We Can't See You

We had a great time at the Midwest Regional games at Ford Field.  Fairly close to the floor we have fairly good views of most of the play.  But it could have been better.

The basketball floor was placed in the center of the stadium rather than in an endzone, a first of its kind.  It was also raised about 20 inches above the stadium floor.  Risers were built from about the 12th row of the permanent seating to near the floor along the sidelines;  some permanent seats were removed to permit the risers.  This provided over thirty rows from the floor to the stands on the risers.  (Risers were also built from the basketball floor endlines into the endzones--not sure how those seats were distributed nor how much was charges for them, but they could not have permitted a decent view.)   In addition to the spectator seats there were the obligatory many rows of tables for media and others along the sidelines.  

Our view was from the 23rd row of the risers in a section roughly along a line from the center of he court through the corner of the court.We were fairly close to the court but were obstructed by those seated in front of us from a clear view of the entire court and of the full length of the players.  In addition, during parts of Friday's games and during all of Sunday's game students in the adjacent section closer to midcourt than we were and in the first several rows stood so we would stand to see part of the play.  That may not have been bad except the rise from row to row was about 6 inches (so many rows were placed in a rise of so few feet) and spectators in front of me more than made up for my extra elevation with their extra height.   

The NCAA can boast that record crowds for playoff games were set both days, 53000 and 53500.  But how can one spectate from the upper level endzone seats?   Or the suites which are set along the outside walls of the stadium.  And yet I read the NCAA will keep the same configuration for the 2009 NCAA Final Four at Ford Field except for some tweaking.  I suppose this is more evidence (do we need more?) of NCAA greed. 

I think Kathy and I can summarize our feelings about the seating.  We talked about the conditions and asked each other two questions.

Q1.  Are you glad we came and did you have a good time?

A1.  Yes, definitely.

Q2.  If you could have the same seats for the same price for the 2009 Final Four, would you buy them?

A2.  No (even though we would love to see a Final Four).