thousand. We average over 10,000 per game of tickets sold and I don't think that changes either. If people, who are OU basketball fans in the Norman/OKC area, don't go to the games only because of the configuration of LNC, I'm not sure what to say. I think we should renovate LNC just because we have a great location already with great practice facilities attached and I think the main reason they are renovating or building a new arena is for addition of suites/boxes which will in turn generate cash for the athletic department. But I don't for a second thinks building/renovating provides an oasis for basketball attendance (not tickets sold) in the long run. It will be temporary, at best.
