Thoughts from being at the game

[Big Ogie]

i attended the game in Iowa City today and just wanted to note a few things:

Our student section is immensely better than the Hawkeyes student section. Literally seemed dead all game and did not have much energy at all. The game was sold out, but there were plenty of student seats open (and they are in session right now, so that wasn't the cause).

Iowa fans are not extremely knowledgeable about the game. Besides doing a lot of complaining, I constantly heard them arguing against a call for completely wrong reasons. Not a big deal to me, but just makes me appreciate fans in the state of Indiana who understand the game.

In the second half, several possessions AJ was guarding a 6'4" guard for Iowa. The Hawks immediately recognized this and kept going to it for those few possessions. For the life of me, I can't figure out why Painter had him on that guy.

I read through the game day thread and saw a lot of anger about the refs. I thought the first half they let both teams play, and then called things tighter in the second half. I saw plenty of grabbing and holding by both teams away from the ball, so I felt it was fairly even called in that respect. The Iowa fans sure didn't think so, and from reading our threads, apparently we thought the same against them.

Final thought - Basil was out shooting half court shots 35 - 40 mins before the game when he was the only one out there as both teams were in the locker room. Not sure if he does this at all games, but the Iowa fans gave him some applause when he hit some.

 

[Heller]

Welcome to the board!

 

[skfboiler]

When Iowa was playing well and hitting the big shots, on TV the place did not seem as loud as Mackey or other places for that matter.

 

[PlazaHawkeye]

Good game Purdue, Hawkeye fans have some of the same complaints as the op regarding the student section and the atmosphere at Carver. I think the stadium design is part of it.

 

[tjreese]

When Iowa was playing well and hitting the big shots, on TV the place did not seem as loud as Mackey or other places for that matter.

Watching that team some and especially during this streak of Iowa's...maybe it is not such a big deal when they are playing well...spoiled fans!

 

[boilersallthewaynow]

i attended the game in Iowa City today and just wanted to note a few things:

Our student section is immensely better than the Hawkeyes student section. Literally seemed dead all game and did not have much energy at all. The game was sold out, but there were plenty of student seats open (and they are in session right now, so that wasn't the cause).

Iowa fans are not extremely knowledgeable about the game. Besides doing a lot of complaining, I constantly heard them arguing against a call for completely wrong reasons. Not a big deal to me, but just makes me appreciate fans in the state of Indiana who understand the game.

In the second half, several possessions AJ was guarding a 6'4" guard for Iowa. The Hawks immediately recognized this and kept going to it for those few possessions. For the life of me, I can't figure out why Painter had him on that guy.

I read through the game day thread and saw a lot of anger about the refs. I thought the first half they let both teams play, and then called things tighter in the second half. I saw plenty of grabbing and holding by both teams away from the ball, so I felt it was fairly even called in that respect. The Iowa fans sure didn't think so, and from reading our threads, apparently we thought the same against them.

Final thought - Basil was out shooting half court shots 35 - 40 mins before the game when he was the only one out there as both teams were in the locker room. Not sure if he does this at all games, but the Iowa fans gave him some applause when he hit some.

Thanks for sharing your in person observations.

Good stuff!

 

[herkyhawkeye76]

Carver Hawkeye when rocking can be a very hard place to play at. Student section doesn't know any better because they don't remember Iowa being that good. The last 15 years have been a few ups but mostly down. This will change pretty quickly

 

[Hans81]

People from state about of Indiana think they are so much more "knowledgeable" about basketball over the rest of the country! What a joke - take your supposed knowledge and get a better coach and team

 

[Heller]

Carver Hawkeye when rocking can be a very hard place to play at. Student section doesn't know any better because they don't remember Iowa being that good. The last 15 years have been a few ups but mostly down. This will change pretty quickly

Maybe but you guys need to enjoy this year. When your four seniors leave you will likely have a few struggles next year. But boy it's fun to watch the Hawks play. I do think that Mike Gessell may be the most underrated kid in the league.

 

[NCBoiler06]

People from state about of Indiana think they are so much more "knowledgeable" about basketball over the rest of the country! What a joke - take your supposed knowledge and get a better coach and team

Oh hans. You came here for that. Enjoy your ncaa choke job.

 

[DrEss]

I know Iowa is our MHR, but they have always been my 2nd favorite B1G team. I wish them great luck the rest of the way. Except of course if Purdue sees them in the BTT, which I hope we don't.

 

[MIHawk]

i attended the game in Iowa City today and just wanted to note a few things:

Our student section is immensely better than the Hawkeyes student section. Literally seemed dead all game and did not have much energy at all. The game was sold out, but there were plenty of student seats open (and they are in session right now, so that wasn't the cause).

Iowa fans are not extremely knowledgeable about the game. Besides doing a lot of complaining, I constantly heard them arguing against a call for completely wrong reasons. Not a big deal to me, but just makes me appreciate fans in the state of Indiana who understand the game.

In the second half, several possessions AJ was guarding a 6'4" guard for Iowa. The Hawks immediately recognized this and kept going to it for those few possessions. For the life of me, I can't figure out why Painter had him on that guy.

I read through the game day thread and saw a lot of anger about the refs. I thought the first half they let both teams play, and then called things tighter in the second half. I saw plenty of grabbing and holding by both teams away from the ball, so I felt it was fairly even called in that respect. The Iowa fans sure didn't think so, and from reading our threads, apparently we thought the same against them.

Final thought - Basil was out shooting half court shots 35 - 40 mins before the game when he was the only one out there as both teams were in the locker room. Not sure if he does this at all games, but the Iowa fans gave him some applause when he hit some.

Many Iowa fans for years have complained about the lack of game day experience in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. I think it's a combination of several factors. First, the arena is built more as a multi-purpose arena than a true basketball venue. It seats 15,500 fans, but there is a pretty large gap between the fans and the court behind both baskets. Apparently the solution to this is not as simple as adding more seats. Secondly, the arena is built down into the ground with a concourse on top. There really isn't a bad view in the house, so fans tend to gather up there chatting and walking around. Thirdly, our student section is poor. Even for big games, they don't seem to show up. I don't know if this is because we tend to be average or below for most of the recent past, or if our students just suck. And finally, most of the up close seats are filled with a bunch of blue hairs. All of these factors don't exactly create an ideal environment. Many want to build a new arena, but we just spent nearly $150 million on football upgrades. Plus we also just completed a brand new basketball practice facility connected to CHA. But without question, CHA is badly in need of an upgrade. But it would likely be an upgrade to the existing facility. And unless the team really starts winning consistently, I don't know if there will be sufficient motivation.

 

[Big Ogie]

Many Iowa fans for years have complained about the lack of game day experience in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. I think it's a combination of several factors. First, the arena is built more as a multi-purpose arena than a true basketball venue. It seats 15,500 fans, but there is a pretty large gap between the fans and the court behind both baskets. Apparently the solution to this is not as simple as adding more seats. Secondly, the arena is built down into the ground with a concourse on top. There really isn't a bad view in the house, so fans tend to gather up there chatting and walking around. Thirdly, our student section is poor. Even for big games, they don't seem to show up. I don't know if this is because we tend to be average or below for most of the recent past, or if our students just suck. And finally, most of the up close seats are filled with a bunch of blue hairs. All of these factors don't exactly create an ideal environment. Many want to build a new arena, but we just spent nearly $150 million on football upgrades. Plus we also just completed a brand new basketball practice facility connected to CHA. But without question, CHA is badly in need of an upgrade. But it would likely be an upgrade to the existing facility. And unless the team really starts winning consistently, I don't know if there will be sufficient motivation.

I agree that the gap between the court and fans seems to have an effect on the feel and energy of the crowd. I think with Mackey's seating closer to the court it helps the overall vibe and loudness as it is a much tighter arena. Having said that, I do prefer the seat backs at Carver instead of the bench seating at Mackey.

 

[Eternal Return]

I agree that the gap between the court and fans seems to have an effect on the feel and energy of the crowd. I think with Mackey's seating closer to the court it helps the overall vibe and loudness as it is a much tighter arena. Having said that, I do prefer the seat backs at Carver instead of the bench seating at Mackey.

Funny about the seat backs. It's true, they are comfortable, but that may be the problem! Iowa's old Field House wasn't nearly as big but it was LOUD -- and it also had bench/bleacher seating. A little more motivation to stand up and cheer when your ass and back are hurting from sitting on a ten inch slab. ;-)

 

[ThriceHawk]

Spot on regarding Carver and the student section.. it's been a big complaint for Iowa fans also. Top 10 team, the student section should be packed and going nuts. Even if the layout is unfavorable for them, they've just all grown up with terrible Iowa basketball teams.

Disagree completely about the knowledge of the fans. You were a Purdue fan watching the game in Iowa City, of course you're going to be biased and think the fans are unintelligent. Just like how Iowa fans thought the refs were terrible/screwed Iowa a lot, it sounds like Purdue fans thought the same.

 

[Heller]

Spot on regarding Carver and the student section.. it's been a big complaint for Iowa fans also. Top 10 team, the student section should be packed and going nuts. Even if the layout is unfavorable for them, they've just all grown up with terrible Iowa basketball teams.

Disagree completely about the knowledge of the fans. You were a Purdue fan watching the game in Iowa City, of course you're going to be biased and think the fans are unintelligent. Just like how Iowa fans thought the refs were terrible/screwed Iowa a lot, it sounds like Purdue fans thought the same.

Bo Boroski just seems to screw Purdue. We haven't won a competitive game he officiated in forever. Why Matt doesn't get that douche banned from doing our games I will never understand.

 

[Grover]

I thought Boroski did get banned. Was it some one else that has screwed us that got the boot?

 

[ThriceHawk]

Bo Boroski just seems to screw Purdue. We haven't won a competitive game he officiated in forever. Why Matt doesn't get that douche banned from doing our games I will never understand.

He's the same with Iowa.. Him and Fran have a bad history, he tossed Fran in a game against UNI a few years ago.

A lot of Iowa fans were saying (after a win mind you) that this was the worst officiated game of the season. I thought they screwed Iowa a ton, so it was interesting to read the game thread here seeing the fans think Purdue was getting screwed. It was just a poorly officiated game and Boroski was the main reason.

 

[tjreese]

He's the same with Iowa.. Him and Fran have a bad history, he tossed Fran in a game against UNI a few years ago.

A lot of Iowa fans were saying (after a win mind you) that this was the worst officiated game of the season. I thought they screwed Iowa a ton, so it was interesting to read the game thread here seeing the fans think Purdue was getting screwed. It was just a poorly officiated game and Boroski was the main reason.

I think it is hard for fans to get an idea how things will be called since every game is different. Some call it tight, others not. some call it different inside than out. Some throw in a 3 second call as a make up and others decide to call moving screens that never existed before. Some won't annoy others by stopping and watching the monitor every time some player gets touched (not whacked, but touched). some change from half to half....imagine the players and then cut up the game with TV timeouts additionally and we have an abortion of what used to be a basketball game. the it if isn't ugly enough throw in a 30 second clock to appease those with ADD that doesn't have an idea what to look for anyhow... :0 Had to throw in that 30 second clock!

 

[BoilerBiker]

I thought Boroski did get banned. Was it some one else that has screwed us that got the boot?

I forgot about him.... Accessed some ref site listing assignments, wages, etc.
Bad when apparently both fan bases are upset with his calls in one game.

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/10/31/refs-disciplined-accessed-assignments-wages-website

 

[Grover]

Ah, it was just for one year...Enjoyed him being gone so much, I guess I just hoped it would last forever.

 

[Heller]

He's the same with Iowa.. Him and Fran have a bad history, he tossed Fran in a game against UNI a few years ago.

A lot of Iowa fans were saying (after a win mind you) that this was the worst officiated game of the season. I thought they screwed Iowa a ton, so it was interesting to read the game thread here seeing the fans think Purdue was getting screwed. It was just a poorly officiated game and Boroski was the main reason.

No I wasn't saying he screwed us over for you guys. I just noted that we tend to lose any competitive game he officiates. Guy is just awful, particularly in the post area where he calls mostly nothing and if he does, it's usually the wrong call. I know a lot of people don't like Ted Valentine but at least he has the guts as an out official to make a call that Boroski should have made but didn't, like a blatant shove. Saw a game with both of them a week or so ago and he wore TV Ted out making calls he missed.

And you better hope to hell you don't draw Butler in the NCAA with him on the court. Woodbury and Uthoff will be on the bench in the first 5 minutes.

 

[lonewolf52]

I know Iowa is our MHR, but they have always been my 2nd favorite B1G team. I wish them great luck the rest of the way. Except of course if Purdue sees them in the BTT, which I hope we don't.[/QuE]

As a Hawkeye I also prefer do when they're not playing Iowa. I really hope that we do not have to meet you guys in the Big Ten tournament. Good luck the rest of the year otherwise.

 

[indianphil]

I would hate to have to use the bathroom in Hawkeye Arena if I were in the first 10 rows or so. That's a hell of a climb. I would think that the bluehairs are in the middle rows and not down front?