I encouraged everyone to check out the new field in its debut Tuesday night for the women’s soccer game against Syracuse. Here are some thoughts, good and bad, of how things went:
The Good:
The field looked amazing, especially once it got dark and the lights came on. It was like a scene out of ‘Field of Dreams.’ It looked like a real college field instead of the co-rec field they played on before. And the huge Bearcat logo in the middle was the icing on the cake.
The Bad:
That being said, one of my biggest issues is with the name, Bearcat Sports Complex. It’s fine to call the whole complex (which is really only two fields) that, but there needs to be a name for the field. I’ll even settle for Bearcat Stadium for now, but BSC is a lame abbreviation and to say its full version is just too long. There has to be some company and sponsor who want their name to be a part of it. How cool would it be if it were SUBWAY ‘Eat Fresh’ Stadium or Facebook Field?
The Good:
I was going to save this for last in the article, but I just couldn’t contain my excitement. The hot chocolate at the concession stand was dynamite. Granted, you have to put in your own Nestle powder and mix it together yourself, but it was really good and the people who fill up the hot water did a great job of not filling it too high and not too low. It definitely hit the spot on a chilly night. And the choice of cup was also perfect, as you didn’t burn your hand while holding it.
The Bad:
You could only be part of the hot chocolate experience if you finally figured out how to get into the stadium. Students couldn’t just walk up to the gate and show their ID to get in. You actually had to walk over to the Events Center to pick up your ticket, which is a big hassle to walk to the complex, then to the Events Center, then back to the complex just to get into the game. There should be an easier system to let students into the game, such as just allowing them to show their student ID and giving them a ticket right there.
The Good:
The press box gets two thumbs up as it is organized and, more important, heated. Oh yeah, there is a great view to cover the game as well, but the heat is clutch, especially on those cold nights in October.
The Bad:
I was very disappointed that nobody had the courage to be the first streaker on the new field. In Europe this wouldn’t have been a problem. The problem here might have been the fact that, with the design of the new field, there is a high fence separating the fans from the field. So instead of getting ready to charge the field being held back by a small rope, now you have to hop, jump and risk sprained ankles to charge the field. I was also disappointed that nobody started the wave. With several wide bleacher sections, you would think someone would get it going. Can I at least get a little ‘Zombie Nation’ song to get the crowd pumped up?
The Good:
While the stands aren’t right on top of the field, there was a moment when the ball flew into the stands, so, as with a foul ball, it is important to pay attention. Plus, it was fun to watch people try to dive and push each other out of the way for the ball.
The Bad:
When the guy who caught the ball tried to throw it back on the field, he embarrassingly was unable to get it over the fence and onto the field as he was chastised and heckled by the surrounding fans.
The Good:
After watching a couple hours of soccer, I realized what a great video game FIFA is.
The Bad:
After watching a couple hours of soccer, ending less than a minute into the first overtime was a tough way to lose and a tough way to open the stadium.
It was a great game and a great atmosphere, and I hope to see you out there this Saturday, Sept. 22, when the Bearcats host Long Island University at 6 p.m.