With the University of Northern Iowa athletic department looking for new ideas to market their teams, one way can prove successful: a blast from the past. One game a year, the athletic department should open up the West Gym for a doubleheader of men’s and women’s basketball games. It will be a throwback to the past and to the high school days of the athletes.
UNI should hold a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader in the West Gym for vintage purposes. No facility like the West Gym is used in Division I athletic programs. It’s an old facility, but playing a game there will spark fan and student interest.
The West Gym is nearly 90 years old, and people are interested when old places become new. Places like these are hard to come by because other universities are building newer and bigger facilities. This advantage will impress UNI fans, students, and recruits.
The fans’ closeness to the court in the West Gym provides a unique opportunity for fans and players. This is unlike the experience they get in the McLeod Center. This closeness provides fans with the ability to be up close and personal with the other team. The opposition will be scared to take on the Panthers in this small venue.
A doubleheader should be held in the West Gym because the games will be on campus. While the McLeod Center is a nice venue, the West Gym is closer to the students. It’s an easy walk for students. By having the doubleheader in the West Gym, it also allows Panther fans to walk through UNI’s beautiful campus.
UNI’s athletic department should use the West Gym for a doubleheader to draw media coverage. Northern Iowa can invite the media to have a look inside this old facility. Greater exposure will be given to UNI’s facilities and spread the Panther name.
The game can be shown on local television with announcers in the original booths. People will tune in to see how the Panther teams and announcers look inside the cozy West Gym.
The university can turn this night into “Alumni Night.” Former men’s and women’s alumni could be invited back to be honored by the university. Panther fans and students will appreciate the past, present, and future of Panther basketball. This would make the Panther basketball programs feel more special to fans and to the athletes.
The West Gym is a unique place on Northern Iowa’s campus. Most students do not visit this venue at all. Holding a doubleheader of men’s and women’s basketball in the West Gym will change this habit. The West Gym has made many memories over its almost 90 year history. By hosting this doubleheader, the West Gym will be able to make more memories.
